# Write clear responses to contractor RFIs during construction

Draft RFI responses from the design team that answer the question, cite the documents, and flag cost or schedule impact.

- Topic: Projects & Operations
- Framework: Few-Shot
- Level: Advanced
- Tags: Write, Fill-in Template
- Source: https://www.thinkwithprompt.com/prompts/write-clear-responses-to-contractor-rfis-during-construction

## Prompt

```text
Help me draft responses to contractor Requests for Information (RFIs) on a construction project where my firm is the architect or engineer of record.

**Project and discipline:** [e.g. "three-story school, structural engineer of record"]
**RFI text:** [PASTE each RFI, with number, date received, and any attached sketches described]
**Relevant drawings and specification sections:** [e.g. "S-201, detail 4/S-501, spec 03 30 00"]
**Our technical answer or decision:** [WHAT WE'VE DECIDED - or "help me structure the question for the design team"]
**Contract response time:** [e.g. "7 calendar days"]

For each RFI, write a response that:
- Answers the actual question in the first sentence.
- References the specific sheets, details, and spec sections, and states whether the response clarifies existing documents or changes them.
- Attaches or references a sketch number if a revised detail is needed (mark [SKETCH SK-XX]).
- States plainly whether we believe the response changes contract sum or time, without conceding cost; if it does, directs the contractor to the change-order process.
- Avoids means-and-methods direction that is the contractor's responsibility.
- Avoids vague replies such as "see drawings" or "provide as required."

Also return:
1. A log table: RFI number | subject | date received | date due | status | potential cost or time impact | follow-up needed.
2. Any RFI that looks like a disguised substitution request or claim setup, flagged for project manager review.
3. Patterns across the RFIs that point to a coordination gap in the documents.

Do not invent dimensions, design values, or code requirements - mark them [ENGINEER TO CONFIRM]. Responses must be reviewed by the licensed professional in responsible charge.
```

## What to fill in

- e.g. "three-story school, structural engineer of record"
- e.g. "S-201, detail 4/S-501, spec 03 30 00"
- e.g. "7 calendar days"
- SKETCH SK-XX
- ENGINEER TO CONFIRM

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