Specifications

The Standard Specifications are accessed primarily through the Electronic Reference Library (ERL). The ERL governs if there are discrepancies.  

The Legacy ERL is the governing source for the Standard Specifications and related contract documents.

Electronic Reference Library (ERL)

ERL contains the Construction Manual, Materials IMs, Specifications, Standard Plans, and other standards.

Access Current ERL
Issue Date - April 15, 2025

Legacy ERL mobile-friendly format

Frequently Asked Questions

Definitions & Requirements

Standard Specifications: Made available in the Electronic Reference Library (ERL).

General Supplemental Specifications (GS)

• Revisions to the Standard Specifications.
• Added to the Standard Specifications in the ERL.
• Made once every 6 months in April and October.

Note: The Standard Specifications in the ERL included GS revisions.

GSs numbering follows these patterns:

• GS-23001, GS-15001, GS-12001, GS-09001, etc.
• GS = General Supplemental
• 15, 12, or 09 = year/issue of the standard specification book being modified.
  • (Note: As of 2023, the GS is no longer printed as a book.)
• 001 or 009 = the identifying number of the specification.

Supplemental Specifications (SS)

• Specifications for specific bid items that either:
  • Aren't contained in the Standard Specification books.
  • Change those contained in the Standard Specifications.
• May apply to any project that requires this bid item.

Developmental Specifications (DS)

• Hybrid of an SS and an SP.
• You can reuse it. The designer or controller will assign it to specific projects on this website.
• We will maintain the same DS number until we need to change it.

Special Provisions (SP)

• Specification provisions for specific work items
• Only applies to one project or a small group of projects.

Conversion Tables