Performance Specifications T. E. A. M. St. Louis Presentation October 8, 2004

What are they? Performance Specifications

Types of Specifications: (Listed in Hierarchical Order) Performance End Result Performance-Based Performance-Related Statistical QC/QA Method

The type of work will dictate the type of specification used. Examples of most can be found in the new spec book.

Eliminate method specifications wherever possible. MoDOT’s Goal:

Performance: Describes how the finished product should perform over time. Other than warranties/guarantees, performance specs had not been used in highway construction.

Method: Specification that directs the contractor to use specified material in definite proportions and specific types of equipment and methods to place the material.

How are they different? Rather than providing the detailed steps, we tell the contractor what finished product we want.

A BRIEF history of performance specifications.

As of November 2000, over half of the state DOT’s were using performance specifications in one form or another. June US Secretary of Defense directed the reform of military specifications and standards. The idea caught on, and state DOT’s began using them in limited applications. History:

Typical applications include: Pavements Striping Bridge Painting Landscaping Design/Build Projects

Missouri will be the first state to entirely revise its specifications to performance wherever possible.

Encourage innovative thinking Promote new construction techniques Minimize restrictions by state government Allow contractors to showcase their work Lower costs and higher quality Why Use Performance Specifications?

The PROCESS How did we get where we are now?

Industry Rusty Crane Tom Kraus (Millstone Bangert) Late in the Summer of 2001… A Steering Committee was formed including individuals representing: Construction and Materials Pat McDaniel Dennis Bryant Vicki Woods Design Kirsten Munck A District Phil Knott-D9 FHWA Mary Ridgeway

January 2002 – with the recommendations of the Steering Committee… A Project Coordinator was designated in Design. Each section of the spec book was assigned to a functional unit. Functional Unit Leaders assigned team leaders. Deadline for submitting the first draft was December 31, Training was provided to most participants.

Teams consisted of: MoDOT Employees FHWA Personnel 140 Industry Representatives More than 250 individuals served on 76 teams.

In addition to the current specification, teams received the following documents to revise relating to their specs: Standard Plans Job Special Provisions General Special Provisions Pay Items

All draft specifications were posted on the website for a 30-day comment period. Web Site:

After the comment period, each specification passed through a series of approvals: Chief Engineer Engineering Policy Subcommittee (Technical Experts) Engineering Policy Committee (Functional Unit Leaders) The Directors of Project Development and Project Operations

The entire revised book was posted for final 30-day comment period January 5, Release Date: June 1, 2004

Effective Date: July 1, 2004

How does all of this affect Construction and Materials More inspection, less testing. More responsibility on the contractor. More knowledgeable inspectors. Inspectors must understand intent and verify outcomes.

Inspectors need be become familiar with the new specifications, standard plans and pay items. Central Office must update the Construction manual and the Materials Manual

Questions?