Standard Contract Language

Standard Contracts:  There are a variety of standard contracts used for public construction and architectural agreements.  Sometimes a public agency will use their own, specifically tailored set of documents.  Other times they will use a document or set of documents developed by an industry group, whether that is from the perspective of contractors, engineers, or architects.  

Here are some of the organizations with standard documents:

• ConsensusDOCS is a coalition of 40 associations in the design and construction industry that collaboratively develops and promotes standard form construction contract documents.

• EJCDC (Engineers Joint Contract Documents Committee) is a joint venture of the following organizations: American Council of Engineering Companies, American Society of Civil Engineers, National Society of Professional Engineers). 

• American Institute of Architects (AIA) provides standard contract documents used for construction and architectural contracts.

Cautionary note:  Public agencies should be aware that documents developed by industry groups generally have a focus on protecting the constituency that developed the documents, and don't always protect the public agency's interests as strongly as might be desired.

AIA Contracts Training:  The following provides information on upcoming training on the AIA contract documents:

• When:  Wednesday, July 31, 2013 (8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.)

• Where:  Seattle, Washington (Washington State Convention Center)

• Cost:  $359

• Instructors: 
• John P. Ahlers
• Bruce A. Cohen
• Paul R. Cressman, Jr.
• Brett M. Hill
• Scott R. Sleight

• Class Outline: 
• Overview of AIA Documents
• Key Clauses in AIA General Conditions
• Key Clauses in AIA Agreement Between Owner and Contractor
• Analysis of AIA's Design-Build Documents
• AIA Integrated Agreement Forms
• Analysis of AIA Standard Form of Agreement Between Owner and Architect

• Registration:  Click here.

Mike Purdy's Public Contracting Blog 
© 2013 by Michael E. Purdy Associates, LLC 
http://PublicContracting.blogspot.com