When requests for information (RFIs) are issued, the process shall include the maintenance of a written record of inquiries and responses related to interpretation and implementation of the contract documents, including the clarifications and/or revisions to the contract documents that result, if any. RFIs shall not be used for the incremental release for construction of the design documents. When RFIs involve discrepancies or revisions, see Sections 3.4, 3.6, and 4.4.2.
When a design model is used as the design documents, the changes and/or clarifications made in response to RFIs shall be incorporated into the design model.
Commentary
The RFI process is most commonly used during the detailing process, but can also be used to forward inquiries by the erector or to inform the ODRD in the event of a fabricator or erector error and to develop corrective measures to resolve such errors.
The RFI process is intended to provide a written record of inquiries and associated responses but not to replace all verbal communication between the parties on the project. RFIs should be prepared and responded to in a timely fashion so as not to delay the work of the steel detailer, fabricator, and erector. Discussion of the RFI issues and possible solutions between the fabricator, erector, and ODRD and the ODRC often can facilitate timely and practical resolution. Unlike submittals in Section 4.4, RFI response time can vary depending on the urgency of the issue, the amount of work required by the ODRD and the ODRC to develop a complete response, and other circumstances, such as building official approval.
RFIs should be prepared in a standardized format, including RFI number and date, identity of the author, reference to a specific location(s) in the design documents or specification section, the needed response date, a description of a suggested solution (graphic depictions are recommended for more complex issues), and an indication of possible schedule and cost impacts. RFIs should be limited to one question each (unless multiple questions are interrelated to the same issue) to facilitate the resolution and minimize response time. Questions and proposed solutions presented in RFIs should be clear and complete. RFI responses should be equally clear and complete in the depictions of the solutions, and signed and dated by the responding party.
Unless otherwise noted, the fabricator and erector can assume that a response to an RFI constitutes a release for construction. However, if the response will result in an increase in cost or a delay in schedule, Section 4.4.2 requires that the fabricator and/or erector promptly inform the ODRD and the ODCR.