Designing Buildings - User contributions [en]

Request for information RFI

2019-11-18T18:28:57Z

KristinaF:

A Request for Information (RFI) (occasionally referred to as a Technical Query) is a formal question asked by one party to a contract on a construction project to the other party. Typically this will be a request from the contractor to the client’s consultant team, but it may be between any of the parties, for example from a sub-contractor to a contractor.

RFIs can be roughly classified into several different categories. These classifications can be valuable to the project team if broad categories are used in documents. This way they will enhance communication, focus the process on the intended and desired result, and steer the project team.

These categories are:

* Design clarifications (conflicts, incomplete plans, specifications).
* Requests for a design change (often due to errors in construction, sequencing problems).
* Requests for substitutions (value engineering, material availability, ease of use).
* Constructability issues
* Differing site conditions

RFIs are generally required to clarify information in the contract documentation or to provide information that was not complete at the time the contract was agreed.

RFIs should set out:

* The details of project.
* The details of the party requesting the information.
* The date the query was raised.
* The nature of the information being requested.
* The date by which a response is required.
* Any supporting explanatory documents provided.

It may be necessary for the party receiving the RFI to seek further information from parties with whom they themselves have a contractual relationship in order provide a response. It is good practice to include this information from other parties with the response to the original RFI. This can create a chain of information, where for example a subcontractor requests information from the main contractor, who in turn requests information from the client’s consultant team, and so on. It may then be appropriate for responses and any explanatory documents attached to them to be disseminated amongst the wider project team.

This creates a matrix of RFIs that need to be carefully tracked, responded to and distributed appropriately. This process be managed using an information request schedule, or can be managed electronically.

It is important to record the dates that RFIs are dispatched, the dates by which responses are required and the dates that responses are received to provide evidence in the event that a dispute arises.

Contractually, the requirement to respond to an RFI is created by the obligation to provide further information as is necessary to enable the other party to complete the contract on time. Requests should, however, give sufficient notice for the respondent to be able to resource and prepare a reply by the date that the information is required. The parties are then entitled to rely on the information provided as correct.

Failure to provide necessary information may qualify as a relevant event for which the contractor may be entitled to an extension of time and to claim loss and expense incurred as a result of any delay. Similarly, a response which constitutes a variation in the nature of the works may qualify as a relevant event for which the contractor may be entitled to an extension of time and to claim loss and expense.

A contractor’s master programme (generally prepared immediately after the execution of the contract and issued to the contract administrator for comment) may constitute a request for information. Similarly, a client information release schedule may constitute a commitment to provide information by certain dates, whether or not these dates are necessary to achieve the completion date.

In 2018, researchers in Australia analysed data collected from 168 projects and calculated that the average cost of processing RFIs on a project is US$656,000 (AUS$910,000). Ref [https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/20450249.2018.1546976?journalCode=tcri20 https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/20450249.2018.1546976?journalCode=tcri20]

Building Information Modelling (BIM) should give the entire project team access to better, more comprehensive and more co-ordinated information, reducing significantly the need for RFIs.

= Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki =

* Architects instruction.
* Change control procedure.
* Contractors master programme.
* Extension of time.
* Loss and expense.
* Information release schedule
* Relevant event.
* Variation.

= External references =

* [https://www.projectcubicle.com/request-for-information-rfi-process/ How to Improve Your Request for Information Process]
* Necessary evils: Controlling Requests for Information (RFIs) to reduce cost and improve margins
* [https://jobsite.procore.com/the-anatomy-of-a-request-for-information-rfi/ The Anatomy of a Request for Information]

[[Category:Client_procedures]] [[Category:Construction_management]] [[Category:Design]]

Construction industry infographics

2019-08-29T21:17:39Z

KristinaF:

To add your infographic, just click ‘upload file / image’ in the ‘site info / tools’ menu and then we will add it to the list for you.

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[https://www.designingbuildings.co.uk/wiki/File:SafetyByTheNumbers.jpg Safety by the Numbers]. Procore. August 2019

Creating a More Cost-Effective Construction Project. MPrebuiltMl, March 2018

Dry lining infographic. Gypsumtools. July 2017.

How VR and AR will impact business infographic. July 2017.

Futuristic transport infographic. McGinley Support Services, June 2017.

Nuclear power station infographic. NES Global Talent, April 2017.

Steel infographic. February 2017.

Return on investment for home renovation works infographic. November 2016.

The evolution of urban planning infographic. May 2016.

Decorating apps. Jarrimber, May 2016.

Modular vs traditional construction, ModSpace, March 2016.

Moving home infographic. Jarrimber, March 2016.

The state of the tradesman industry infographic. Climadoor, February 2016.

BBVA Bancomer headquarters infographic, February 2016.

App guide for carpenters. Jarrimber, January 2016.

The world's largest construction projects infographic. BFF, December 2015.

Prefabricated housing in Australia infographic. Half Price, December 2015.

9 of the world’s most impressive structures. Westermans International. October 2015.

Breaking Down The Construction Industry - Infographic. JT Atkinson, June 2015.

The future of construction industry techniques and technologies infographic. Gutter Masters, June 2015.

Lighting and health infographic. BRE Trust, August 2015.

Becoming a contractor infographic. Quantic UK, March 2015.

SuDS infographic. CIRIA, March 2015.

What does 2015 hold for construction contractors? Quantic UK, December 2014.

The state of UK construction August 2012.

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[[Category:Site_Information]]

File:SafetyByTheNumbers.jpg

2019-08-29T21:15:52Z

KristinaF: Technology can be instrumental in successfully implementing a quality and safety program and why merging new technology with current best practices can increase program adoption and inform future program investments. Successful safety programs help build

Technology can be instrumental in successfully implementing a quality and safety program and why merging new technology with current best practices can increase program adoption and inform future program investments. Successful safety programs help build support, keep employees engaged, and provide valuable information. They act as a bridge between employees and management, providing oversight and expertise. Infographic has been originally published here: [https://jobsite.procore.com/4-osha-tips-for-a-successful-safety-stand-down/ https://jobsite.procore.com/4-osha-tips-for-a-successful-safety-stand-down/]