What is a key consideration when incorporating RFIs and COs in a procedural process?

Incorporating Requests for Information (RFIs) and Change Orders (COs) in a procedural process necessitates a keen focus on the timing of responses. This is crucial because RFIs serve to clarify uncertainties and provide necessary information that impacts the project's progression, while COs are essential for documenting changes that can affect project scope, schedule, and budget.

Timely responses to RFIs ensure that project stakeholders have the necessary information to proceed without delays. If responses are not prompt, it could lead to misunderstandings, rework, or delays in the construction schedule. Similarly, timely submission and approval of COs help in maintaining the flow of the project and ensuring that any changes are managed effectively without causing disruptions. This careful timing fosters better communication among all parties involved and supports adherence to project timelines.

While stakeholder engagement, submission order, and documentation requirements are indeed important aspects of managing RFIs and COs, they do not carry the same immediate impact on project execution as the timing of responses does. Without timely responses, even well-documented RFIs or perfectly followed formal submission processes could fail to effectively address issues or changes, resulting in potential project delays and complications.