Training on Writing Technical Specifications

On March 11, 2009, I provided four hours of training to City of Bellingham staff on Writing Effective Technical Specifications.

The topics for the training included the following:

Why Good Specifications Are Important

• Integrity and Transparency
• Clarity in Bidding
• Cost Control
• Quality Control
• Regulatory Permitting
  

Types of Specifications

• Design
• Performance
• Standard
• Proprietary (Sole Source)
• Building Engineering Systems
  

Sources of Specification Language

• Standard Specifications
• Industry Sources
• Other Government Agencies
• Consultants
• Previous Projects
• Custom Written by Agency Staff
  

Tips in Writing Specifications

Interpretation of Specifications

• Complementary Components
• Interpret Documents as a Whole
• Order of Precedence
• Dealing with Ambiguities
  

Warranties

Bidder Responsibility Criteria

• Mandatory
• Supplemental
• Subcontractor
• Specification Qualifications
  

If you are interested in having me provide this training for your agency, please contact me.