Introduction to the Original 1967 Edition
By Way Of Explanation
The Standard Specifications For Public Works Construction is the fruition of almost four years of intensive work by a 400-man task force of the Joint Committee of the Southern California Chapters of the American Public Works Association and the Associated General Contractors of America.
These specifications, representing the best professional thinking of the leading public works officials and private members of the construction industry, were written to answer a crying need for uniform rules governing public works construction performed for the many cities, counties and public agencies in the Southern California area. This need dates back to the very founding of these governmental jurisdictions.
A uniform set of specifications, updated and embracing the most modern materials and construction techniques, will redound to the great benefit of the public and the private contracting industry. Uniform specifications will eliminate conflicts and confusion, lower construction costs and encourage more competitive bidding by private contractors.
Among the prime sponsors of the standardized specifications movement have been the City and County of Los Angeles, whose public works staff members have contributed hundreds of man hours to the writing of this document. These two political subdivisions have been the first to officially adopt the new specifications (in the second half of 1966). In the case of Los Angeles County this means pursuance of the specifications by the Department of the County Engineer, County Road Department, County Flood Control District, County Sanitation Districts and numerous small incorporated cities within the county under contract to county government for public works services.
It is the objective and hope of the APWA-AGC Joint Committee that all cities, counties and public agencies in the Southern California area ultimately will adopt these standards and thus achieve the goal of area wide uniformity. Long range objectives call for uniformity in public works specifications at state and national levels.
The Standard Specifications For Public Works Construction will be revised periodically and reprinted to reflect advanced thinking and the changing technology of the construction industry. To this end, the APWA-AGC Joint Com¬mittee has been endowed as a permanent organization to continually study and recommend changes to the specifications. Interested parties may address suggested changes, criticisms and questions to the Joint Committee, c/o Southern California Chapter, Associated General Contractors of Amer¬ica, 2551 Beverly Blvd., Los Angeles, Calif. 90057.
The Standard Specifications have been printed by Building News, Inc., Los Angeles publishers specializing in construction industry code publishing.