Framework For Developing Performance Specifications Guide For Specification Writers

This report from the second Strategic Highway Research Program (SHRP 2), which is administered by the Transportation Research Board of the National Academies, presents a flexible framework that specifiers may use to assess whether performance specifying represents a viable option for a particular project or project element. If it is indeed a viable option, the Guide discusses how performance specifications may then be developed and used to achieve project-specific goals and satisfy user needs.

"The majority of specifications used by state departments of transportation (DOTs) attempt to describe how a construction contractor should conduct certain operations using minimum standards of equipment and materials. These prescriptive specifications, commonly known as method specifications, have generally worked well in the past. However, with changes in the technology and the emphasis on providing more rapid solutions, more innovative specifications may be required in the future. Performance specifications can be used as a communication tool that translates the owner's performance requirements into language that will allow the contracting industry to understand, plan, and build the project to meet the requirements. Over the past decades many transportation agencies have experienced workforce reductions, thus diminishing the level of experience and number of engineers and inspectors. These demands have caused some agencies to experiment with the use of performance specifications in an effort to meet both the initial quality and long-term durability needs of the constructed products. Performance specifications have been used successfully on a project-by-project basis, but a general framework is needed to help agencies use performance specifications systematically. This guide and the associated materials provide a framework that state DOTs can use to develop performance specifications; they include sample specifications language and implementation guidelines for both managers and specification writers. The objective of this project was to develop performance specifications and strategies to accelerate construction, minimize disruption to traffic and community, and produce long-life facilities in the interest of rapid renewal. The final report documents the methodology used to create the products that were developed as part of the project. The products of the research include (1) guide performance specifications for different application areas and contracting mechanisms, which agencies can tailor to address project-specific requirements; (2) an implementation guide for executives and decision makers, which presents a broad overview of the benefits and challenges associated with implementing performance specifications; and (3) a guide for specification writers, which provides a step-by-step "how-to" guide for developing performance specifications and using the model performance specifications that were developed as part of this project. The report, supporting guidelines, and model guide specifications will be useful to state DOTs, municipal agencies, consultants, and construction contractors. These products provide a starting point for an agency that wants to investigate the use of performance specifications as part of its routine operations"--Foreword.

This report from the second Strategic Highway Research Program (SHRP 2), which is administered by the Transportation Research Board of the National Academies, describes suggested performance specifications for different application areas and delivery methods that users may tailor to address rapid highway renewal project-specific goals and conditions.

This report from the second Strategic Highway Research Program (SHRP 2), which is administered by the Transportation Research Board of the National Academies, provides recommendations regarding the various cultural, organizational, and legal considerations that can affect the successful implementation of performance specifications.

"The majority of specifications used by state departments of transportation (DOTs) attempt to describe how a construction contractor should conduct certain operations using minimum standards of equipment and materials. These prescriptive specifications, commonly known as method specifications, have generally worked well in the past. However, with changes in the technology and the emphasis on providing more rapid solutions, more innovative specifications may be required in the future. Performance specifications can be used as a communication tool that translates the owner's performance requirements into language that will allow the contracting industry to understand, plan, and build the project to meet the requirements. Over the past decades many transportation agencies have experienced workforce reductions, thus diminishing the level of experience and number of engineers and inspectors. These demands have caused some agencies to experiment with the use of performance specifications in an effort to meet both the initial quality and long-term durability needs of the constructed products. Performance specifications have been used successfully on a project-by-project basis, but a general framework is needed to help agencies use performance specifications systematically. This report and the associated materials provide a framework that state DOTs can use to develop performance specifications; they include sample specifications language and implementation guidelines for both managers and specification writers. The objective of this project was to develop performance specifications and strategies to accelerate construction, minimize disruption to traffic and community, and produce long-life facilities in the interest of rapid renewal. The final report documents the methodology used to create the products that were developed as part of the project. The products of the research include (1) guide performance specifications for different application areas and contracting mechanisms, which agencies can tailor to address project-specific requirements; (2) an implementation guide for executives and decision makers, which presents a broad overview of the benefits and challenges associated with implementing performance specifications; and (3) a step-by-step "how to" guide for specification writers for developing performance specifications and using the model performance specifications that were developed as part of this project. The report, supporting guidelines, and model guide specifications will be useful to state DOTs, municipal agencies, consultants, and construction contractors. These products provide a starting point for an agency that wants to investigate the use of performance specifications as part of its routine operations."--Foreword.

Despite the fact that test development is a growth industry that cuts across all levels of education and all the professions, there has never been a comprehensive, research-oriented Handbook to which everyone (developers and consumers) can turn for guidance. That is the mission of this book. The Handbook of Test Development brings together well-known scholars and test-development practitioners to present chapters on all aspects of test development. Each chapter contributor is not only a recognized expert with an academic and research background in their designated topic, each one has also had hands-on experience in various aspects of test development. This thirty two-chapter volume is organized into six sections: foundations, content, item development, test design, test production and administration, and post-test activities. The Handbook provides extensive treatment of such important but unrecognized topics as contracting for testing services, item banking, designing tests for small testing program, and writing technical reports. The Handbook is based on the Standards for Educational and Psychological Testing, which serve as the foundation for sound test development practice. These chapters also suggest best test development practices and highlight methods to improve test validity evidence. This book is appropriate for graduate courses and seminars that deal with test development and usage, professional testing services and credentialing agencies, state and local boards of education, and academic libraries serving these groups.

Updated edition of the comprehensive rulebook to the specifier's craft With this latest update, Construction Specifications Writing, Sixth Edition continues to claim distinction as the foremost text on construction specifications. This mainstay in the field offers comprehensive, practical, and professional guidance to understanding the purposes and processes for preparation of construction specifications. This new edition uses real-world document examples that reflect current writing practices shaped by the well-established principles and requirements of major professional associations, including the American Institute of Architects (AIA), the Engineers Joint Contract Documents Committee (EJCDC), and the Construction Specifications Institute (CSI). Also included are guidelines for correct terminology, product selection, organization of specifications according to recognized CSI formats, and practical techniques for document production. Fully revised throughout, this Sixth Edition includes: Updates to MasterFormat 2004, as well as SectionFormat/PageFormat 2007 and Uniformat End-of-chapter questions and specification-writing exercises Samples of the newly updated construction documents from the AIA New chapter on sustainable design and specifications for LEED projects Updated information on the role of specifications in Building Information Modeling (BIM)