There may be a misnomer regarding the definition of "value engineering". It should be something to the effect of "the same product meeting all the original specification requirement for less money" should it not? However, in most cases the "value engineered" product/process, is a substitution, which may meet a majority of the requirements of the original specification. The primary drawback of allowing "value engineering" is the necessity by the AOR/EOR to review the product/process to confirm that the product/process will perform properly and not require modification to the project's interface with other systems or space requirements. If the A/E is of the opinion that coordination of "value engineered" systems is the sole responsibility of the Contractor, regardless of the wording in the Conditions of the Contract, then you should have a long conversation with your attorney and insurance carrier.-------------------------------------------
Thomas Montero AIA, FCSI/CDT
Architect
Sanford FL
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