On March 18, 2026, California LTAP (CALTAP) and the Caltrans Division of Local Assistance (DLA), in partnership with APWA Sacramento, presented a 1-hour Lunch 'n Learn on the Change Order (CO) process for public works construction projects.

A change order is a legally binding document used to make changes to the original construction contract through negotiated agreements that affect cost, time, design, or specification requirements. Any change to approved plans or specifications, or the addition of work, must be covered by a change order.

This short training covered when and why to issue COs, how to write effective COs and memorandums, the proper use of standard clauses, the approval process, and documentation best practices including common high-risk errors. The webinar focused on Chapter 16.10 of the Local Assistance Procedures Manual (LAPM) and references authority described in California Standard Specifications Section 4-1.05 and Greenbook Section 3.

Webinar Topics:

• When & why to issue COs in your project
• How to write a CO & CO memorandum
• Use of Specification & CO standard clauses
• Review of the CO template & approval process
• Documenting, best practices, high-risk errors

Instructor:

• Muhammad Rahman, Construction Oversight Engineer, North Districts 4 & 10, Caltrans
  
  

Watch the recording below or click to access the presentation slides