Book excerpt: The authoritative resource for the organization, preparation, use, and interpretation of construction documents encompassing the entire life cycle of a facility. This new edition considers the need for interdependent processes of design, construction and facility use. The Fifth Edition expands the scope of the manual to meet the requirements of all participants involved in a construction project in a stage-by-stage progression, including owners, A/Es, design-builders, contractors, construction managers, product representatives, financial institutions, regulatory authorities, attorneys, and facility managers. It promotes a team model for successful implementation.