4.2 Types of Specifications and Provisions

The types of specifications and provisions that are described in this chapter include:
  • Standard Specifications;
  • Special Specifications; and
  • Special Provisions.

4.2.1 Standard Specifications

The Standard Specifications are listed in the department’s current specifications book entitled
Standard Specifications for Construction and Maintenance of Highways, Streets, and Bridges
. All Standard Specifications are assigned a
three-digit Item Number
 for organizational and reference purposes (e.g., Item 110 - Excavation). Each Specification is outlined by six basic articles:
  • Description;
  • Materials;
  • Equipment;
  • Construction or Work Methods;
  • Measurement; and
  • Payment.
The Standard Specifications must be used unless alternative Special Specifications or Special Provisions have been approved for use.
The General Requirements and Covenants (Items 1–9) of the
Standard Specifications for Construction and Maintenance of Highways, Streets and Bridges
are required for all construction contracts. Modifications to Standard Items 1-9 require the approval of TxDOT Administration and the approval of a Special Provision (See
Section 4.2.3
for additional information on Special Provisions).

4.2.2 Special Specifications

Special Specifications are methods and/or items of work that are not covered by Standard Specifications. All Special Specifications are assigned a
four-digit Special Specification number
, preceded by the prefix “SS,” for organizational and reference purposes (e.g., SS1004 Tree Protection). Special Specifications may introduce a new article, may be completely new specifications, or may be modifications of Standard Specifications. The three types of Special Specifications are shown in
Table 4-1
.
Table 4-1: Types of Special Specifications
Type
Description
Statewide Special Specifications
Approved for statewide use
Districtwide Special Specifications
1
Approved for use in a specific District(s). These Special Specifications may be used on projects outside the originally approved District(s) but must be
resubmitted
for approval to be used in other Districts
One-time use Special Specifications
Approved for one-time use on a specific project(s). These may be used on projects other than the originally approved project but must be
resubmitted
for approval to be used on the additional project(s)
1
.
Notes: 1. See
Section 4.3
regarding submission and approval process.
For an index of all previously approved Special Specifications, and the Special Specifications themselves, refer to the TxDOT.gov
TxDOT Specifications webpage
.

4.2.3 Special Provisions

Special Provisions modify Standard Specifications or Special Specifications, directly related to work items in the contract, and may be optional or required for use. The three types of Special Provisions are shown in
Table 4-2
.
Table 4-2: Types of Special Provisions
Type
Description
Statewide Special Provisions
Approved for statewide use
Districtwide Special Provisions
1
Approved for use in a specific District(s). These Special Provisions may be used on projects outside the originally approved District(s) but must be
resubmitted
for approval to be used in other Districts.
One-time use Special Provisions
Approved for one-time use on a specific project(s). These may be used on projects other than the originally approved project but must be
resubmitted
for approval to be used on the additional project(s)
1
.
Notes:
1. See
Section 4.3
regarding submission and approval process.
4.2.3.1 Triple Zero Special Provisions
Triple Zero Special Provisions (000 SPs) are those which do not relate directly to a work item specification but describe additional conditions included in a contract. Different 000 SPs are used on federal aided and non-federal aided contracts.
A
000 SP “Important Notice to Contractor”
 is required if any of the certification items (ROW Acquisition, Relocation Assistance, Encroachments, State and Non-State-Owned Utilities, Environmental, District approved Construction Management Plan (CMP), and Railroads) are not estimated to be clear as of the project letting date. This 000 SP must list all unclear items and their approximate location, utility impacted either by ROW or Environmental constraint, estimated clearance date, and the effect on construction, including phases impacted.
For a list of required Special Provisions, on each type of contract, refer to TxDOT’s
Required Specifications Checklist webpage
.
Refer to the
Construction Management Plan SOP
for additional information on the use of 000 SP for Item 8 Delayed Start Provision in Construction Contracts. Contact DES – FPP section for additional support.