What document authorizes changes in scope, price, or schedule?

• A. A change order
• B. A field adjustment
• C. A permit amendment
• D. A request for proposal

Answer: (A)

A change order is the formal document used to authorize modifications to the contract after work has begun. It officially records changes to the scope of work, the price, and the project schedule, ensuring both owner and contractor (often with the designer’s input) agree to the new terms. By detailing what is being added or removed, the new total cost, and any revised completion date, it keeps the contract documents consistent and prevents later disputes. It also becomes part of the contractual record, so payments and time extensions tied to the change are properly tracked.

Other terms don’t fit because they describe different things: a field adjustment may occur on site but isn’t a formal, binding contract modification; a permit amendment changes regulatory approval rather than contractual terms; a request for proposal is a solicitation to obtain bids and does not authorize changes to an existing contract.