52.236-17
Layout of Work
Contractors must accurately lay out construction work using government benchmarks and are financially responsible for maintaining layout marks and any costs from their negligent destruction.
Overview
FAR 52.236-17, "Layout of Work," establishes the contractor's responsibility for accurately laying out construction work using government-provided base lines and benchmarks. The clause requires the contractor to provide all necessary materials, equipment, and labor for layout activities at their own expense. Contractors must ensure that all work is executed according to the lines and grades specified by the Contracting Officer and are responsible for maintaining and preserving layout markers until authorized removal. If layout marks are destroyed due to contractor negligence, the government may replace them and deduct the cost from the contractor's payments.
Key Rules
- Contractor Layout Responsibility
- Contractors must lay out work from government-established base lines and benchmarks and are responsible for all related measurements.
- Provision of Layout Materials
- Contractors must supply all stakes, templates, equipment, and labor needed for layout at their own expense.
- Execution to Specified Lines and Grades
- Work must be executed to the lines and grades established or indicated by the Contracting Officer.
- Preservation of Layout Marks
- Contractors must maintain and preserve all layout marks until authorized to remove them.
- Replacement of Destroyed Marks
- If layout marks are destroyed by the contractor or through negligence, the government may replace them and deduct the cost from the contractor’s payments.
Responsibilities
- Contracting Officers: Establish base lines and benchmarks, authorize removal of layout marks, and deduct costs for replacement if necessary.
- Contractors: Accurately lay out work, provide all layout materials and labor, maintain layout marks, and bear costs for any negligent destruction of marks.
- Agencies: Oversee compliance and enforce deductions for replacement of destroyed marks.
Practical Implications
- This clause ensures construction accuracy and accountability for layout work.
- Contractors must plan for layout costs and take care to preserve layout marks.
- Negligence in maintaining layout marks can result in financial penalties, making careful site management essential.