---
title: "What A Week! | Reference Standards: Say it Once. Say it in the Right Place."
description: A clear, practical discussion on reference standards in specifications—where they belong, why dates create risk, and how to reduce RFIs and conflicts.
---

[Deliberate Words Podcast | conspectusinc.com ](https://www.conspectusinc.com/deliberate-words-podcast)

# [What A Week! | Reference Standards: Say it Once. Say it in the Right Place.](https://www.conspectusinc.com/deliberate-words-podcast/reference-standards)

 Written by [Elias Saltz, Steve Gantner, David Stutzman](https://www.conspectusinc.com/deliberate-words-podcast/author/elias-saltz-steve-gantner-david-stutzman) | January 26, 2026 at 8:02 PM

 

In this episode, Dave Stutzman, Steve Gantner, and Elias Saltz tackle a deceptively simple question that carries real contractual risk: *Where should reference standards live in the specifications, and should they be dated?  *Reference standards belong in **Part 2 of the technical sections**, not in consolidated lists. Avoid listing dates unless a specific edition is required by code. Rely on **Division 01 Quality Requirements** to govern which standards apply. Saying things once, in the right place, reduces conflicts, RFIs, and unnecessary risk.

# Learning Points

- **Industry insight:** Reference standards create more risk through duplication and dating than through omission when they are not placed intentionally.
- **Practice takeaway:** Keep reference standards in Part 2 of technical sections and let Division 01 govern applicability to avoid conflicts.
- **Process lesson:** Saying things once, in the right place, is the simplest way to improve clarity and reduce downstream rework.
- **Risk or opportunity:** Eliminating dated, consolidated reference lists reduces RFIs and protects the contract from unnecessary ambiguity.
- **People & culture:** Good specifications reflect disciplined thinking, shared responsibility, and respect for how teams actually use the documents.

[View full post](https://www.conspectusinc.com/deliberate-words-podcast/reference-standards)

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