Question 1

Where do I find the correct reference for Hydro Undergrounding projects?

Accepted Answer

QUESTION

We have had several BC Hydro Undergrounding projects come up in recent months, and I am wondering if the correct MMCD section to include this work under is still the Roadway Lighting 26 56 01. Are there other "non-civil" sections that may be better suited for line items such as "1 - 75mm conduit concrete encased" per lineal metre, or "install BC Hydro supplied Visa Manhole"?

COMMENT

Roadway Lighting 26 56 01 is still the best bet.

Question 2

What is included in the Overhead portion of a Force Account?

Accepted Answer

QUESTION

The contractor has currently claimed missing overhead associated with approved Changes as well as unavoidable delays. We had agreed at the beginning of the project to include overhead costs associated with Change Orders in a review at the end of the project if those costs materialized. I am now assessing their claim.

Force Account rates include direct costs, overhead and profit but what is typically included in the overhead portion of the Force Account? Does this overhead portion include office overhead?
What is considered applicable in overhead costs when the Contractor is working Force Account and gets 10% markup on materials/subcontractor work?

Generally speaking, where do site overheads typically fall? Items like portable toilets, trailer heating, electricity, street cleaning, fences, etc? Where do staff overheads fall like Quality Coordinators, Project Managers, etc? They are also an overhead project cost.

COMMENT

GC 1.3.8 refers

Question 3

Is a Change Order required for Force Account?

Accepted Answer

The Contract Administrator is the interpreter of the Contract Documents, and the judge both parties to the Contract (GC 3.6.1)

However, there are references in the General Conditions of the MMCD to Extra Work

The Contractor is invited to perform Extra Work by issuing a Contemplated Change Order or Field Memo.(GC 8.1.1)

Change Orders and Field Memos are covered in GC 9.3

The Contractor may accept or decline the Extra Work (GC 8.1.2) in a timely fashion (GC 8.1.3)

GC 8.2.1 requires a written Change Order or Field Memo to approve Extra Work

GC 9.2.2 says that if the Contractor is authorized by the Contract Administrator to perform Extra Work, absent agreement on valuation and price, then the method of valuation shall be Force Account

“Force Account” in the MMCD General Conditions is covered in GC 10.0

Question 4

Are there means in the MMCD contract to deal with Force Majeure?

Accepted Answer

QUESTION

I find no reference to deal with situations of Force Majeure in the MMCD. The recent explosion of the Enbridge pipeline has created a situation where asphalt suppliers were issued a statement of Force Majeure by Fortis BC. We have no mechanism to deal with this under our MMCD contracts. Are there other means to deal with this in the MMCD contract?

COMMENT

There is no "Force Majeure" as such within the standard GCs. In addition there is also no clause in the Supplemental GCs to cover this event. The only clause that might be relevant to paying more for materials (you would have to evaluate given the specific facts) is 13.4.1. But that is a very tough bar to exceed.

Question 5

Where can I find sample documents for supporting documentation?

Accepted Answer

COMMENT:

MMCD does not have sample documents for “Supporting documentation", except those listed on the MMCD website

These fillable forms include Progress Quantity Measurement, Schedule of Payment Items, and Payment Certificate.

Question 6

Is there a specific MMCD subcontract document template?

Accepted Answer

QUESTION

I am trying to find out some information on creating subcontracts with MMCD. We have some contracts in-place where we are designated the prime contractor under an MMCD contract, but are looking at issuing some subcontracts under the same contract. Is there a specific MMCD subcontract document, or is it best to go from there and issue a CCA-1 and stipulate the original contract documents to apply the MMCD specifications to their scope of work?

COMMENT

MMCD does not have a subcontract template. The CCA-1 contract sounds like a good idea.

Question 7

Do MMCD documents contain information on bedding and back filling of copper water lines?

Accepted Answer

Section 33 11 01 Item 2.6. Granular Pipe Bedding and Surround Material says

Most local governments have specified utility cross sections, so best to inquire locally.

Question 8

Where in the MMCD would I find a detailed suggested curb finishing drawing profile?

Accepted Answer

QUESTION

I am looking to confirm that a detailed suggested curb finishing drawing profile exists as part of your package, and which package would contain this.

COMMENT

Standard Detail Drawings C1, C2, C3, C4 and C5 in Volume II.

Question 9

Does the chart on Dwg S1 apply to all scenarios regarding Manhole Diameters?

Accepted Answer

QUESTION

The chart on dwg. S1 for manhole diameters, was that assuming straight through lines or does it cover all cases e.g. manholes with multiple inlets?

COMMENT

The S1 table is a guide for one inlet pipe and one outlet pipe at a similar elevation. The Shaw Precast guide below is a good guide but I would still suggest the designer to rely on basic engineering principal when sizing manhole because there are situations you need to choose a smaller manhole when the inlet pipe is higher than the outlet pipe, or choose a bigger a manhole when there are multiple smaller pipes coming in at similar elevations.

Question 10

What is the proper process to follow to be sure contract documents are referencing the most current hard copy version of the MMCD?

Accepted Answer

QUESTION

On your website there is a page that indicates Supplementary Updates. I have looked at this but would like to be sure that when, for example, Standard Detail Drawing W2a (Water Service Connection) is specified that it is the most current version. My question is what is the proper process to follow to be sure contract documents are not referencing outdated parts of the hard copy version of the Platinum?

COMMENT

The User Guide has suggestions for incorporating supplementaries while putting together a contract. The supplementary provisions stand higher in the document hierarchy. Volume 1 MMCD User Guide contains a Preparation and Award Checklist . Page 1 0f 13 contains a tender process overview.