Request for information: Benchmarks and metrics for major highway projects

A request for information (RFI) is a formal written procedure initiated by the contractor seeking additional information or clarification for issues related to design, construction, and other contract documents. Large numbers of RFIs along with slow responses to RFIs are frequently cited as a metric for poor project performance. Implementation of an RFI process is an integral part of successful project management for construction projects that improves communication between the construction, design, and project management teams. The use of RFIs is common in vertical construction, but is just gaining use and acceptance in the delivery of transportation infrastructure projects. The purpose of this paper is to benchmark the RFI process and develop benchmarks and metrics to aid project teams in assessing the performance of a transportation infrastructure project and to provide best practices for improving the overall RFI process. Data on RFIs were collected from major highway construction projects in the Midwest including more than 65 bridges and 90.123 km (56 mi) of roadway totaling $857.3 million of construction, in which two quantitative metrics were established for monitoring project performance. In addition, the paper provides reason codes developed for categorizing the type of RFI submitted and a method to identify problem areas.