UFC 1-300-02
23 MARCH 2001
Change 3
24 November 2003
2-3.1
Mood, Tense, and Voice. In general, use the imperative mood (e.g., install
equipment) except when clarity requires the use of the indicative mood (e.g., equipment
shall be). The term "shall" is used to indicate mandatory contract requirements on the
part of the contractor. The term "will" is used to indicate contract requirements to be
performed by the Government. Use "can" and "may" to permit choice and identify
guidance. Do not use the word "should" in the specification text. The word "should"
may be used in the Notes to indicate desirable procedures that are advisory in nature.
Do not use the term "furnish" unless only delivery of material to the site is required. Use
"provide" to mean "furnish and install."
2-3.2
Abbreviations and Acronyms. Use of abbreviations and acronyms must
follow the practices within the discipline involved and should be defined at their first use
in a section. At the first use, write out the term completely and follow with the
abbreviation or acronym in parentheses. Use abbreviations for units such as psi, cfm,
and kW and be consistent in their use.
2-3.3
Units. Spell out numbers under 10, except units of time and measurement,
and use numerals for numbers 10 and above. Dimensions are always presented as
numerals, but "one" and "zero" are always spelled out when used singly. Do not repeat
a spelled-out figure with a numeral in parentheses.
2-3.4
Terminology. Avoid the use of colloquial terms or jargon. For example, do
not use "bulkhead" for wall, "deck" for floor, or "head" for toilet. Eliminate redundant and
superfluous wording such as "conforming to," "all," and "type." Avoid the use of
indefinite items such as "etc.," "any," and "and/or." Avoid the use of vague words and
phrases or escape clauses such as "as may be required," "as necessary," "an approved
type," "as approved/directed/determined by the Contracting Officer," "first class
workmanship," "securely," "thoroughly," "suitable," "properly," "good working order,"
"neatly," "carefully," and "installed in a neat and workmanlike manner." Avoid the use of
long, compound or hyphenated words such as "hereinbefore" and "hereinafter."
2-3.5
Symbols. Avoid the use of symbols. Never use an apostrophe (') for foot, a
quotation mark (") for inch, a degree symbol () for degree, or a numeric symbol (#) for
pound in subpart text. Spell out or abbreviate such items. However, symbols may be
used when both feet and inches are in a dimension (e.g. 8'-8") and in tables. Avoid the
use of exponents, subscripts, or superscripts. Spell out such items.
2-3.6
Pronouns. Avoid the use of pronouns "he," "his," "this," "they," "their," "who,"
"it," and "which." Pronouns should be used sparingly if at all; it is usually better to
repeat the noun.
2-3.7
Capitalization. Capitalize "Contractor," "Contracting Officer," "Government,"
and "Contract" in specifications. The term "Contracting Officer" shall be used rather
than the terms "Officer in Charge of Construction," "Contracting Officer Representative,"
2-4
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