The following words and terms, when used in this chapter, shall have the following meanings, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

1. (1) Biennium--The twenty-four month budget authorization period for state government. Each biennium commences September 1 of odd-numbered years and expires August 31 twenty-four months thereafter.
2. (2) Commission--The six member board of the General Services Commission of the State of Texas, or its successor organization.
3. (3) Contractor's Qualification Form--The GSC provided document which contractors must complete and return to GSC in order to be considered for a construction contract award. The form requests information concerning the contractor's type of organization, names of officers or principals, type of work performed, work experience, financial condition, bonding capacity, and financial and construction client references.
4. (4) Cost of Services--The costs incurred by GSC in providing construction project administration services, including project management, professional inspection, staff time, prior project analysis cost, travel expense, the estimated cost of minor and incidental materials used in pursuit of a project, and may include an overhead rate to cover employee benefit costs.
5. (5) Design Professional--Persons licensed by the State of Texas to practice architecture in accordance with Texas Civil Statutes, Article 249a (relating to Architects) or engineering in accordance with Texas Civil Statutes, Article 3271a (relating to the Texas Engineering Practice Act).
6. (6) Facilities Construction and Space Management Division (FCSMD)--The GSC division responsible for administration of construction projects under the commission's jurisdiction, and such other projects that the commission has agreed to manage.
7. (7) GSC--The General Services Commission for the State of Texas.
8. (8) Notice to Proceed--A GSC written order issued to a general contractor under contract on a project which establishes the start and completion dates for the contract and the project schedule.
9. (9) Planning Fund--A fund administered by FCSMD from which authorized planning expenditures are initially paid.
10. (10) Project Analysis--A study done before the legislative appropriation process for a project to develop a reliable estimate of the cost of the project to be used in the appropriations process, and as authorized by Texas Government Code, Title 10, Subtitle D, Chapter 2166, Subchapter D.

11. (11) Project--A building construction project that is financed wholly or partly by a specific appropriation, a bond issue or federal money. The term includes the construction of:

    1. (A) a building, structure or appurtenant facility or utility, including the acquisition and installation or original equipment and original furnishings; and
    2. (B) an addition to, alteration, rehabilitation or repair of, an existing building, structure, or appurtenant facility or utility.
12. (12) Request Forms--The GSC provided document which using agencies must complete and return to GSC in order to initiate a project for construction. The form requires information regarding source and amount of funds and other information pertinent to managing a project.
13. (13) Small Construction Project--A project that has an estimated value of $25,000 or less and requires advance preparation of plans and specifications.
14. (14) Using Agency--An instrumentality of the state that occupies and uses a state-owned or state-leased building, or the commission, with respect to a state-owned building maintained by the commission.
15. (15) Uniform General Conditions (UGC)--The terms and conditions for state construction projects promulgated in accordance with Texas Government Code, Title 10, Subtitle D, Chapter 2166, Subchapter G.
16. (16) Wages--The hourly rate of pay plus payments made to or on behalf of employees for benefits such as health insurance, pension plans, death benefits and vacation pay.

Source Note:The provisions of this §123.1 adopted to be effective August 13, 2000, 25 TexReg 7626.