Notice to Proceed (NTP)

A notice to proceed (NTP) is the formal, written authorization an owner gives a contractor to begin work on a project. It marks the official start of construction and, usually, the start of the contract time.

The NTP typically follows contract execution and any preconditions like permits, insurance, or bonds. From its date, the schedule — and any deadline tied to liquidated damages — begins to run.

Because it starts the clock, the NTP is the moment the estimate and schedule stop being planning documents and become commitments. Having those grounded and ready before it lands is part of the preconstruction discipline Quotr supports.

For contractors, the NTP is the green light to mobilize and start billing. For owners, it is the control point that keeps work from starting before everything is in place.