capitolati

Capitolati is the plural form of capitolato, a term used in Italy to denote the set of technical and administrative specifications that accompany tender documents for construction, infrastructure, or supply contracts. They establish the framework within which bidders must design and execute the work, describing the scope, performance requirements, and expected quality.

A capitolato typically details the scope of work, required materials and products, workmanship standards, and execution methods. It specifies quality and safety standards, references norms (such as UNI, EN, CEI), and defines tests, commissioning procedures, and acceptance criteria. It also covers project timing, delivery schedules, penalties for non-compliance, and payment terms. Environmental and safety requirements, as well as documentation and warranty provisions, are commonly included. The capitolato may be organized into a technical portion and a contractual portion, and it is often complemented by drawings, a bill of quantities, and general conditions of contract.

Types and structure commonly seen in practice include a capitolato tecnico (technical specifications) that focuses on performance, quality, and material requirements, and, in public procurement, a capitolato speciale d'appalto or other specialized capitolati that tailor the document to the contract type. These documents can be part of a broader procurement package that also includes the project design, execution planning, and procurement rules.

Legal and procedural context: in Italy, capitolati are binding on bidders when included in tender documents and are governed by the Codice dei contratti pubblici. They aim to ensure transparency and uniform evaluation, reduce ambiguities, and align the contractor's execution with regulatory and project-specific requirements.