Reference Questions for Public Works Projects

The following are sample questions that we recommend our clients use when they are prequalifying potential bidders or determining whether a apparent low bidder is responsible to perform the job.

Try to avoid open-ended questions as much as possible.  If you use scales, you will be able to make "apples to apples" comparisons. 

Keep in mind that these questions may need to be adapted, in order to address unique aspects of your construction project.

You can jump directly to another portion of this page by clicking on the appropriate section name here.  If you don't call all types of references, be sure to review all sections before calling, because you may want to adapt questions in other sections.

CALLS TO OTHER OWNERS
CALLS TO DESIGN PROFESSIONALS OR INSPECTORS
CALLS TO SUBCONTRACTORS
CALLS TO SUPPLIERS

1.     What type of project did the Contractor perform for you?

2.     What was the contract amount?

3.     How much difficulty did you have in keeping the Contractor on schedule?

(Some, Moderate Amount, Great Difficulty)

4.     How would you rate the Contractor’s superintendence and scheduling on the project? (I.e., were subcontractors scheduled logically, were long-lead items ordered sufficiently in advance, etc.?)

(Excellent, Average, Very Poor)

5.     How would you rate the Contractor’s ability to build according to the contract documents?

(Excellent, Average, Very Poor)

6.     How would you rate the Contractor’s willingness/ability to work with the [District / City / County] in carrying out the intent of the contract documents?

(Excellent, Average, Very Poor)

7.     Approximately how many RFI’s did the Contractor submit?

8.     Approximately how many change order requests did the Contractor submit?

9.     How many change order items were taken to the Board?  (This is not the same as asking what number of change orders were approved, because a single change order can incorporate numerous change order items.)

10.   What was the final change order to contract value ratio? (I.e., change order dollars compared to original contract value.)

11.   Did you have difficulty obtaining documentation for change order requests?

(Some, Moderate Amount, Great Difficulty)

12.   How many stop notices were filed on the project?

13.   Were any lawsuits filed on the stop notices?

14.   Was there a claim or lawsuit between the Contractor and [District / City / County]?

15.   If so, how was it resolved?

16.   What overall rating would you give the Contractor?

(Excellent, Average, Very Poor)

 

1.     Did the Contractor provide adequate, competent personnel?

(Absolutely, Can't Complain, Rarely)

2.     Did the Contractor provide adequate, competent supervision?

(Absolutely, Can't Complain, Rarely)

3.     Did the Contractor have adequate equipment and/or supplies on the job when needed?

(Always, Usually, Rarely)

4.     Did the Contractor complete reports and other paperwork in a timely manner?

(Always, Usually, Rarely)

5.     Were there an inordinate number of change orders on the project?

6.     Did the Contractor return change order documents in a timely manner?

(Always, Usually, Rarely)

7.     Did the Contractor prepare accurate up-to-date record drawings?

8.     Was the work completed on time?

1.    Does the Contractor respond in a timely manner to your questions and concerns on the job?

(Always, Usually, Rarely)

2.    Has supervision by the Contractor on the job sufficient?

(Always, Usually, Rarely)

3.    Does the Contractor pay in a timely manner?

(Always, Usually, Rarely)

4.    Has it been necessary to file a stop notice against this Contractor?

5.    If yes, was it resolved before a lawsuit needed to be filed?

6.    If a lawsuit was filed, how was the issue finally resolved?

1.    How long have you been a supplier for this Contractor?

2.    Describe your working relationship with this Contractor.

(Excellent, Average, Very Poor)

3.    What is the Contractor’s payment history?

(30, 60, 90 days, etc.)

This is a critical stage of your projects.  If you have used other questions which were particularly useful, please e-mail the office with your suggestions. 

____________________________________________________________________________

Post Office Box 3084
Monterey, California  93942-3084
Telephone:  831/656-1220
Facsimile:  831/656-1221

This web site and its contents are provided solely for informational purposes and should not be construed as legal advice.  In order to give legal advice, PubliConstructionLaw must be made aware of all facts which relate to the question being asked, and to establish an attorney-client relationship with the entity asking the question.

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