52.236-27
Site Visit (Construction)
Offerors must inspect the construction site before bidding to fully understand site conditions and avoid unforeseen issues during contract performance.
Overview
FAR 52.236-27, Site Visit (Construction), is a solicitation provision requiring offerors to inspect the construction site before submitting bids or proposals. It emphasizes the importance of understanding site conditions, referencing related clauses (52.236-2 and 52.236-3) that address differing site conditions and site investigations. The provision allows for either individual site visits arranged with a designated contact or, if Alternate I is used, an organized site visit at a specified date, time, and location. This ensures that offerors are fully aware of the physical and logistical aspects of the work site, reducing the risk of unforeseen conditions and disputes during contract performance.
Key Rules
- Site Inspection Requirement
- Offerors are strongly encouraged and expected to visit the construction site prior to bidding to assess conditions affecting the work.
- Arranging Site Visits
- Site visits can be arranged during normal duty hours by contacting the person listed in the solicitation, or, if Alternate I is used, by attending a scheduled organized site visit.
- Related Clauses
- The contract will include clauses 52.236-2 and 52.236-3, making site investigation and awareness of differing site conditions a contractual obligation.
Responsibilities
- Contracting Officers: Must include this provision in solicitations, provide contact information or schedule organized site visits, and ensure related clauses are in the contract.
- Contractors/Offerors: Must inspect the site or attend the organized visit to understand site conditions before bidding.
- Agencies: Oversee the site visit process and ensure compliance with the provision.
Practical Implications
- This provision exists to prevent misunderstandings and claims related to site conditions by ensuring offerors are informed before bidding.
- It impacts daily contracting by requiring coordination for site visits and thorough due diligence by offerors.
- Common pitfalls include failing to attend or arrange a site visit, leading to inadequate bids or disputes during performance.