STATE OF CONNECTICUT
DEPARTMENT OF ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES
REAL ESTATE AND CONSTRUCTION SERVICES
Building Design and Construction
450 Columbus Boulevard
Hartford, Connecticut 06103
0410 DAS-CS Design Documents
PDF Requirements
This How-To guide highlights specific DAS Construction Services PDF formatting
requirements.
Complete DAS Construction Services design document PDF requirements are detailed in the Consultants
Procedure Manual (CPM), which be downloaded from the DAS CS Library website.
DAS Construction Services
Design Document PDF Requirements
Drawing Requirements
Project Manual
Requirements
Other General DAS
Requirements
DAS Construction Services
Department Standard Cover Sheet
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Per CPM Section 5.2 Drawing Information, specifically Section 5.2.1.5.1, the Department Coversheet
shall be used for seals and approval signatures.
Templates are available from the DAS CS Library in PDF and DWG format. Click the links below to
download.
• PDF Coversheet Template
• DWG Coversheet Template
• Fill-in all template information exactly as shown
• Ensure drawing numbers on the coversheet’s index of drawings are coordinated exactly with those
listed on each specific sheet.
• For example, if a drawing is numbered “A1.01” on the sheet, it must not be listed as “A-1.01”,
“A 1.01”, or “A101” on the index of drawings
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DAS Construction Services
Standard Title Block
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Per CPM Section 5.2 Drawing Information, specifically Section 5.2.1.5.2, a standard Title Block shall be
used for all typical drawings.
Templates are available from the DAS CS Library in PDF and DWG format. Click the links below to
download.
• PDF Title Block Template
• DWG Title Block Template
• Fill-in all template information exactly as shown
• Insert the DAS Project Number where required
• Click here for more information regarding the “Drawing Prepared By” field
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DAS Construction Services
Title Block “Drawing Prepared By”
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Per CPM Section 5.2 Drawing Information, specifically Section 5.2.2.8, refer to the following
requirements when completing the “Drawing Prepared By” field within the standard Title Block.
• The firm name and address shall be of the single consultant or sub-consultant:
• Who was responsible for preparation of that specific drawing and will subsequently stamp
and seal the sheet
• Only this one firm shall be listed
• There shall be no firm graphic logos (consultant or sub-consultant) inserted within the title block or
on the drawings
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DAS Construction Services
PDF Page Number Requirements
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Per CPM Section 5.2.4 Consultant Drawings, Minimum PDF Requirements, specifically Section 5.2.4.2.1,
drawing files shall have page numbers that match the sheet number.
• This means the drawing number listed on each drawing sheet shall be embedded within the PDF
and recognized by PDF reading software.
• Click to see screen shot examples from Adobe or Bluebeam PDF reading software.
• Ensure drawing numbers on the coversheet’s index of drawings are coordinated exactly with those
listed on each specific sheet.
• For example, if a drawing is numbered “A1.01” on the sheet, it must not be listed as “A-1.01”,
“A 1.01”, or “A101” on the index of drawings
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DAS Construction Services
PDF Page Number Requirements
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Per CPM Section 5.2.4 Consultant Drawings, Minimum PDF Requirements, specifically Section 5.2.4.2.1,
drawing files shall have page numbers that match the sheet number.
• This means the drawing number listed on each drawing sheet shall be embedded within the PDF
and recognized by PDF reading software.
• Click to see screen shot examples from Adobe or Bluebeam PDF reading software.
Drawing Number
matches Page
Number listed in
Navigation Bar and
Page Label in
Thumbnail view
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DAS Construction Services
PDF Page Number Requirements
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Per CPM Section 5.2.4 Consultant Drawings, Minimum PDF Requirements, specifically Section 5.2.4.2.1,
drawing files shall have page numbers that match the sheet number.
• This means the drawing number listed on each drawing sheet shall be embedded within the PDF
and recognized by PDF reading software.
• Click to see screen shot examples from Adobe or Bluebeam PDF reading software.
Drawing Number
matches Page Label
in Thumbnail view
and Page Number
listed in Navigation
Bar
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DAS Construction Services
PDF Drawing Font Requirements
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Per CPM Section 5.2.4 Consultant Drawings, Minimum PDF Requirements, specifically Section 5.2.4.2,
all text shall be:
• TrueType or OpenType font
• Verify that the Text Settings in the CAD/BIM software used to produce drawings are using
TrueType fonts
• How do I know if I am using TrueType fonts?
• Unacceptable formats include
• Vector based text
• SHX fonts (AutoCAD)
• RSC fonts (Microstation)
• Optical Character Recognition (OCR) shall be used as a last resort
• Searchable and selectable by typical PDF reading software
• All notes, callouts, labels, etc. including Coversheet and Title Block text, etc. shall be
embedded as searchable font
• How do I know if drawing text is properly embedded?
