52.236-16 Quantity Surveys
Source: FAR 52.236-16 on acquisition.gov
FAR 52.236-16 ensures accurate and documented measurement of work for payment in unit-priced construction contracts through defined survey responsibilities and procedures.
Overview
FAR 52.236-16, "Quantity Surveys," applies to fixed-price construction contracts that use unit pricing and require payment based on measured quantities of work. This clause establishes the procedures for conducting quantity surveys, which are essential for determining the amount of work performed and calculating progress payments. It outlines the responsibilities of both the Government and the contractor in conducting and documenting these surveys, and provides an alternate procedure if Government personnel cannot perform the original and final surveys.
Key Rules
- Conducting Quantity Surveys
- Surveys are required to measure and document the quantities of work completed for payment purposes.
- Responsibility for Surveys
- The Government conducts the original and final surveys, while the contractor conducts interim surveys for progress payments, unless Alternate I is used.
- Alternate I
- If Government personnel cannot perform original and final surveys, the contractor assumes this responsibility under Government oversight.
- Documentation and Submission
- Contractors must promptly submit all original field notes and survey records to the Contracting Officer and retain copies for their records.
Responsibilities
- Contracting Officers: Ensure the clause is included in applicable contracts, oversee survey processes, and review submitted documentation.
- Contractors: Conduct required surveys, submit all survey documentation promptly, and retain copies.
- Agencies: May determine if Alternate I is necessary and provide oversight as required.
Practical Implications
- This clause ensures accurate measurement and payment for work performed under unit-priced construction contracts.
- Proper documentation and timely submission are critical for progress payments.
- Misunderstandings about survey responsibilities or documentation can delay payments or cause disputes.
As prescribed in 36.516 , the contracting officer may insert the following clause in solicitations and contracts when a fixed-price construction contract providing for unit pricing of items and for payment based on quantity surveys is contemplated:
Quantity Surveys (Apr 1984)
(a) Quantity surveys shall be conducted, and the data derived from these surveys shall be used in computing the quantities of work performed and the actual construction completed and in place.
(b) The Government shall conduct the original and final surveys and make the computations based on them. The Contractor shall conduct the surveys for any periods for which progress payments are requested and shall make the computations based on these surveys. All surveys conducted by the Contractor shall be conducted under the direction of a representative of the Contracting Officer, unless the Contracting Officer waives this requirement in a specific instance.
(c) Promptly upon completing a survey, the Contractor shall furnish the originals of all field notes and all other records relating to the survey or to the layout of the work to the Contracting Officer, who shall use them as necessary to determine the amount of progress payments. The Contractor shall retain copies of all such material furnished to the Contracting Officer.
(End of clause)
Alternate I (Apr 1984). If it is determined at a level above that of the Contracting Officer that it is impracticable for Government personnel to perform the original and final surveys, and the Government wishes the Contractor to perform these surveys, substitute the following paragraph (b) for paragraph (b) of the basic clause:
(b) The Contractor shall conduct the original and final surveys and surveys for any periods for which progress payments are requested. All these surveys shall be conducted under the direction of a representative of the Contracting Officer, unless the Contracting Officer waives this requirement in a specific instance. The Government shall make such computations as are necessary to determine the quantities of work performed or finally in place. The Contractor shall make the computations based on the surveys for any periods for which progress payments are requested.