The British Standards Institute defines Plain Language Questions (PLQs) as:

Questions asked of the supply chain by the employer to inform decision-making at key stages of an asset life cycle or project from PAS 1992-3.A request for information that is expressed in simple, easy to understand terms from BS 8536-1.

Essentially each stage in a plan of work will be supported by a sequence of high level questions which establish in clear, non-technical language the data and/or information that a client requires at a particular project stage to inform their business decisions such as whether to proceed to the next work stage or not will be made based upon the answers to these questions.

During a typical construction projects high amounts of data and information are exchanged. The use of PLQs help organisations identify their minimum information requirements at each stage and ensure it is mapped to the business process.

Examples PLQs for this stage are listed below:

Are we still on programme?
4D Model, Critical path programme, resource matrix, s-curve
How will the proposals be communicated to the client?
A model with separate layers for structure and services compliant with specified Standards. Ability to provide 3D “walk through” presentation from the primary model. Schedule of facilities included within the development. Generic simulation results for the services philosophy and schedules demonstrating that the brief will be met by the resulting development.
If the works are an addition or refurbishment, how are they to be integrated and coordinated with existing services?
3D survey of existing services and interfaces.
Are there any conditions/burderns attached to the preferred site?
Site Investigation, Acquisitions, Site ownership Report / Section 75 agreements
Does the current design meet the functional requirements?
Fly through, 3D models, Area reconciliation, Simulations and analyis, aftercare survey, test certificates
Has the procurement strategy been defined and algned with the information strategy?
Procurement strategy, conditions of funding, aligned Employers Information Requirements.
Has the SFT BIM Guidance been implemented?
Completed checklist, EIRs issued, BIM Grading Tool Report, Return on Investment Tool Dashboard.

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Plain Language Questions