CDT Leak Questions

CSI’s terminology for specifications includes the concept of a “reference standard”, which is:

A requirement established by a recognized authority, by custom, or by general consensus.

An accepted criterion used to define properties, performance, or methods for materials, products, or workmanship (e.g., ASTM, ANSI, ACI, AISC, UL).

Cited in specifications so that, instead of repeating technical details, the spec simply references the named standard.

This is exactly the definition implied by the phrase “requirement set by authority, custom, or general consensus that is also an established accepted criterion.” That is the CSI definition of a standard, and in specification-writing context, specifically a reference standard. Hence the correct choice is C.

Why not the others:

A. Building code – A building code is a legal document adopted by public authority and enforced by the authority having jurisdiction; it is one type of regulatory document but not the generic term used in CSI for “established accepted criterion” used as a reference in specs.

B. Quality control standard – Quality control is a process; standards may be used within QC, but “quality control standard” is not the CSI term that matches this specific definition.

D. Specification master – CSI refers to master guide specifications or master specifications, but this is a spec-writing resource, not the formal term for a requirement established by authority or consensus.

CSI-aligned references (no URLs):

CSI Construction Specifications Practice Guide – explanations of standards and reference standard method of specifying.

CSI CDT Body of Knowledge – definitions of “standard” and “reference standard” in the context of specifications.

Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation From Exact Extract (CSI-aligned, paraphrased)

CSI organizes the facility life cycle into phases such as planning, design, construction, closeout, and operations/occupancy. Within this framework, CSI describes project closeout as the phase where the contractor and design team complete all remaining contractual obligations and formally turn the project over to the owner.

A key part of that turnover is providing the owner with operations and maintenance (O&M) information, often including:

Operating and maintenance manuals for equipment and systems

Warranties and guarantees

Spare parts lists and recommended maintenance procedures

As-built/record documentation and, sometimes, commissioning records and training materials

CSI indicates that these O&M documents are to be delivered as part of the closeout requirements, usually at or near Substantial Completion or Final Completion, so that the owner can properly operate and maintain the facility during the occupancy phase.

Therefore the correct answer is B. Closeout phase.

Why the other options are incorrect:

A. After the authorities having jurisdiction issues a permitPermits are typically issued during design or preconstruction, authorizing the start of work. At this time, the facility is not built and O&M documentation does not yet exist in final form. CSI treats permits as part of regulatory approvals, not the turnover of maintenance information.

C. Preconstruction phasePreconstruction focuses on activities like finalizing construction documents, bidding, procurement planning, and initial mobilization. O&M manuals cannot be finalized because products and systems are not yet fully installed, tested, and accepted.

D. Construction phaseDuring construction, some O&M information may be started or submitted in draft form, but CSI’s guidance is clear that formal delivery of complete O&M documentation is a closeout requirement, not an in-progress construction requirement.

Key CSI-Related References (titles only):

CSI Project Delivery Practice Guide – facility life cycle and project closeout chapters.

CSI Construction Specifications Practice Guide – Division 01 sections (Closeout Submittals, Operation and Maintenance Data).

CSI CDT Study Materials – topics on project closeout, warranties, and O&M documentation.

CSI’s project-delivery and facility-management perspective emphasizes that O&M budgeting should be grounded in real, documented performance and cost history wherever possible. The facility manager is the team member who typically maintains:

Utility bills

Maintenance contracts and work orders

Repair and replacement histories

Staff, labor, and consumables costs

These form a historical record of actual O&M costs, which provides the most reliable basis for forecasting future O&M budgets.

Technical guidance on O&M cost analysis similarly stresses that:

Agencies “should maintain O&M cost records” that document baseline costs.

When defining an O&M cost baseline, it is recommended to use as much historical data as possible, and that historic O&M costs and actual site data should be used wherever possible.

Research on O&M budgeting practice has found that historical-based budgeting predominates among budgeting bases used in real facilities.

That is exactly what Option D describes: the facility manager’s historical record of actual costs is the correct and most defensible basis for making O&M budget decisions.

Why the others are less appropriate from a CSI/CDT standpoint:

A. Architect/engineer’s projected operating costs – A/E projections can be useful at early planning stages, but they are estimates, not verified costs. Once a facility has operating history, the A/E’s projections are secondary to actual cost data.

B. Construction manager’s life cycle analysis – Life-cycle cost analyses are valuable for choosing systems and strategies, but they are models and assumptions, not the primary budget baseline once real cost data exist.

C. Estimator’s preliminary project description – A Preliminary Project Description (PPD) is a design-stage estimating and scoping tool, not an operating-cost record. It has no direct tie to actual O&M performance.

Therefore, under CSI-aligned practice, the facility manager’s historical record of actual costs (Option D) is the correct basis.

Core CSI-aligned references for this question (no URLs):

CSI Project Delivery Practice Guide – chapters on facility management and life-cycle considerations.

DOE/FEMP guidance on O&M baselines and cost savings, stressing use of historic O&M cost data and actual site data.

Research on O&M budgeting showing predominance of historical-based budgeting.

Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation From Exact Extract (CSI-aligned, paraphrased)

CSI’s project delivery framework places the owner at the center of the facility life cycle. The owner:

Initiates the project by defining needs and project goals.

Selects the project delivery method and engages the design and construction teams.

Participates in planning, design decisions, funding, and approvals.

During construction, the owner is responsible for payments, change decisions, and acceptance of the work.

After construction and closeout, the owner (often through a facility management group) is responsible for operation, maintenance, and long-term performance of the facility.

CSI repeatedly highlights that only the owner is engaged from the earliest concept through long-term operation and eventual renovation or disposal. All other parties (designers, contractors, manufacturers) participate for limited phases.

Therefore, the party “actively involved and interested in all phases of the project” is clearly:

B. Owners

Why the other options are incorrect:

A. ContractorsContractors typically become formally involved at procurement/bidding and remain through construction and closeout. They usually have no role in early planning (except in some delivery methods like CM-at-Risk or IPD where they join during design) and no long-term responsibility for operations beyond warranty obligations.

C. Architects/engineersThe A/E’s primary involvement is during planning and design, and then construction administration during construction and closeout. After the project is turned over, their involvement often ends unless separately engaged for post-occupancy evaluations or future work. They do not normally manage day-to-day operations and maintenance.

D. Manufacturers/suppliersManufacturers and suppliers participate mainly in product selection, submittals, and furnishing materials and equipment during design-assist and construction phases. They may have continuing obligations for warranties or support, but they are not engaged in every phase of the project’s life cycle as the owner is.

Key CSI-Related References (titles only):

CSI Project Delivery Practice Guide – roles and responsibilities of the owner, design professional, contractor, and others.

CSI Facility Management Practice Guide – owner’s role during operations and the extended facility life cycle.

CSI CDT Study Materials – diagrams and explanations of project participants over the facility life cycle.