Successfully managing a construction project means that the manager has a certain degree of control over all related processes, thus able to proffer predictability to stakeholders. This objective is accomplished by establishing systems that standardize the multiple components and procedures, providing consistency in every phase of the project. The lack of uniformity in construction specifications can lead to budget and schedule overruns due to the flexibility that contractors have when deciding which means and methods will be used and how unspecified work will be billed. Furthermore, the presence of ambiguities in construction specifications terminology can lead to confusion and creates difficulties in the bidding process, record keeping and the comparison of costs amongst similar projects.

Utility operations throughout the country are regulated by policies that establish the requirements that have to be met when installing, accommodating, locating, relocating and maintaining utilities. These requirements are generally insufficiently defined, creating the need for additional specifications and provisions to address conditions that are not referenced in these policies. This situation makes it very difficult to coordinate road construction activities and to apply proper inspection procedures. Evidently, there is a need to satisfy not only the technical requirements owners and operators, but also the transportation agencies that are responsible for the maintenance of the road right-of-way. The Texas Department of Transportation, for example, has standards, which in conjunction with the Texas Utility Accommodation Rules (UAR), govern utility construction operations. Although, these policies need to be supplemented by special specifications and special provisions due to deficiencies in their definition.

The deliverables proposed by the authors are a framework to develop construction specifications for utility installations, a format for these specifications and the standardization of related terminology. This translates into more effective project cost, schedule, scope and risk management, which is the added value. Additionally, these deliverables will serve as a basis of cost comparison for the stakeholders, enhance the reduction of the risk of failure to meet requirements, support the avoidance of confusion during construction execution, homogenize the bidding process and construction terminology, and clarify the categorization of each activity related to communication utilities, water installation and sanitary sewers.

Furthermore, this framework can be adopted by state agencies as a guideline for the development of specifications for the design, construction, management and maintenance of construction projects, as well as for the creation of policies that will be in accordance with the same objective. The magnitude and funding source of public construction projects makes the reduction of uncertainties a critical objective for state agencies. Therefore, it is important to continuously improve state policies and procedures. The authors have not only provided a framework that adds value to the installation of utilities, but also a mechanism that provide benefits to all the associated stakeholders.