Section 1: Overview
Purpose and Scope of Manual
This manual, developed for use on
Design-Bid-Build
construction projects, provides policy for district staff on the elements required for successfully administering a contract.Items 1-9,
of the
, give the general requirements by which contractors must abide, and it is critical that district staff are familiar with and understand their roles in enforcing those requirements.Standard Specifications
For
Design-Build
contracts, see the (internal access only).For
Maintenance
contracts, see the (internal access only).Contract Administration
Contract administration is one of the most important jobs related to construction projects and involves numerous tasks occurring before and after contract execution and work order issuance. All work must be administered in accordance with the contract specifications, terms and conditions, state and federal laws and regulations, and Department policy.
Proper contract administration includes:
- developing proper and accurate bid and contract documents
- complying with contract documents and specifications
- ensuring compliance with state and federal regulations
- ensuring quality control by overseeing, inspecting, and reviewing sampling and testing of all materials and work
- creating and maintaining accurate project records
- preparing monthly pay estimates
- negotiating and processing change orders, supplemental agreements and other contract modifications in a timely manner
- promoting good public relations
- conducting and maintaining a high professional standard and
- executing contract terminations/defaults and project closeouts.
Divisions headquartered in Austin provide administrative and technical support to the districts. The Construction Division (CST) provides general oversight of the letting management and administration of highway construction contracts including district construction management support, pre-qualification of construction contractors, construction letting management, claims analysis, and processing.
The
Department
conducts its primary activities in 25 geographical districts. Differing local conditions make decentralization necessary. Each district, managed by a District Engineer (DE) is responsible for the planning, design, construction maintenance, and operation of the district transportation system. Local field offices within the district are known as area offices. The area office is managed by an Area Engineer (AE). The AE is the key individual on every construction project, and the contract's successful completion depends largely on his or her performance.If the AE chooses to delegate parts of the day-to-day administration of the contract in accordance with the Department's Delegation of Signature Authority, the individual to whom responsibility is delegated must comply with those requirements assigned in this manual to the AE.
The term "Engineer" in this manual refers to the Chief Engineer of the Department or authorized representative of the Chief Engineer (i.e. District Engineer, Area Engineer or TxDOT employees designated to act on behalf of the Area Engineer).
At times, engineering consultants are issued a Work Authorization to administer TxDOT construction contracts. When discrepancies occur between the Work Authorization and this Manual, the provisions in the Work Authorization shall prevail.