Unless the project is a design-bid-build, most of the critical decisions have already been made by this stage, with coordination focusing more on detailing and preparation for permitting. If intentional sourcing specifications and/or disclosure forms have not yet been issued to steer procurement, this is the last responsible moment to ensure they are incorporated into the project manual (a.k.a. specifications). Options for procuring CSW through any of the procurement pathways for nonstructural and interior finish elements may still exist going into the construction document phase and should be considered.
If the project is being delivered as design-bid-build, or if procurement is waiting until construction documents are published (not recommended), then this is a critical time for the design team to be sure the specifications are clear and specific, while remaining flexible. Specifications that are too exacting around particular sources, or particular parameters, run the risk of higher cost premiums and/or potential for the construction team to propose substitutions that may or may not align with CSW goals. Imbuing a design-bid-build specification with some degree of flexibility that provides optionality for achieving CSW can enable construction teams to find innovative ways to meet project goals while striving to produce their most competitive bid.
The construction phase represents the last moment of validation on sourcing prior to installation. This is the period where submittals are issued from the construction team to the design and owner teams to demonstrate that sourcing has followed the construction documents.
During these reviews, teams should be ensuring that the disclosures provided in the applicable submittals align with the levels of transparency previously agreed to and documented within the project’s specifications. This may require reviewing completed disclosure forms or chain-of-custody documentation, as well as confirming that applicable certifications are noted.
This is the time when project teams must be prepared to pivot if previously agreed-to sources are no longer available (such as a selected forest being subjected to unpredictable wildfire), which is rare but has occurred. Similarly, substitution requests may be proposed by the installing subcontractor if they believe that a substituted wood product can meet or exceed the contract’s expectations, which could include intentional sourcing goals. Project teams will need to evaluate these potential deviations in real time and should rely on partners, such as wood advisors if they are part of the project team, to validate if any changes are justified.
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