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Use of TrueType Fonts
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Q: How do I know if I am using TrueType fonts?
A: Click here to see a short list of examples of TrueType fonts. Note that many more do exist.
• For AutoCAD users, TrueType fonts
display a TrueType icon in front of
their names as shown:
• For Adobe’s technical definition, refer to the link to their Font FAQ.
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TrueType Font Symbol.
Use these fonts.
SHX Font Symbol.
Do not use these fonts.
Partial List of TrueType Fonts
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• Arial
• Arial Black
• Arial Narrow
• Book Antiqua
• Century Gothic
• Century Schoolbook
• Comic Sans MS
• Courier New
• Franklin Gothic Book
• Futura Heavy BT
• Futura Light BT
• Furuta Medium BT
• Gill Sans MT
• Impact
• Letter Gothic MT
• Lucida Console
• Lucida Sans Regular
• Lydian BT
• Monotype Corsiva
• News Gothic MT
• Onyx
• Perpetua
• Playbill
• Rockwell
• Swiss 721 Black Bt
• Tahoma
• Tahoma Bold
• Technical
• Times New Roman
• Trebuchet MS
• Tw Cen MT
• Verdana
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Examples of TrueType Fonts
Note that this is a very limited list shown for example purposes.
More comprehensive lists are available on the internet.
Verifying Searchable/Selectable Text
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Q: How do I know if drawing text is properly embedded?
A: With the drawings opened in PDF reading software, all text on all sheets will be selectable and all
characters will highlight when selected.
• In Adobe:
• Right-click the document, and choose Select Tool from the pop-up menu.
• Then, Press CTRL+A or choose Select All from the Edit menu.
• In Bluebeam:
• Press CTRL+SHIFT+A, or alternatively
• Right-click the document, and choose Select All Text from the pop-up menu
• If all characters highlight (likely in “blue”) then the drawings have been created properly with
searchable and selectable TrueType or OpenType font
• Click for screen shot examples of properly and improperly prepared drawings
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Incomplete Text Embedding Example
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Only the text within
the Title Block and one
single note is
selectable/highlighted
General Notes,
Legends, Detail Title, or
Floorplan text is not
selectable/highlighted
After a “Select All” has
been performed:
Click here for
limited
informational
suggestions
for proper
PDF
exporting in
AutoCAD.
DAS Construction Services
Drawings Packaging Requirements
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Per CPM Section 5.2.4.2, drawings submitted for review shall be assembled into a single PDF.
Do not separate into multiple volumes. Respectively, only one index of drawings shall be included,
containing a list of all sheets within the drawing package.
• Navigation of the drawing sheets during a digital review is generally enhanced when working with a
single file as opposed to multiple volumes.
*Note that DAS Procurement requirements for Contract Document packaging at bid solicitation may differ.
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DAS Construction Services
Project Manual PDF Requirements
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Per CPM Section 5.1 Project Manual Information, specifically Section 5.1.1.9.2.5, Bookmarks are
required to be placed on the assembled PDF Project Manual.
• Bookmarks shall have a hierarchal
arrangement by Division, then by
Section.
• Bookmarks below the section
level are not permitted.
• Bookmarks shall be saved as full page,
zoom-fitted view.
• Clicking a bookmark should not
display a zoomed-in portion of
destination page.
The Project Manual shall be assembled into
a single PDF per CPM Section 5.1.1.9.2.4.
Do not separate into multiple volumes.
*Note that DAS Procurement requirements
for Contract Document packaging at bid
solicitation may differ.
DAS CS Contract Drawings and Project Manuals shall include or adhere to the below information and
requirements. These topics represent some of the more common sources of error.
The information provided is intended to serve as additional assistance, not as a comprehensive set of DAS
requirements.
Click on any
requirement
listed to see
more
information.
Listing of three (3) manufacturers, basis-of-design products, and the term “or-equal”
Prohibited use of the terms “new” and “proposed”
Clarification of the term “by others”
Avoiding terms which refer exclusively to another discipline for specific work/items
Use of “similar” or “sim” details
Project-specific specifications at Contract Document Phase
Utility incentive program participation
Code and Statutory Requirements
DAS Construction Services General
Contract Document Requirements
Contact DAS Technical
Services for Assistance
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Refer to Consultant's Procedure Manual (CPM) Section 5.4.1 regarding the listing of at least three equal
products from separate manufacturers when specifying a basis-of-design (BOD).
Per Section 5.4.3.3, the use of “or approved equal” terminology is not permitted within the Contract
Documents. Substitution procedures for products other than those listed are defined in DAS Division 01
Specification 01 25 00.
