The shift to warranties and performance specifications: what of method specifications?

Assertions have been made recently by many in the public sector and the construction industry that a standard set of specifications based on measurable performance has been developed for the industry. The move from method, or prescriptive, specifications to performance specifications and warranties has produced innovative ideas and changes to the industry; however, it was not clear just how complete the change was or to what extent method specifications were still relied upon. In addition, it was not clear what contribution, if any, method specifications would make to the ideal set of standard specifications. A recently conducted study analyses the prevalence of method specifications versus performance specifications and warranties in highway and bridge construction. Innovative contracting and the trend within state highway agencies to move from method specifications to warranties and performance specifications are discussed, as are suggestions for integrating method specifications into performance and warranty specifications.