For contractor entitlement, what are the two determinations?

• A. First determination: adequacy of contract documents to identify the claim; Second: timing of the claim
• B. First: amount of claim; Second: length of project
• C. First: who is responsible for payment; Second: change order value
• D. First: owner approval; Second: contractor performance

Answer: (A)

The main idea here is understanding what must be established before a contractor can be entitled to compensation. For entitlement, there are two key determinations: first, whether the contract documents adequately identify the claim—i.e., does the contract provide a basis for recognizing the change, delay, or condition that justifies a claim; and second, whether the claim was made within the required time frame—i.e., was the claim timely under notice and filing deadlines in the contract. If the documents don’t clearly identify the claim, or if the claim isn’t timely, entitlement can be denied regardless of merit. The other options mix amounts, durations, or approvals, which come after entitlement is established and do not define the two core determinations.