What document establishes the reference date for the commencement of a project?

The Notice to Proceed is the document that establishes the reference date for the commencement of a project. This notice is typically issued by the owner or the project manager to the contractor, signifying that all preconditions have been met, and work on the project can officially begin. The date on which the notice is issued becomes the starting point for the project timeline, which is crucial for scheduling, budgeting, and overall project management.

In contrast, a Contractor Agreement outlines the terms and conditions of the contract itself but does not specify when work should begin. A Change Order modifies existing contract terms and can affect timelines or scopes but is initiated after the project has begun. The Scope of Work defines the specific tasks and deliverables that are to be completed but also does not indicate a start date for the project. Therefore, the Notice to Proceed is essential because it communicates the formal permission and timeline for the project to commence.