Best Practice

BEST PRACTICE:

F3−1: Flexible Start Times

DESCRIPTION:

In 1987, after endorsement by the Florida Legislature, the Florida Department of Transportation began using flexible start times on construction projects. Normally, after award of a project, the "Notice to Proceed" is issued and the contractor is to begin work within 15 days. However, with flexible starting provisions, the contractor is allowed to extend this period of time (usually up to 100 days) to start construction.

REASON(S) FOR ADOPTING:

To reduce the time period the public is exposed to construction conditions, and to increase the frequency of completing contracts within the authorized contract time.

PRIMARY BENEFIT(S):

Flexible start time encourages competition in the bidding process and enables a contractor to have more flexibility in scheduling use of equipment and manpower. By having additional flexibility in scheduling resources, the contractor should have less scheduling problems that may cause delay to completion of a contract. Therefore, contracts using flexible start time are expected to finish on time.

MOST APPLICABLE LOCATION(S)/PROJECT(S):

This provision is being used on State funded projects and projects not on the National Highway System. In addition, it is primarily used on smaller, less complex projects such as resurfacing contracts.

STATE(S) WHERE USED:

Florida

SOURCE/CONTACT(S):

Karen Brunelle, P.E., Office of Project Development Director, FHWA Florida Division Office
Phone: (850) 553−2218
E−mail: Karen.Brunelle@.dot.gov