In the latest versions of the CMAAStandards of Practice, technology management (including BIM) is recognized as part of the CM’s advisory role. The CM should proactivelyassure the owner has consideredBIM as a tool, evaluate its benefits and risks, and integrate it into planning if appropriate. But the CM should not unilaterally impose or require BIM use without the owner’s acceptance, nor remain silent on its potential merits (i.e. D is too passive). Also, blanket rejection (B) is inconsistent with modern practice.

Hence the recommended stance is that the CMprompts the owner to consider BIM, educates on its advantages and limitations, and helps the owner decide whether and how to adopt it in that specific project context.

TheCMAA Construction Management Standards of Practice (SOP)identifies thepre-bid (pre-proposal) conferenceas a key element of the procurement process. Its purpose is to clarify thescope of work, contract requirements, and bid instructionsbefore bids are submitted.

CMAA states:

“A pre-bid conference provides prospective bidders with an opportunity to review the contract requirements, clarify ambiguities, and receive consistent responses to questions regarding scope, schedule, and procedures.”

By ensuring that all bidders receive the same information, the CM helps promote fair competition, minimize post-award claims, and reduce misunderstandings about scope—thereby indirectly helping to mitigate change orders and delays. However, theprimary intentis toresolve any questions about contract requirements and scope of work.

Option B describes a benefit, but not the immediate intent; Option A concerns site investigation, which is typically handled in separate pre-bid site visits; Option C is contrary to public procurement policy.

Therefore, the correct answer isD.

References (CMAA Documents):

CMAA Construction Management Standards of Practice, Chapter 5 – Contract Administration, Section: “Procurement and Pre-Bid Activities.”

CMAA CM Study Guide, Contract Administration Domain, Objective 5.2: “Conduct pre-bid and pre-construction conferences to clarify contract requirements.”

According to theCMAA Construction Management Standards of Practice (SOP),constructability reviewsare to be performedcontinuously throughout the design phase, rather than at a single fixed milestone. The SOP states:

“Constructability reviews should be conducted during all phases of design development — from conceptual design through completion of the 100 percent design documents — to ensure that the project can be built efficiently, safely, and economically.”

The CM’s role is to provide feedback at each design milestone (conceptual, schematic, design development, and construction documents). Performing reviews only at one stage (e.g., 30%, 60%, or 90%) limits the CM’s ability to identify and correct potential design or coordination issues early.

Therefore, the correct answer isC. Throughout the design process including 100% design documents.

References (CMAA Construction Manager Documents / Study Guide):

CMAA Construction Management Standards of Practice, 2010 Edition, Chapter 3 – Quality Management, Section: “Constructability Review.”

CMAA CM Study Guide, Quality Management Domain, Objective 3.4: “Perform constructability reviews throughout design.”

Under the CM at Risk (CMAR) delivery method, the CM often assumes responsibilities similar to a general contractor during the construction phase, including coordination of schedule, means and methods, and sequence of work. The CM transitions from advisory role during design to performance role during construction, which involves enforcing construction coordination and methods. The CMAA “Owner’s Guide to Project Delivery Methods” explains that in CMAR, the CM “acts as consultant… during the design phases, but as the equivalent of a general contractor during the construction phase.”

Because in DBB or Multi-Prime, the general contractors or multiple contractors would handle means and methods, and in DB the design-builder handles those responsibilities. The CM at Risk is the form where schedule coordination and enforcement of means & methods is typically assigned to the CM.

TheConstruction Management Association of America (CMAA)identifies the1970sas the decade when the professional discipline ofConstruction Management (CM)formally emerged in the United States.

The CMAA’s historical overview explains:

“Construction Management became recognized as a distinct professional service in the 1970s, when owners began seeking specialized expertise to manage increasingly complex design and construction projects.”

During this period, large public and private sector projects required oversight separate from design and contracting roles, leading to the development of the CM profession and eventually to the founding of CMAA in 1982.

In CMAA’s Construction Management Standards of Practice (Safety Management chapter), a foundational principle for establishing a strong safety culture ismanagement commitment and leadership. The Standards emphasize that safety culture requires“buy-in” from ownership and senior management, meaning that the highest levels of the organization visibly support, fund, and enforce safety initiatives. Without top-down support, safety programs are less effective.

While prompt accident notification is an important procedural action in safety management, it is not a core cultural element. “Time is of the essence” and “maximizing profit” are not safety culture traits. The distinguishing characteristic of a mature safety culture is that management and ownership demonstrate continuous commitment, accountability, and prioritize safety across all project levels.

According to the Brooks Act (codified in U.S. law for federal procurement of architect/engineering services), agencies must select architectural and engineering (A/E) professional service firms based onqualificationsrather than by competitive bidding on price. The firm is selected on the basis of demonstrated competence and qualifications, and then fees are negotiated.

This ensures that technical competency drives selection, not lowest cost. Options A and B are not requirements of the Brooks Act. Option D is not inherent in its provisions—there is no strict requirement that A/E services must be contracted before general contractor services, though design is typically procured first. Thus, the correct choice is C.