Project Management Flashcards

On a utility-scale solar project, which milestone typically authorizes the EPC contractor to begin mobilization and procurement under the contract?

Answer: Notice to Proceed (NTP)

Notice to Proceed is the formal owner authorization that starts the EPC contractor's work and schedule clock.

A solar project has a Cost Performance Index (CPI) of 0.85 and a Schedule Performance Index (SPI) of 1.10. What does this indicate?

Answer: Over budget and ahead of schedule

CPI below 1.0 means costs exceed earned value, while SPI above 1.0 means more work was done than planned.

Which long-lead item most often drives the critical path for a utility-scale PV substation in the U.S.?

Answer: Main power transformer

Large power transformers often have lead times exceeding a year, making them a frequent critical-path item.

An activity on a solar construction schedule has 10 days of total float. If it is delayed by 4 days, what happens to the project completion date?

Answer: It is unchanged

A delay smaller than the activity's total float is absorbed without affecting the project finish date.

Which document is used by a contractor to formally request clarification of a design ambiguity in the solar plan set?

Answer: Request for Information (RFI)

An RFI is the formal mechanism for seeking clarification on drawings or specifications during construction.

In an EPC contract, what is the main purpose of delay liquidated damages?

Answer: To compensate the owner with a pre-agreed amount per day for late completion

Delay LDs are a pre-estimated daily sum the contractor pays the owner if it misses guaranteed completion dates.

Overlapping PV array pile installation with racking installation on completed blocks, instead of finishing all piles first, is an example of which schedule compression technique?

Answer: Fast tracking

Fast tracking performs sequential activities in parallel to shorten duration, usually adding rework risk.