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:

1. 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Help identify outdated sections, gaps, or areas needing improvement by submitting recommendations for consideration.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.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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 – May 31, 2025: Collect industry comments on Sections 100, 200, and 300.
• June 2025 & Beyond: 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!

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.