CCS Specification Writing Principles & MasterFormat 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which MasterFormat division covers Thermal and Moisture Protection?
- Division 06
- Division 07 (Correct answer)
- Division 08
- Division 09
Correct answer: Division 07
Division 07 covers Thermal and Moisture Protection, including roofing, waterproofing, insulation, air barriers, and vapor retarders.
Question 2: A 'closed' specification is one that:
- References only closed proprietary databases for product selection
- Limits acceptable products to a single named product with no substitutions (Correct answer)
- Requires all submittals to be delivered in sealed envelopes
- Applies only to closed-bid projects not open to public competition
Correct answer: Limits acceptable products to a single named product with no substitutions
A closed specification names a single specific product with no substitutions or 'or equal' provisions, giving contractors no discretion in product selection.
Question 3: What is the primary purpose of the 'Submittals' article in Part 1 of a specification section?
- To list the documents the contractor must submit for review and approval (Correct answer)
- To specify the bid bond and performance bond requirements
- To identify all subcontractors who will perform the work
- To define unit prices for materials used in the work
Correct answer: To list the documents the contractor must submit for review and approval
The Submittals article identifies the shop drawings, product data, samples, and other documents the contractor must submit for architect or engineer review and approval.
Question 4: What does the acronym 'CSI' stand for in the context of construction specifications?
- Construction Standards Institute
- Certified Specifications International
- Construction Specifications Institute (Correct answer)
- Commercial Standards and Instructions
Correct answer: Construction Specifications Institute
CSI stands for Construction Specifications Institute, the professional organization that developed MasterFormat, SectionFormat, and other standard frameworks for construction documentation.
Question 5: Which MasterFormat division covers Finishes such as drywall, flooring, and painting?
- Division 07
- Division 08
- Division 09 (Correct answer)
- Division 10
Correct answer: Division 09
Division 09 covers Finishes, including plaster, gypsum board assemblies, tiling, flooring, acoustic treatment, and painting and coating.
Question 6: An 'or equal' clause in a specification allows:
- The owner to accept or reject any product at their sole discretion with no appeal
- Contractors to propose a substitute product if they can demonstrate equivalency (Correct answer)
- Equal bid pricing among all competing general contractors
- An architect to substitute products after contract award without contractor approval
Correct answer: Contractors to propose a substitute product if they can demonstrate equivalency
An 'or equal' clause permits a contractor to propose a substitution that they can demonstrate is equivalent to the specified product in quality, performance, and function.
Question 7: Division 00 in MasterFormat covers which category of project information?
- General Requirements applicable to all divisions
- Existing Conditions and site surveys
- Procurement and Contracting Requirements (Correct answer)
- Special Construction and demolition
Correct answer: Procurement and Contracting Requirements
Division 00 covers Procurement and Contracting Requirements, including bidding documents, instructions to bidders, contract forms, and conditions of the contract.
CCS Specification Writing Principles & MasterFormat 2
Which MasterFormat division covers Thermal and Moisture Protection?