The use of a performance specification that does not identify any specific manufacturer is an acceptable
alternative to listing a BOD.
Click on any
requirement
listed to see
more
information.
Listing of three (3) manufacturers, basis-of-design products, and the term “or-equal”
Prohibited use of the terms “new” and “proposed”
Clarification of the term “by others”
Avoiding terms which refer exclusively to another discipline for specific work/items
Use of “similar” or “sim” details
Project-specific specifications at Contract Document Phase
Utility incentive program participation
Code and Statutory Requirements
DAS Construction Services:
Basis-of-Design Products
Contact DAS Technical
Services for Assistance
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Per CPM Section 3.5.0.6, do not use the terms “new” or “proposed” to describe Contract work.
All work depicted in the contract documents is assumed new and included unless clearly identified as
“existing” or “not in contract (NIC)”. Thus, it is imperative to clearly note or otherwise identify all items
that are existing.
The term “proposed” suggests that an item is merely for consideration or discussion and therefore unclear
whether it is intended to be included in the Contract work.
Click on any
requirement
listed to see
more
information.
Listing of three (3) manufacturers, basis-of-design products, and the term “or-equal”
Prohibited use of the terms “new” and “proposed”
Clarification of the term “by others”
Avoiding terms which refer exclusively to another discipline for specific work/items
Use of “similar” or “sim” details
Project-specific specifications at Contract Document Phase
Utility incentive program participation
Code and Statutory Requirements
DAS Construction Services:
Prohibited Use of “New” & “Proposed”
Contact DAS Technical
Services for Assistance
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Per CPM Section 3.5.0.6, note the specific responsible party when work is to be performed “by others”.
This term can introduce confusion if the intent is not well established. Further define and clarify whether
the work or item is included within the Contract and therefore the ultimate responsibility of the General
Contractor, or concurrent with, but not part of the contract work, etc. Provide additional specific
information as needed regarding any required coordination.
Click on any
requirement
listed to see
more
information.
Listing of three (3) manufacturers, basis-of-design products, and the term “or-equal”
Prohibited use of the terms “new” and “proposed”
Clarification of the term “by others”
Avoiding terms which refer exclusively to another discipline for specific work/items
Use of “similar” or “sim” details
Project-specific specifications at Contract Document Phase
Utility incentive program participation
Code and Statutory Requirements
DAS Construction Services:
Clarification of the term “By Others”
Contact DAS Technical
Services for Assistance
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Per CPM Section 3.5.0.6, avoid terms which refer exclusively to another discipline for that scope of work.
The construction Contract is between the owner and the General Contractor (GC). Therefore, the Contract
Documents are the owner’s instruction to the GC, who is ultimately responsible for all work and the
means and methods used to accomplish the construction. Assigning work execution responsibility to a
subcontractor could circumvent the GC’s means and methods responsibility.
In addition, scope may be inadvertently left out of the final bid, and/or out of construction as other
related disciplines may not be aware of the work or item(s).
Click on any
requirement
listed to see
more
information.
Listing of three (3) manufacturers, basis-of-design products, and the term “or-equal”
Prohibited use of the terms “new” and “proposed”
Clarification of the term “by others”
Avoiding terms which refer exclusively to another discipline for specific work/items
Use of “similar” or “sim” details
Project-specific specifications at Contract Document Phase
Utility incentive program participation
Code and Statutory Requirements
DAS Construction Services:
References to Other Disciplines
Contact DAS Technical
Services for Assistance
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Per CPM Section 3.5.0.6, when referencing details and noting “similar” or “sim” construction, clearly
identify the differences to the detail such that the designer’s intent is accurately conveyed to the
constructor with minimal risk of varying interpretation.
Click on any
requirement
listed to see
more
information.
Listing of three (3) manufacturers, basis-of-design products, and the term “or-equal”
Prohibited use of the terms “new” and “proposed”
Clarification of the term “by others”
Avoiding terms which refer exclusively to another discipline for specific work/items
Use of “similar” or “sim” details
Project-specific specifications at Contract Document Phase
Utility incentive program participation
Code and Statutory Requirements
DAS Construction Services:
Use of Similar Details
Contact DAS Technical
Services for Assistance
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Per CPM Section 3.5.0.6 and 3.5.3.1, final specifications shall be individually tailored to the project scope,
fully developed, and complete. Include all needed information yet limited to that which is project specific.
Edit all specification language from master guides and writing software to be concise, avoiding ambiguity
from unnecessary information and requirements. Canned manufacture’s language and specifications are
not acceptable.
Click on any
requirement
listed to see
more
information.
