Many architects offer electronic data files such as model-sharing though BIM, or CAD drawings, and others, for contractors' use in preparing submittals.
First, it may reduce overall project cost if the bidding, if subcontractors and suppliers do not have to start their submittals such as shop drawings from scratch.
Also it may improve coordination if there is a better hand-off to the Contractor of information, and therefore a better hand-off to the Owner for facility management is possible, if the files have more detail added later as Record Documents.
In this electronic age it may be a better question to ask why not. Think of it as a step toward solutions for a 16 billion dollar a year problem that our biggest clients are worried about for more than the last 10 years (see NIST link below). Even as of 2007 according to a McGraw Hill Construction report (link below), nine out of ten architects share high (47%) to medium (43%) levels of data.
BIM files such as .rvt may be shared in common, also CAD .dwg files, and others that the Contractor's subs and suppliers would need to facilitate preparing submittals.
This is an area to which the AIA has dedicated a great deal of study and has developed a whole new series of documents to address (see link below). This has further laid the foundation for Integrated Project Delivery (IPD).
Architects who offer their digital data files normally require an agreement form with a disclaimer to be signed. Firms may have their own long-standing forms they have developed, or AIA form C106 can be used.
The Agreement form should state which elements of the Architect's copyright are being licensed through the execution of the agreement and the transmittal of the electronic data, and what limitations apply.
Normally the availability and basic conditions are specified under 013300 - SUBMITTAL PROCEDURES, and the disclaimer form may be attached to the end of the section. If there is a cost to the recipients, that can be indicated on the form and cross referenced from the specification provisions to make bidders aware. It must be made clear that any charges are solely for administrative costs in preparing the files, and are not a sale of any type.
http://www.aia.org/contractdocs/referencematerial/aiab099135 - AIA E-Series Exhibits
http://www.aia.org/aiaucmp/groups/aia/documents/pdf/aias077485.pdf - "McGraw Hill Construction SmartMarket Report - Interoperability in the Construction Industry" - 12: Demand for Interoperability-Data Sharing
http://fire.nist.gov/bfrlpubs/build04/PDF/b04022.pdf - "Cost Analysis of Inadequate Interoperability in the U.S. Capital Facilities Industry", NIST 2004
WHY
Why would the Architect offer their electronic files to the Contractor?
First, it may reduce overall project cost if the bidding, if subcontractors and suppliers do not have to start their submittals such as shop drawings from scratch.
Also it may improve coordination if there is a better hand-off to the Contractor of information, and therefore a better hand-off to the Owner for facility management is possible, if the files have more detail added later as Record Documents.
In this electronic age it may be a better question to ask why not. Think of it as a step toward solutions for a 16 billion dollar a year problem that our biggest clients are worried about for more than the last 10 years (see NIST link below). Even as of 2007 according to a McGraw Hill Construction report (link below), nine out of ten architects share high (47%) to medium (43%) levels of data.
WHAT
What items may be included?
BIM files such as .rvt may be shared in common, also CAD .dwg files, and others that the Contractor's subs and suppliers would need to facilitate preparing submittals.
HOW
How would the risk of errors be allocated fairly to those participating? Won't it be confusing who did what?
This is an area to which the AIA has dedicated a great deal of study and has developed a whole new series of documents to address (see link below). This has further laid the foundation for Integrated Project Delivery (IPD).
Architects who offer their digital data files normally require an agreement form with a disclaimer to be signed. Firms may have their own long-standing forms they have developed, or AIA form C106 can be used.
How does the Architect protect the copyright of the digital data?
The Agreement form should state which elements of the Architect's copyright are being licensed through the execution of the agreement and the transmittal of the electronic data, and what limitations apply.
How are the bidders made aware these files are available?
Normally the availability and basic conditions are specified under 013300 - SUBMITTAL PROCEDURES, and the disclaimer form may be attached to the end of the section. If there is a cost to the recipients, that can be indicated on the form and cross referenced from the specification provisions to make bidders aware. It must be made clear that any charges are solely for administrative costs in preparing the files, and are not a sale of any type.
More Information
http://www.aia.org/aiaucmp/groups/aia/documents/pdf/aias077485.pdf - "McGraw Hill Construction SmartMarket Report - Interoperability in the Construction Industry" - 12: Demand for Interoperability-Data Sharing
http://fire.nist.gov/bfrlpubs/build04/PDF/b04022.pdf - "Cost Analysis of Inadequate Interoperability in the U.S. Capital Facilities Industry", NIST 2004
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