News and Views

All ConsensusDOCS Articles

ConsensusDOCS Releases Green Building Addendum

Tuesday, November 10, 2009

ConsensusDOCS today released the construction industry's first and only comprehensive standard contract document addressing the unique risks and responsibilities associated with building green projects - the ConsensusDOCS 310 Green Building Addendum.

Stakeholders on green building projects will benefit by using the new ConsensusDOCS 310 Green Building Addendum because it incorporates contractual best practices to identify the project participants' roles and responsibilities, as well as the implementation and coordination efforts critical to achieving a successful project using green building elements.  It was drafted to work well not only with the other ConsensusDOCS contract documents, but also with other form contracts.

This new ConsensusDOCS Green Building Addendum, as well as every document in the ConsensusDOCS family, was developed through a collaborative team of professionals representing every part of the construction process, including owners, contractors, designers, subcontractors and sureties.

ConsensusDOCS offers a catalog of 90+ standard contract documents addressing all project delivery methods.  AGC members receive a 20% discount on all ConsensusDOCS purchases.

Please visit http://www.agc.org/contracts or contact Meghan McLellan (mclellanm@agc.org or 703-837-5417) for more information about ConsensusDOCS products.

Free ConsensusDOCS Webinar

Tuesday, September 22, 2009

Whether you are a current subscriber to ConsensusDOCS standard construction contract documents or not, you can benefit from learning why more and more people are using ConsensusDOCS as their contractual foundation.

On September 28, 2009, from 2:00 to 3:30 p.m. ET, AGC will host a free ConsensusDOCS webinar titled, "Why Owners Choose ConsensusDOCS Over AIA".  Our panel of experts will compare and contrast select AIA documents.  They will also discuss the benefits of using ConsensusDOCS standard construction contract documents to help save you time and money.  After a 60-minute presentation, you will have an opportunity to ask the panelists questions.

Register today for this free webinar sponsored by AGC. For more information, contact Megan McGarvey at mcgarveym@agc.org or 703-837-5369.

Free ConsensusDOCS Upgrade

Tuesday, September 22, 2009

In June 2009, ConsensusDOCS released 11 new standard construction contract documents, including a federal subcontract (the first and only standard document in the industry).  Current subscribers won't want to miss out on the free ConsensusDOCS upgrade to access the new documents (depending upon your subscription package).

New ConsensusDOCS documents:

235 - Short Form Agreement Between Owner and Contractor

725 - Agreement Between Subcontractor and Subsubcontractor

752 - Subcontract Agreement for Use on Federal Government Construction Projects

481 & 482 - Design-Build Certificates of Substantial and Final Completion

781 & 782 - Subcontract Certificates of Substantial and Final Completion

812 & 813 - Trade Contract Change Orders

814 & 815 - Trade Contract Certificates of Substantial and Final Completion

In direct response to customer feedback, the new release also incorporates a software feature allowing users to choose whether or not to print the ConsensusDOCS endorsing organization logo box on their contracts. If you haven't already done so, upgrade today by visiting the ConsensusDOCS powered by DocuBuilder 6.3 Download Center.

For more information, contact Carrie Ciliberto at (703) 837-5367 or cilibertoc@agc.org.

The ConsensusDOCS 752 Federal Subcontract

Tuesday, September 22, 2009

ConsensusDOCS recently released the first and only federal subcontract agreement designed specifically for federal government construction projects.  The release is especially timely in light of increased federal government construction activity, as well as implementation of new rules including E-Verify.  The ConsensusDOCS 752 - Subcontract for Federal Government Construction Projects is designed to help contractors and subcontractors comply with complex federal laws and regulations.

The ConsensusDOCS Federal Subcontract is the only standard agreement that addresses new terms and conditions essential to comply with the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR).  Even seasoned federal government contractors, but especially those new to the federal market, should consider using ConsensusDOCS when subcontracting federal work.  The 752 subcontract addresses E-Verify, Ethics Compliance, Federal Prompt Pay Act and much more.  ConsensusDOCS even provides users a sample exhibit regarding required FAR flow-down provisions.

Order Today.  To download an excerpted sample document, please visit the AGC Bookstore. For more information, contact Carrie Ciliberto at (703) 837-5367 or cilibertoc@agc.org.

Free Podcast from ConsensusDOCS

Wednesday, August 19, 2009

ConsensusDOCS is pleased to provide a free podcast regarding the NEW ConsensusDOCS 725 - Standard Agreement Between Subcontractor and Subsubcontractor. The first and only standard agreement designed specifically for subsubcontracting needs.  The ConsensusDOCS 725 includes provisions that are well suited to the somewhat simpler relationships that subcontractors typically share with subsubcontractors:

§  Six-page agreement that excludes unnecessary provisions

§  Similar terms to upstream agreements on important items such as timing of payment

§  Flexible provisions for the incorporation of exhibits and other documents

Please visit http://www.ConsensusDOCS.org/podcasts/news_podcasts.html to download this free podcast.

