Subcontractor Schedule Control Method

Trade coordination and claims documentation is a challenge on any project, particularly for specialty subcontractors. The writers introduce a schedule control method initiated by the subcontractor, which facilitates coordination and communication between a subcontractor and other project participants as well as documentation to the prime contractor. A case study illustrates the preparation of a trade-specific critical path method (CPM) schedule, which is updated on a regular basis. The writers also address the interrelationship between the CPM schedule, internal reporting, schedule of values, and labor tracking. It is difficult to ensure that all subcontractor-produced documentation is complementary, but it is well worth the effort when it comes to supporting a claim. Monthly schedule updates and narratives communicate the conflicts, issues, and schedule constraints the subcontractor experiences or anticipates on a project, thereby providing contractually required notice to the prime contractor during the project. This increases the likelihood of resolving issues during the project, while simultaneously protecting a subcontractor’s position if change order requests are denied or if back charges are levied prompting a subcontractor to enforce its rights, execute a claim, or proceed to litigation.