Listing of three (3) manufacturers, basis-of-design products, and the term “or-equal”
Prohibited use of the terms “new” and “proposed”
Clarification of the term “by others”
Avoiding terms which refer exclusively to another discipline for specific work/items
Use of “similar” or “sim” details
Project-specific specifications at Contract Document Phase
Utility incentive program participation
Code and Statutory Requirements
DAS Construction Services:
Project-Specific Specifications
Contact DAS Technical
Services for Assistance
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CPM Section 3.4.4 describes energy conscious design standards and requirements. DAS actively
participates in the numerous utility programs available that provide financial incentives for energy efficient
equipment and systems incorporated into construction and renovation projects.
Consultants shall participate in all programs applicable to the specific project. This requires early
Consultant coordination with the utilities, attendance at all related meetings, and providing all data and
analysis requested by the utilities to ensure the maximum incentive for the State is realized.
Click on any
requirement
listed to see
more
information.
Listing of three (3) manufacturers, basis-of-design products, and the term “or-equal”
Prohibited use of the terms “new” and “proposed”
Clarification of the term “by others”
Avoiding terms which refer exclusively to another discipline for specific work/items
Use of “similar” or “sim” details
Project-specific specifications at Contract Document Phase
Utility incentive program participation
Code and Statutory Requirements
DAS Construction Services:
Utility Incentive Program Participation
Contact DAS Technical
Services for Assistance
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DAS CS Contract Drawings shall include or adhere to the below
Code and Statutory information and requirements.
Click on any
requirement
listed to see
more
information.
Delegated Designs
Building Information for Code Analysis
Energy Code Information Requirements
Fire-Flow Test Data
Digital Seals and Signatures
DAS Construction Services
Code and Statutory Requirements
Contact DAS Technical
Services for Assistance
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CPM Section 5.5 defines Delegated Design, Design-assist, and Deferred Submittals. The use of a delegated
design results in deferred submittals. The Building Official can not review or approve deferred submittals
under the original permit as they are not yet available during the permit application.
The Consultant shall submit Department Form 3050 “Delegated Design Approval” as a deliverable at the
conclusion of the DD Phase. The purpose of this document is to identify to the Building Official those
items of the Contract which will require post-permit review, as well as allow for DAS review of the
proposed list of items.
The Code Sheet within the Contract Documents shall include the final approved list of deferred submittals.
Click on any
requirement
listed to see
more
information.
Delegated Designs
Building Information for Code Analysis
Energy Code Information Requirements
Fire-Flow Test Data
Digital Seals and Signatures
DAS Codes and Statutes:
Delegated Designs
Contact DAS Technical
Services for Assistance
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The Building Information for Code Analyses Form 3011 shall be completed at the SD phase, and its
information (not the Form itself) shall be included on the Code Sheet within the Drawings.
Refer to CPM Sections 3.4.1.2 and 3.5.1.11 for more information.
Click on any
requirement
listed to see
more
information.
Delegated Designs
Building Information for Code Analysis
Energy Code Information Requirements
Fire-Flow Test Data
Digital Seals and Signatures
DAS Codes and Statutes:
Building Information Form
Contact DAS Technical
Services for Assistance
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DAS Codes and Statutes:
Energy Code Information Requirements
The Drawings shall include a statement describing the compliance path(s) used to meet applicable energy
and sustainable construction code requirements. In addition, include a summary of the methods used and
results of applicable code required heating and cooling calculations and associated equipment sizing that
clearly demonstrates such compliance.
Refer to CPM Sections 3.4.1.7, 3.5.1.11 and the adopted model energy and sustainability codes for more
information.
Click on any
requirement
listed to see
more
information.
Delegated Designs
Building Information for Code Analysis
Energy Code Information Requirements
Fire-Flow Test Data
Digital Seals and Signatures
Contact DAS Technical
Services for Assistance
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For applicable projects defined in CPM Section 4.1.2, obtain the latest available water flow test
information from the local water authority for use in the design of fire protection systems during, or
before, the end of schematic design.
Include flow test data on the Fire Protection Drawings’ note sheet per CPM Sections 3.5.3.8.
Click on any
requirement
listed to see
more
information.
Delegated Designs
Building Information for Code Analysis
Energy Code Information Requirements
Fire-Flow Test Data
Digital Seals and Signatures
DAS Codes and Statutes:
Fire-Flow Test Data
Contact DAS Technical
Services for Assistance
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Refer to, and ensure compliance with, State Statute Sec. 20-289-7a Seals regarding architectural seals and
permitted digital versions defined in part (d).
Note that all design firms shall comply; each providing digital certification, with the Architect of Record
providing final signature.
Click on any
requirement
listed to see
more
information.
Delegated Designs
Building Information for Code Analysis
Energy Code Information Requirements
Fire-Flow Test Data
Digital Seals and Signatures
DAS Codes and Statutes:
Digital Seals and Signatures
Contact DAS Technical
Services for Assistance
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