NAVFACENGCOM SPECIFICATIONS NAVFACENGCOM specifications are prepared by the Naval Facilities Engineering Command, which sets forth the standards of construction for the NCF and all work performed under the jurisdiction of the Naval Facilities Engineering Command. Several types of specifications influence the preparation of NCF project specifications. These include NAVFACENGCOM guide specifications and type specifications; commercial specifications and standards; technical society and association standards, such as American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and Underwriters Laboratories (UL); and manufacturers' standards.

Figure 2-4.- Bill of material.

FEDERAL AND MILITARY SPECIFICATIONS Federal specifications cover the characteristics of materials and supplies used jointly by the Navy and other government agencies. Federal specifications do not cover installation or workmanship for a particular project but specify the technical requirements and tests for materials, products, and services. Federal specifications dictate the minimum requirements acceptable for use of all federal agencies. The engineering technical library should contain all of the commonly used federal specifications pertinent to Seabee construction.

Military specifications are those specifications that have been developed by the Department of Defense. Like federal specifications, they also cover the characteristics of materials. They are identified by MIL preceding the first letter and serial number, such as MIL-L-19140C (lumber and plywood, fire-retardant treated). Your main concern will be with project specifications. Even if you do not see them, you should know that they exist and what kind of information they include.

PROJECT SPECIFICATIONS Construction drawings are supplemented by written project specifications. Project specifications give detailed information regarding materials and methods of work for a particular construction project. They cover various factors relating to the project, such as general conditions, scope of work, quality of materials, standards of workmanship, and protection of finished work. The drawings, together with the project specifications, define the project in detail and show exactly how it is to be constructed. Usually, any set of drawings for an important project is accompanied by a set of project specifications. The drawings and project specifications are inseparable. The drawings indicate what the project specifications do not cover; and the project specifications indicate what the drawings do not portray, or they clarify further details that are not covered or amplified by the drawings and notes on the drawings. Whenever there is conflicting information on the drawings and project specifications, the project specifications take precedence over the drawings.

The general requirements are usually the first specifications listed for the structure, stating the type of

foundation, character of load-bearing members (wood frame, steel frame, or concrete), type or types of doors and windows, types of mechanical and electrical installations, and the principal function of the building. Next follows the specific conditions that must be carried out by the constructors. These are grouped in divisions under headings applying to each major phase of construction, such as the following typical list of divisions:

1.      GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

2.      SITE WORK

3.      CONCRETE

4.      MASONRY

5.      METALS

6.      CARPENTRY

7.      MOISTURE CONTROL

8.      DOORS, WINDOWS, AND GLASS

9.      FINISHES

10.  SPECIALTIES

11.  EQUIPMENT

12.  FURNISHINGS

13.  SPECIAL CONSTRUCTION

14.  CONVEYING SYSTEMS

15.  MECHANICAL

16.  ELECTRICAL

17.  EXPEDITIONARY STRUCTURES

Sections under one of these general categories sometimes begin with general requirements for that category. For example: under DIVISION 16.- ELECTRICAL, the first section might read as follows:

16.- 0l.- General Requirements.- Electrical installation must conform to the requirements of the National Electrical Code(c).

This includes all temporary work and the complete installation. The service entrance equipment must conform to the requirements of the local electric utility company if it is the source of electric power for the building or facility.

Subsequent sections under DIVISION 16.- ELECTRICAL would specify various quality criteria and standards of workmanship for the different types of electrical installation work; for example:

16.- 05.- Installation of Wires and Cables. Installation of wire in conduit is made with the use of pull lines or fish tapes and an approved wire-pulling lubricant. Suitable equipment should be provided to prevent cutting or abrasion of conductor insulation during the pulling of the wires. Lubricating compound must not have a harmful effect on the conductor insulating materials. All wires in a conduit are bundled and pulled at one time. Pulling lines are attached by direct connection to the conductors or by the use of a cable grip.

Slack is provided at attachment of devices or splicing. In outlet boxes, for future installation of wiring devices, the ends of wires are insulated with tape or a suitable wire connector. All conductors of each circuit in a junction box containing multiple circuits must be permanently identified with suitable labels.

Nonmetallic-sheathed cable may be installed exposed on walls and ceilings in protected areas or concealed in hollow walls, under floors, or above ceilings. Provisions for outlets and switches are made by running the cable into outlet boxes. All splices are enclosed in outlet or junction boxes; this requirement applies to both exposed and concealed installation. The moment your battalion or unit receives orders to undertake a major construction project, watch for the arrival of sets of drawings and specifications, which are usually provided well in advance of the deployment period. These drawings and specifications will also be the basis for the P& E and scheduling. Take a look at the specifications. After you advance in rate, especially if you are concerned with P& E, it will be your responsibility to study the applicable specifications thoroughly. NAVFACENGCOM has prepared specifications that cover practically every subject on naval construction. These specifications are the standards followed by the NCF- above all other specifications that may be available.