ConsensusDOCS are the only standard contract documents endorsed by 23 leading construction industry associations.  For more information on ConsensusDOCS, please visit http://www.AGC.org/cs/contracts or contact Carrie Ciliberto at cilibertoc@agc.org or (703) 837-5367.

ConsensusDOCS Welcomes CFMA As Newest Endorser

Wednesday, August 19, 2009

The Construction Financial Management Association (CFMA) is the latest endorser of ConsensusDOCS standard construction contract documents, bringing the total number to 23 leading construction industry organizations.

CFMA is the only nonprofit organization dedicated to serving the construction financial professional.  Established in 1981, CFMA's General Members include contractors, developers, construction managers, architects, engineers, principals, and material and equipment suppliers.

For more information on ConsensusDOCS, please visit the AGC Web site - Contract Documents Page or contact Carrie Ciliberto at cilibertoc@agc.org or (703) 837-5367.

Receive a Free ConsensusDOCS Reference Kit CD

Tuesday, July 28, 2009

There's still time to sign up for the August 5 ConsensusDOCS Introducing the Subsubcontract Webinar, and the first 50 registrants will receive a free ConsensusDOCS Reference Kit CD (retail value of $199)!

On August 5from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. EDT, ConsensusDOCS will host a webinar titled, Introducing the Subsubcontract.  The expert panel will explain the new ConsensusDOCS 725, the industry's first and only standard agreement designed specifically for use between a subcontractor and subsubcontractor.  The panelists will discuss the unique benefits and challenges of using a simplified agreement to help you understand provisions that are well suited to the somewhat simpler relationships that subcontractors typically share with subsubcontractors, including:

  • Value in adopting a fair form agreement tailored to the subsubcontract relationship;
  • Flexible provisions for the incorporation of exhibits and other documents; and
  • Coordinating flow-down clauses and payment terms with other Upstream Agreements.

AGC members pay just $99 ($229 retail price).  For more information, contact Megan McGarvey at mcgarveym@agc.org or 703-837-5369.

New Help on Adhering to Federal Regulations

Tuesday, July 14, 2009

Adhering to federal contractual requirements can be complicated as any subcontract or purchase order must follow the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) requirements.  To assist in that effort, ConsensusDOCS has created a guidance document to its newly published 752 Standard Subcontract for Federal Construction Projects.   

The sample exhibit of FAR requirements for federal construction work references more than 50 FAR requirements, and was written for use in conjunction with the ConsensusDOCS 752, specifically section 12.14.  Any contractor considering subcontract work should consider the new ConsensusDOCS standard subcontract and corresponding guidance document as a helpful tool.  

More information can be found at www.consensusdocs.org.

Upcoming ConsensusDOCS Webinars

Friday, June 12, 2009

Ready How to Make BIM Work & Navigate the Legal Concerns
June 24, 2009 1:00 - 2:30 ET

Building Information Modeling (BIM) is a powerful tool that is transforming the design and construction industry. Owners, Architects and Contractors are tapping into BIM as a competitive advantage to increase project efficiency and improve overall results. The biggest obstacle for many, however, is navigating the legal issues involved with BIM.

Hear firsthand from an Owner, Architect and Contractor on how they have dealt with the legal ramifications of moving into a 3-D world of design and construction and how the ConsensusDOCS 301 BIM Addendum addresses these risk allocation and administration issues as the first standard BIM contract document. 

Learn more at www.AGC.org/BIMweb.

Are You Ready to Contract for Federal Projects?
July 9, 2009  1:00 - 2:00 pm ET

Federal Contracting isn't easy and neither are the contracts.  The ConsensusDOCS 752 is the first and only standard subcontract agreement for Federal construction projects that is compliant with the most recent contracting requirements and practices found in the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR).  The new ConsensusDOCS 752 will be used as a guide to help explain:

  • Ethics compliance
  • Federal Prompt Pay Act
  • FAR flow-down provisions

For those new to Federal Contracting or those who need a clearer understanding on Federal Contracting Contracts.  Learn more at www.AGC.org/FARwebinar.

New ConsensusDOCS Contract Documents Released

Friday, June 12, 2009

ConsensusDOCS released 11 new standard construction contract documents (bringing the catalog total to 90+ documents addressing all project delivery methods) last week.  In direct response to customer feedback, the new release will also incorporate a software feature allowing you to choose whether or not to print the ConsensusDOCS logo box on your contracts. 

There is no charge for existing subscribers to upgrade to ConsensusDOCS powered by DocuBuilder v6.3.  An email with download instructions will be sent to all subscribers. 

Please contact Carrie Ciliberto at  703-837-5367 or cilibertoc@agc.org for additional information.