Orange Book
The Regional Transportation Commission (RTC) of Washoe County is currently leading an update to the Standard Specifications for Public Works Construction (Orange Book). This update aims to incorporate current industry standards, advancements in technology, best practices, and policy changes to enhance the quality and efficiency of public works projects in the region. This effort is being guided by a Specifications Review Committee (SRC), which has been formed to study and recommend appropriate changes. The SRC consists of representatives from RTC Washoe, City of Reno, Washoe County, and City of Sparks. Lumos & Associates will be assisting the RTC and serve as an extension of the SRC in the planning, process, communication, coordination, compilation, and document control for this effort.
Orange Book Update Process
Done.
- Compare 2012 (REV. 8) editions to determine beneficial updates (In Process)
- Establishing a new baseline document by integrating relevant sections from the 2016 Revision 9 edition into the 2012 Revision 8 document. (In Process)
- Identify outdated sections, gaps and areas needing improvement. (In Process)
- Create a prioritized list of specifications needing revision.
- Conduct industry outreach (AGC, BANN, consultants) for feedback.
- Finalize the update list based on impact, urgency and stakeholder input.
- Form subcommittees with Subject Matter Experts (SMEs)
- Conduct research on the latest standards and best practices.
- Draft specification updates aligned with re-baseline formatting.
- Internal review by SRC and key partners.
- Address discrepancies and ensure alignment with industry needs.
- Reach consensus and approve draft updates.
- Distribute draft updates to contractors, agencies and industry groups.
- Gather feedback and revise drafts based on input.
- Conduct a final review and secure SRC approval.
- Documents changes and create a summary report.
- Publish the final document on official platforms
- Communicate changes to industry partners through summaries and presentations.
- Provide training and support for adoption.
- Track implementation and collect feedback.
- Maintain a continuous improvement process with updates every five years.
We encourage local agency partners, contractors, engineering consultants, and material suppliers to actively participate in shaping the Orange Book update. Below are several ways to contribute:
- Document Proposed Changes and Updates
Help identify outdated sections, gaps, or areas needing improvement by submitting recommendations for consideration.
- Identify Needed Changes – Review existing specifications and suggest updates based on new technologies, best practices, or policy changes.
- Utilize the Comment Matrix – A standardized Comment Matrix is available to track and organize input. Click HERE to download the Comment Matrix and document your proposed revisions. Email your completed matrices to Amanda Callegari at acallegari@rtcwashoe.com.
- Provide Feedback on Prioritized Updates
As the SRC reviews input and establishes a prioritized list of updates, industry partners will have opportunities to provide feedback on which revisions should take priority and be implemented in this update.
- Participate in Subcommittees & Collaborate with Subject Matter Experts (SMEs)
The update process includes subcommittees focused on specific technical areas. Industry professionals with expertise in materials, construction methods, ITS, and related fields are encouraged to join.
- Subcommittees will draft updates for various sections, ensuring proposed changes are practical and beneficial.
- Review & Provide Comments on Draft Specification Updates
Once draft revisions to the Orange Book are prepared, they will be circulated for industry review and feedback. This is a crucial opportunity to ensure clarity, feasibility, and effectiveness before finalization.
Anticipated Schedule
- Now – March 2026: Collect industry comments on Sections 100, 200, and 300.
- April 2026 – July 2026: Begin updates and enhancements with ongoing stakeholder input.
Stay Connected
- Visit RTC Washoe’s Orange Book page for updates and meeting schedules.
- Email acallegari@rtcwashoe.com to submit feedback or request participation in subcommittees.
Your contributions are critical to ensuring that the Orange Book remains a reliable and effective resource for the industry. We appreciate your engagement and look forward to working together!
General Orange Book Information
The purpose of the Orange Book is to fulfill the need for uniform rules governing public works construction performed in Churchill County, Carson City, the Cities of Reno and Sparks, the City of Yerington, and Washoe County. Uniform specifications help to eliminate conflicts and confusion, lower construction costs, and encourage more competitive bidding by private contractors. The Standard Specifications for Public Works Construction book was first published in 1978, and it has proven to be an invaluable document to its users.
These specifications represent the highest level of professional thinking of representatives from the Public Works Departments. As construction materials and methods are ever-changing, this document is revised and republished periodically to reflect the changing technology of the industry.
Orange Books are available for purchase at the RTC building, located at 1105 Terminal Way. The cost of the Orange Book is $40 if purchased at the RTC building. You can have it mailed to you; the cost is an additional $5 per book, or you can supply your own FedEx or UPS account number and the shipping will be directly billed to your shipping account. Cash, checks, money orders, and purchase orders are the only acceptable payment for the Orange Book. Credit and ATM cards are not accepted at this time. For questions relating to the purchase of the Orange Book, call (775) 348-0171.
There is no cost to download the Orange Book; however, the Orange Book will take up to 15 minutes to download onto your computer.
**IMPORTANT NOTE**
It’s come to the RTC’s attention that the 2016 Version of the Orange Book may not be utilized on all projects by the local jurisdictions. Interested parties should check with the local jurisdiction of where your project is located to determine whether the 2012 Version or 2016 Version will be used. We apologize for any confusion. Thank you.
2012 STANDARD SPECIFICATIONS FOR PUBLIC WORKS CONSTRUCTION REVISION 8
Reno, Sparks and Washoe County have accepted sections 202, 206, 311, 312, 313 & 314 of the 2016 Standard Specifications for Public Works Construction (SSPWC) changes that were approved by the Orange Book Committee. These sections represent primarily the Concrete sections and have been incorporated into the 2012 Standard Specifications for Public Works Construction (SSPWC) as Revision 8.
