MIL-HDBK-1110
Section 8:
PREPARATION OF A PAINTING CONTRACT SPECIFICATION
8.1
General. A contract specification is a written
detailed, precise description of the work to be done; it
constitutes a part of the overall contract to describe the
quality of materials, mode of construction, and the amount of
work. The purposes of the specification are:
a)
To obtain a specific desired product
b)
To ensure quality materials and workmanship
c)
To ensure completion of work
d)
To avoid delays and disputes
e)
To obtain minimum or reasonable costs
f) To make the contract available to as many qualified
bidders as possible
g)
To avoid costly change orders and claims
h)
To meet safety, environmental, and legal
requirements
Construction specifications provide a description of
the desired work in such detail that a product other than that
desired may not result. Because painting frequently comprises
only a small part of construction work, it frequently receives
only limited attention so that it is inadequate to fill the
desired goals.
Construction specifications are further complicated by
the fact that they comprise legal documents and thus must meet
legal as well as technical requirements. Deficiencies in paint
or other construction specifications permit bidders to interpret
incompletely described requirements to their advantage, and to
provide lesser work or cheaper materials. These in turn, give
rise to disputes and litigation. Thus, it is extremely important
that specifications be prepared systematically, thoroughly, and
legally.
8.2
Background. At one time, it was a common practice to
use old painting specifications over and over again without
attempting to update them. Changes to meet new needs frequently
were made by "cutting and pasting." This did not permit the use
of new technology, address new requirements, or correct errors in
earlier documents.
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