We have also been eliminating product data submittals and some shop drawing submittals if the contractor uses the basis od design products that we so diligently research, spec, coordinate, get manufacturer support on a regular basis, and use on a regular basis from project to project and in our in-house master specs. We have been getting BoD products just because it saves the contractor time in not having to prepare shop drawiongs and submittals. Examples of deleting shop drawing/product data requirements: ceilings, paints, residential equipment, insulations, underslab vapor retarder, eifs, roof hatches, wood doors, h.m. doors and frames, resilient flooring, concrete floor sealers, wall coverings, flagpoles, toilet accessories, signage, window treatment, floor mats, etc… Thoughts on this?? I say we eliminate half the submittals we require and get on with life and designing and building buildings!! Maybe the talk about eliminating or at least paring down shop drawings can be another discussion here!
It’s difficult to jump into a lengthy discussion like this one; but here goes:
Two points:
We should distinguish between private work and public work with BoD specifications. I personally don’t believe BoD is allowable on all public work. (definately not in Illinois State work) however it is used and gotten away with frequently. BoD is not equal to “or equal” if “or equal” is required by agency. (I hate “or equal”)
Second: BoD should be used when: 1) manufactures’ products are different; 2) designers know what the products are and anticipate those differences; and 3) the drawings and design are based on one of these products because it is so difficult to design based on three products (without making three drawings).
example: the machine-roomless traction elevators are not all the same. You could, if you chose, specify by BoD and have the drawings and specs designed based on one of these systems. This is acceptable practice, but suggest you be prepared if the shaft dimensions need to change if another manufacturer that was listed is the selected product.
Rule of thumb: Basis of design is not a method designed to save us work or fee; (although it may do that). It is primarily designed to solve a difficult design problem: ie. creating design drawings while listing three or more products when they are physically different.
Thanks Ken for your always clear thoughts (and congratulations on your FCSI!)
Kim: Do you require a contractor’s certificate (ie. a sworn affidavit) indicating that the contractor is providing those BoD products? Don’t know why you’d need a submittal on a vapor barrier you’d already researched and specified. But a formal commitment to provide the listed product might be a good thing to have in hand.
Yes, we ask for a certificate or letter on the contractor’s letterhead stating they are providing BoD products and what they are. That is all that is required unless samples are needed for color selections.
I also spec BoD on public projects in numerous States (IN, MI, IL, KY, NC, FL, GA.) State or public agencies have not given any feedback at all, except NC, which mandates a minimum listing of 3 mfgrs no matter what.
State of Illinois requires that if you choose to use a proprietary specification; manufacturer listed, you are required to list three manufacturers and identify the product or model of each (this effectively eliminates BoD). Even in the hardware section if one creates sets based on a hardware item by one manufacturer listed in the hardware sets, the specifier is required to list the product of each of the other manufactuers. “Or equal” is forbidden.
We need to watch state agencies that don’t always play by the rules and then one day decide they will. I have not heard of the state’s response to BoD since its inclusion in masterspec.
What Kenneth describes is true in Massachusetts as well. Although one only has to list the three manufacturers, not the model, those that are listed must be capable of making the equal product. In practice, this is sometimes not followed as strictly as it should be, but then one is left open to change orders or other disputes.
It sounds like the State of Illinois is making architects do their jobs. Good for them.