4.4 Specification List
Each Standard Specification item, Special Provision, and Special Specification proposed for a project must be listed using a standard format. This listing is called the List of Governing Specifications and Special Provisions, more commonly referred to as the “Specification List” or “Spec List.” The Specification List is used to assemble the bidding proposal through automated computer programs. Special Provisions and Special Specifications contained in the Specification List are assembled in the bidding proposal. The proposal is a legal document on which the contractor bases bids for a project. Hence, the completeness and accuracy of the Specification List is important.
Modification of Specifications by General Note is not allowed.
Refer to the TxDOT.gov
for additional information on developing the Specification List.
4.4.1 Specification List Components
Components of the Specification List are:
4.4.1.1 Standard Specifications
This portion of the Specification List always contains Items 1 through 9, which are “General Requirements and Covenants.” It always contains the items “Mobilization,” “Barricades, Signs, and Traffic Handling” and “Temporary Erosion, Sedimentation, and Environmental Controls.” The Specification List provides a listing of the items shown in the Engineer’s Estimate (see
).
4.4.1.2 Special Specifications
All Special Specifications under which payment is to be made or which are used as reference items must be listed by number and title. Particular attention should be given to ensure that any standard items or other Special Specifications referred to in the Special Specifications are indicated as reference items.
4.4.1.3 Special Provisions
This section of the Specification List will contain all the required and optional provisions. Under the present system, only one Special Provision to any bid item can be used, with the following exception:
An alternate bid item description may have different Special Provisions from its base bid item.
To use more than one Special Provision on a bid item, enter a request for a new one-time use Special Provision, which incorporates all the desired specification revisions, using the submission process described in
.
Care must be taken to ensure that the new Special Provision does not contradict the other articles of the specifications and provisions in the contract.
4.4.1.4 Reference Items
Reference items are Standard or Special Specifications used to supplement other specifications. They are noted, mentioned, or referenced in the specification itself or in a plan or general note or by plan note/reference Special Provision. Reference items must be referred to in the Specification List to verify that subsidiary work is performed in accordance with the reference items. Reference items are shown adjacent to their respective Standard and Special Specifications, as applicable.
Special Specifications used as reference items will be listed under the Special Specifications, so a copy of the Special Specification will be included in the proposal. For a non-pay item to be included in the executed contract, it must be shown as a reference to one of the plans quantity items.
Refer to the TxDOT.gov
for a list of all items referenced in the Specifications Book.
4.4.2 Specification List Creation
Each District is responsible for the creation of the Specification List in TxC. The TxC Specification List is partially prepared as the Engineer’s Estimate is input into TxC. Some sections populate automatically based on the bid items entered in the Engineer’s Estimate grid.
For additional information on creating the Specification List, refer to the
.
After completing the Specification List, a detailed examination should be performed to verify that all necessary items have been included.
For additional information on reviewing and editing the Specification List, refer to the
.
In general, the Specification List must include the following:
- The items contained in the plans, estimate, and General Notes must be shown on the Specification List;
- Items 1 through 9, Mobilization (Item 500), Barricades, Signs, and Traffic Handling (Item 502), and Temporary Erosion, Sedimentation, and Environmental Controls (Item 506) must always be included;
- If a field laboratory or field office is desired, Item 504 Facilities for Field Office and Laboratory, must be included on the Specification List along with a note in the General Notes specifying the type of structure required; and
- The appropriate Special Provisions should be included.
- For a list of required Special Provisions, on Federal and Non-Federal funded contracts, refer to TxDOT’s . Use this list to confirm that all required Special Provisions are included. Those which are not on the Specification List must be added manually in TxC. Ensure the applicable Special Provision for the reference items are included as well.
The automatic Specification List system will generate most of the required Specification List items.
Specifications and Special Provisions may need to be added or removed as applicable to the project.
A check of reference items should be made. Reference items are included in the Specification List to inform the contractor that other subsidiary items of work are performed in compliance to the referenced item.
If reference items are the result of a reference in the Standard Specifications, no additional note needs to be added to the PS&E. However, if the reference item is specified by the designer and not specified in the appropriate specification, it should be the result of a note in the General Notes or the plans.
Refer to
for details on the creation and modification of Specification Lists.
4.4.3 Specification List Checklist
Refer to the
for the Specification QC checklist.