What obligation does the contractor have if he finds errors, omissions, or inconsistencies in the contract documents?

• A. Submit a request for information to the architect in the form required.
• B. Immediately issue a change order to adjust the contract price.
• C. Ignore the discrepancy and proceed.
• D. Notify the owner but not the architect.

Answer: (A)

When a contractor spots errors, omissions, or inconsistencies in the contract documents, the correct move is to seek clarification through the formal Request for Information (RFI) process directed to the architect, using the form prescribed by the agreement. This keeps communication formal, documented, and within the proper chain of responsibility, and it ensures any needed interpretation or correction is provided by the architect before proceeding. A change in price or scope isn’t issued unilaterally by the contractor; that comes after the architect’s response, through the formal change process if needed. Ignoring the discrepancy or notifying only the owner bypasses the established procedure and can create risk for the project, which is why the required RFI path to the architect is the correct obligation.