OK, so a client wants us to prepare specs for an Army Corp of Engineers job in Belize, being that it is only one job I don’t have the time to learn how to use SpecsIntact. Are there any specwriters who frequent this board and are familiar with this program, who would be interested in this job, please email me at lazarcitec@msn.com. Thanks
I am developing custom masters using SpecsIntact for a series of interiors projects. Has anyone else tried this before me?
…where angels fear to tread…
I used to have a clause in my employment contract that specifically said I would not be required to work on any project that required SpecsIntact.
Unfortunately when you do federal work you often have to deal with that “piece of work.” I envy anyone who can avoid working with SpecsIntact.
Guys! SpecsIntact isn’t that bad! Usually its dealing with the agencies that are mandated to use it.
Anyway, if you really don’t want to deal with SpecsIntact, send it to me. I’ll be glad to develop your SpecsIntact project for you.
Margaret
Jerome, there is a spec. Consulting firm in Los Angeles which specializes in SpecsIntact. If you will call me at 323 254 4155, I will give you their contact info.
Jo, thanks for the offer, however the client request came in last year, I received many offers and really the first qualified party received the project, have not heard from the client so I am assuming the job was completed successfully. Since our office primarily works in the private sector, I don’t expect to need anyone to solve such a problem in the future. But thanks anyway.
I referred an architect to Margaret a while back. I never heard how it turned out.
Hi Ron
I don’t believe I heard from your architect, let me know what the project was about, and I’ll let you know for sure.
I have completed a couple of projects in the last year that some of you have put the architect on to my services using SpecsIntact. THANK YOU if I haven’t had a chance to do so before. In this economy we all need to look out for each other.
We found SpecsIntact’s main problem was not the software (which was a pain), but that the content was frequently not technically up to date, or was in conflict with what we were willing to do. Plus, of course, the nagging stuff about references and what not. We also found references to discontinued standards.
That’s the government for you…“a day late and a dollar short.”
Oops, we’re talking about the “U.S.” government…“10 years late and a trillion dollars short.”
just as an aside – who is it that updates the content of SpecsIntact? I know GSA has some arrangement with Masterspec, but who does the other ones?
SpecsIntact is based on the Unified Facilities Guide Specifications (UFGS), which are maintained by DOD and NASA.
InterSpec Specification Writing Services (info@e-SPECS.com and 207-772-6135) also does a lot of SpecsIntact projects. If there is a requirement for BIM Linked Specifications, we can provide that functionality through our e-SPECS BIM Integration to Revit, ArchiCAD and Navisworks - whether we write the specifications or they are already written. FYI - e-SPECS software licenses are required for the BIM Linked Specs. For more info, email info@e-SPECS.com.
Good Luck,
Seamus McGrady
Some years ago, I went to a 3-day course in Norfolk, VA to learn how to use the thing for some Navy project and the instructor had trouble getting it to work properly. I tell PMs to double the cost of producing specs if we have to use SpecsIntact.
I think I was at that class too! The instructor said the software was “unstable” when it would randomly shut down. It’s working a lot better these days. I much prefer getting the master sections from the website, rather than purchasing and installing from discs.
I am a user of SpecsIntact plus an Instructor. I think the SpecsIntact program is the only way to do specs. I prefer to use SpecsIntact than AIA Masterspecs. If I can be any assistance, editing or training, please don’t hesitate in contacting me. joan.vandyne@yahoo.com
Joan,
What experience do you have with other specifications writing platforms/software? it would be helpful to know what your basis of comparison is in declaring that SpecsIntact is “the only way to do specs.”
Have you used eSpecs? Or BSD Speclink? Also, what is your professional background/credential? Are you an architect or engineer? Registered?
Appreciate any additional info you care to share.