Confirmation RFI | 5 Minute Friday

⏱️ 7:43 🎤 Eddie Campbell, Tyler Campbell

AUDIO EPISODE

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Eddie introduces Burnprogear.com for high-quality, affordable team apparel with custom logos and no minimums.
0:54

Introduction to Confirmation RFI

Eddie introduces the concept of a 'confirmation RFI' as a solution to common RFI problems that cause project delays.
2:26

The problem with RFIs

Eddie and Tyler discuss the main problem with traditional RFIs: they signal a lack of information and can lead to significant scheduling delays.
5:01

The power of the phone

Eddie suggests picking up the phone to directly communicate with the person who has the information needed, rather than waiting for an RFI response.
5:41

Capturing design intent via phone

Eddie explains how to use phone calls to understand the designer's intent and pre-emptively resolve questions before writing an RFI.
8:33

Writing the Confirmation RFI

After a phone discussion, the contractor writes an RFI that already contains the agreed-upon solution, requiring only a 'yes' or 'accepted' from the recipient.
10:33

Rehashing the process

Tyler re-summarizes the confirmation RFI process: call, resolve, then send an RFI that can be quickly approved to keep the project moving.
12:24

Respecting time and chain of command

Eddie advises respecting the time of designers, owners, and engineers, and navigating the chain of command carefully when making direct calls.
16:45

Benefits of Confirmation RFI

Eddie highlights that this method saves time, creates a clear project record, and provides an 'answer' within the RFI for quick approval.
18:16

Feedback and outro

Tyler encourages listeners to try the confirmation RFI method and share their experiences, good or bad, with the hosts.

Speakers

Eddie Campbell

Host

Tyler Campbell

Host

Key Takeaways

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Prioritize direct communication by calling the relevant party to resolve issues before sending a formal RFI.

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Understand the designer's intent by asking targeted questions during phone calls to anticipate potential RFI answers.

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Draft RFIs with proposed solutions or answers, allowing the recipient to simply confirm or accept, rather than formulate a new response.

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Respect the time of designers, engineers, and other stakeholders when making direct calls.

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Maintain a clear paper trail by following up phone conversations with a 'confirmation RFI' for formal documentation.

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Navigate the chain of command appropriately, potentially seeking permission for direct contact if necessary.

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