Notice to Proceed

Term from Contracting industry explained for recruiters

A Notice to Proceed (NTP) is an official document that gives a contractor permission to start work on a project. Think of it like a green light that tells everyone "it's time to begin." This document is very important in construction and government contracts because it marks the official start date of a project and sets the schedule for when things need to be completed. When you see this term in resumes, it usually shows that the person has experience with formal contract processes and project management.

Examples in Resumes

Managed 15 projects from Notice to Proceed to completion, all delivered on schedule

Coordinated with clients to obtain Notice to Proceed documentation for $5M worth of construction projects

Successfully processed and tracked multiple NTP documents for government contracts

Typical job title: "Contract Managers"

Also try searching for:

Project Manager Construction Manager Contract Administrator Project Coordinator Construction Project Manager Contract Specialist Procurement Manager

Example Interview Questions

Senior Level Questions

Q: How do you handle delays in receiving a Notice to Proceed that might affect project timelines?

Expected Answer: A senior professional should explain their process for managing schedule impacts, communicating with stakeholders, and adjusting resource allocation while maintaining contractual compliance.

Q: What key elements do you verify before issuing a Notice to Proceed?

Expected Answer: They should mention checking contract signatures, insurance certificates, permits, bonds, project schedule, and ensuring all pre-construction requirements are met.

Mid Level Questions

Q: What documentation do you typically prepare alongside a Notice to Proceed?

Expected Answer: Should discuss project schedules, site access documents, safety plans, and initial project meeting minutes.

Q: How do you track multiple Notices to Proceed for different projects?

Expected Answer: Should explain their system for organizing project documents, tracking start dates, and managing project timelines.

Junior Level Questions

Q: What is a Notice to Proceed and why is it important?

Expected Answer: Should explain that it's the official authorization to begin work and its importance in setting project start dates and deadlines.

Q: What basic information should be included in a Notice to Proceed?

Expected Answer: Should mention project name, start date, contractor information, scope of work, and authorized signatures.

Experience Level Indicators

Junior (0-2 years)

  • Basic contract document processing
  • Project documentation filing
  • Understanding of construction timelines
  • Basic schedule tracking

Mid (2-5 years)

  • Contract document preparation
  • Project timeline management
  • Stakeholder communication
  • Multiple project coordination

Senior (5+ years)

  • Complex contract management
  • Risk assessment and mitigation
  • Team supervision
  • Strategic project planning

Red Flags to Watch For

  • No knowledge of basic contract documents
  • Unfamiliarity with construction project timelines
  • Poor understanding of project documentation requirements
  • Lack of experience with stakeholder communication

Related Terms