What is the primary purpose of a notice to proceed?

The primary purpose of a notice to proceed is to allow contractors to begin work on a project while ensuring they can expect payment for the work they undertake. This notice serves as an official communication from the project owner or manager, indicating that all preconditions for starting the project have been met, and the contractor is now authorized to commence construction activities.

The notice to proceed establishes a formal start date for the contract efforts, which is essential for coordinating schedules, mobilizing resources, and initiating project tasks that are critical for maintaining timelines. Additionally, it helps in clarifying the expectations for payment and progress reporting, enhancing the contractor's ability to manage their financial and operational planning accordingly.

In contrast, the options concerning contract signing and project end dates pertain to different stages or aspects of the project and are not directly linked to the initiation of the work. Providing the project scope is important for guiding the project but is not the primary function of the notice to proceed.