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Abandoned

 The project and/or bid has been cancelled and is not expected to resume or rebid.

Activity

1. A scheduling term

2. The smallest work unit within a project; the basic building block of a project.

ADA

The Americans with Disabilities Act which gives civil rights protection to individuals with disabilities similar to those provided to individuals on the basis of race, color, sex, national origin, age, and religion. It guarantees equal opportunity for individuals with disabilities in public accommodations, employment, transportation, State and local government services, and telecommunications.

Addendum

 Changes to drawings and spec books after they’ve been released for bidding. Written information adding to, clarifying or modifying the bidding documents. An addendum is generally issued by the owner to the contractor during the bidding process and as such, addenda are intended to become part of the contract documents when the construction contract is executed.

Single is Addendum; plural is Addenda.

Advertisement for Bids

 An invitation for bid proposals for a construction job.

AEC

The Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) Industry.

Agent

One authorized by a client (principal) to act in his/her stead or behalf and owes the client a "fiduciary duty" (Trust). Example: Construction Manager for fee but classified as an independent contractor for tax purposes. A construction manager for fee does not have any financial responsibility whereas a construction manager at-risk does have financial risk similar to a general contractor.

Agreement

An arrangement between the parties regarding a method of action.

Alterations

1. A term used to describe partial construction work performed within an existing structure

2. Remodeling without a building addition.

Alternate (bid)

A portion of a bid that is separate from the base bid or an option to the base bid. It can be an "add alternate" or a "deduct alternate". It can then be decided whether or not to include the alternate in the final project. Example - Add alternate to include a balcony on the building or for alternate materials and/or methods of construction.

American Institute of Architects (AIA)

 A professional organization for architects in the United States. Headquartered in Washington, D.C., the AIA offers education, government advocacy, community redevelopment and public outreach to support the architecture profession and improve its public image. The AIA also works with other members of the design and construction team to help coordinate the building industry. Beginning in 2008, we became the inaugural Strategic Partner of the American Institute of Architects (AIA) – the highest level of business partnership available with the AIA. Our support of the AIA gives us unprecedented access to its 88,000 members, a key source of project data. 

Annotation

A markup on a drawing such as a textbox, clouding, a line or arrow, or highlighting that wouldn't affect the Quantity Survey.

Antivirus or Anti-virus Software (AV)

 Sometimes known as anti-malware software, is computer software used to prevent, detect and remove malicious software. 

Apparent Low Bidder

 After all bids have been received, this is the bidder with the lowest estimate that they have not officially been awarded yet.

Application for Payment

Contractor's written request for payment for completed portions of the work and, for materials delivered or stored and properly labeled for the respective project.

Architect

 Creates actual building plans, from schematic through design development to construction drawings. Large or mixed-use projects may have more than one architect. Label them as architects and differentiate in the description if they are creating plans for different sections.

Architects Basic Services

A recognized series of phases performed by an architect as follows: 1st Schematic Design Phase, 2nd Design Development Phase, 3rd Construction Document Phase, 4th Bidding or Negotiated Phase, 5th Construction Phase.

Architect-Engineer

An individual or firm offering professional services as both architect and engineer.

Architect of Record

 The firm whose name appears on a building permit. The AOR may be situated in the city or town where the project is being produced, while another designer working on the project may not have a license in that state. They will be listed simply as Architect on the Roles tab.

Architectrual Drawing

A line drawing showing plan and/or elevation views of the proposed building for the purpose of showing the overall appearance of the building.

As-Built Drawings (also known as Record Drawings)

Contract drawings marked up to reflect changes made during the construction process. It is good practice to make As-Built drawings by marking the changes on reproducible drawings such a sepias for the duplication purposes later.

Associate Architect

 Not the lead architect. He/she may design a portion of a project, such as a specialized section (ex

Association of General Contractors (AGC)

 A non-profit national organization with internet plan rooms. Since 2001, we are proud to serve as the first and only construction data and technology provider to the Associated General Contractors of America (AGC). We also have specific partnerships in certain markets where we access their data.

Award

 Acceptance of a submitted bid by the owner. This does not happen with negotiated projects, only projects that have gone to Bid. The bidder who is chosen for the project receives the “award.”