NCARB Project-Management Exam - Topic 2 Question 15 Discussion

Actual exam question for NCARB's Project-Management exam

Question #: 15
Topic #: 2

According to ATA owner-architect agreements, who is responsible for the cost of evaluating significant substitutions proposed by the contractor, subcontractors, or suppliers and the cost of making subsequent revisions to drawings, specifications, and other documentation?

AOwner

BArchitect

CContractor

DOriginator

Show Suggested Answer

Suggested Answer: A

Comprehensive Detailed Explanation:

According to AIA B101 (or ATA equivalent) Section 3.6.4.2, if the contractor proposes a substitution that is not part of the base contract, the cost to evaluate it and revise any documents (if accepted) is considered an Additional Service by the architect. Therefore, the owner bears that cost if they authorize the architect to proceed with the evaluation.

AIA B101 -- Section 4.2: Additional Services

NCARB ARE 5.0 Handbook -- Contract interpretation and substitution evaluations

CSI MasterFormat -- Coordination of construction specifications and product submittals

by Tanesha at Jun 01, 2026, 05:18 PM

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Nelida

5 hours ago

This seems similar to a question we had on project management costs; I think it was the owner who had to cover those expenses.

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Mary

5 days ago

I feel like the contractor might be involved in the evaluation costs, but I’m leaning towards the owner being responsible.

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Nu

11 days ago

I remember a practice question where the architect had to handle revisions, but I can’t recall if that applies here too.

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Yuki

16 days ago

I think the owner is usually responsible for additional costs, but I’m not entirely sure about the specifics of substitutions.

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