Section 2: Manual Description

Use of this Manual

This manual, prepared by CST, provides District Engineers (DEs), Directors of Construction (DOCs), Area Engineers (AEs), and their various representatives, including inspectors and record keepers, a representation of policies for administering construction contracts. This manual is only one of the components used to manage a successful construction contract. Other TxDOT resources include but are not limited to the following:
Items listed below are internal access only:

How this Manual is Organized

This manual is organized into 15 chapters, as outlined in the following:
  • Chapter 1 - “Introduction” Provides a general overview of the purpose and scope of the manual.
  • Chapter 2 - “Pre-Award Activities” Provides guidance on FHWA oversight, Local Government, pre-award activities such as competitive bid requirements, Pre-Bid Q&A, addenda, Pre-Bid conference, and Contractor Signature of Authority.
  • Chapter 3 - “Post-Award Activities” Outlines post letting project information, legislative notification requirements, begin work, partnering, preconstruction and safety meeting.
  • Chapter 4 - “Project Records and Closeout” Summarizes the importance of accurate project records, Traffic Control Plan (TCP) and project closeout.
  • Chapter 5 - “Control of the Work” Covers project authority, work documents, staking the project, inspections, prime contractor performance evaluations and project evaluation.
  • Chapter 6 - “Control of Materials” Summarizes the control of materials covering material management, sampling and testing, and required forms.
  • Chapter 7 - “Changes to the Contract” Covers changes to the contract, including processing of change orders, approval authority, force accounts and other contract agreements, etc.
  • Chapter 8 - “Disputes and Claims” Outlines contract disputes and department claim process.
  • Chapter 9 - “Legal Relations and Responsibilities” Covers legal relations and responsibilities.
  • Chapter 10 - “Prosecution and Progress” Outlines project schedules, subcontracting, contract time, workday charges and time suspension, project timeliness, default of contract and terminations.
  • Chapter 11 - “Measurement and Payment” Outlines estimates and issues affecting payments, material on hand, outlines the importance of prompt pay.
  • Chapter 12 - “Environment” Provides insight into environmental permits, issues and commitments including other requirements. These topics include hazardous material/waste handling, biological and water resources, cultural resource management, noise/barriers, air quality, project-specific locations, and handling surplus materials.
  • Chapter 13 - “Health and Safety” Provides information on health and safety laws and contract requirements.
  • Chapter 14 - “
    Disadvantage and
     Small Business Program” Provides an overview of the Department's Business Opportunity Programs.
  • Chapter 15 - “Contractor Workforce” Covers items such as labor laws and On-the-Job Training (OJT).

Manual Update

This manual will be updated annually to reflect new changes and will continue to be improved. Please submit any suggestions, comments, or questions to CST.