Construction Acronyms
Construction teams use acronyms heavily in drawings, specifications, meeting minutes, logs, and software workflows. This collection focuses on abbreviations that commonly show up during active project delivery.
Search intent
Use this page when you need to decode a short construction abbreviation and understand where it appears in project work.
Common use cases
- Reading RFIs and submittals
- Reviewing AIA contract documents
- Understanding drawings and specifications
- Working in construction software
Terms in this collection
20 linked definitions.
| Term | Meaning |
|---|---|
| RFI Request for Information | An RFI is a formal request used to clarify drawings, specifications, contract documents, or project requirements during construction. |
| ASI Architect's Supplemental Instructions | An ASI is a written instruction from the architect that clarifies or supplements the contract documents without changing contract cost or time. |
| CCD Construction Change Directive | A CCD is a directive that authorizes changed work before the owner and contractor agree on final cost or schedule impact. |
| GMP Guaranteed Maximum Price | A GMP is a contract amount that sets the maximum price an owner should pay for the defined construction scope, subject to approved changes. |
| CMAR Construction Manager at Risk | CMAR is a delivery method where a construction manager provides preconstruction services and then takes responsibility for delivering the project within an agreed price. |
| BIM Building Information Modeling | BIM is a digital model-based process used to coordinate design, construction, and building information. |
| LOD Level of Development | LOD describes the reliability, detail, and development level of elements in a BIM model. |
| OAC Owner-Architect-Contractor Meeting | An OAC meeting is a regular project meeting between the owner, architect, and contractor. |
| A/E Architect/Engineer | A/E refers to the design professional team responsible for architecture and engineering services. |
| GC General Contractor | A GC is the contractor responsible for managing construction work and coordinating subcontractors. |
| SOV Schedule of Values | An SOV is a breakdown of the contract amount into line items used for billing and progress tracking. |
| PPE Personal Protective Equipment | PPE is safety equipment worn to reduce exposure to hazards on a construction site. |
| OSHA Occupational Safety and Health Administration | OSHA is the U.S. agency that sets and enforces workplace safety and health standards. |
| MEP Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing | MEP refers to the mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems in a building. |
| AHJ Authority Having Jurisdiction | An AHJ is the agency or official responsible for interpreting and enforcing applicable codes and approvals. |
| QA/QC Quality Assurance / Quality Control | QA/QC refers to the processes used to plan, verify, inspect, and document construction quality. |
| CPM Schedule Critical Path Method Schedule | A CPM schedule is a schedule built with activity logic to identify the critical path and forecast project timing. |
| RFP Request for Proposal | An RFP is a procurement document requesting proposals for a defined project, service, or scope of work. |
| RFQ Request for Qualifications | An RFQ is a procurement document used to evaluate firms based on qualifications, experience, and capability. |
| ITB Invitation to Bid | An ITB is a formal invitation for contractors or suppliers to submit competitive bids. |