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.

ConsensusDOCS contracts are the first and only industry standard Design-Build construction contracts written and endorsed by owners, contractors, subcontractors, sureties and designers.  These fair contracts utilize best practices to represent the project's best interests.  Written in a straight-forward fashion to provide clarity and assist contract administration, the general conditions and agreement are integrated into one form.  Subscribe today to cover all your contracting needs including the ConsensusDOCS 301 BIM Addendum - the first and only industry standard contract to comprehensively address the legal ramifications of BIM. 

For a free excerpted sample of the ConsensusDOCS 410 Owner/Design-Build Agreement, or for additional information on the 15 ConsensusDOCS design-build documents, please visit www.ConsensusDOCS.org.

June 24, 2009 from 1:00 - 2:30 pm EST

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.

Join us June 24 to 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.

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

After May 31, the 1997 A-series documents (including the AIA A-201-1997) will no longer be available and users of AIA's contract documents software will not be able to generate licensed final versions of those documents. 

When AIA released its 2007 suite of A-series contract documents in November 2007 (AGC unanimously decided not to endorse the AIA A-201 2007), it granted users of its 1997 documents an 18-month period to "transition from retired to new documents."  Contractors that want to avoid violating AIA's licensing agreement should not offer the A401-1997 or other 1997 A-series AIA documents after that date, and should be aware that clients offering the documents after that date could breach AIA's licensing agreement. 

Switch to ConsensusDOCS today and use the only standard construction contract documents endorsed by 22 industry associations, including AGC!  AGC members receive a 20% discount on all ConsensusDOCS products when purchased through the AGC Bookstore.  If the AIA A201 is mandated, then please refer to the AGC members-only Commentary at www.AGC.org/cs/contracts.

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

In response to inquiries we received regarding how to get construction project owners to use ConsensusDOCS standard contract documents, we developed the "Top Ten Reasons Owners Should Use ConsensusDOCS" brochure.  Please feel free to distribute this electronic brochure to all owners with whom you work and to others as you deem appropriate.

Top Ten Reasons Owners Should Use ConsensusDOCS Contract Documents For Their Next Project!

• 1. Owners Sit in the Driver's Seat
• 2. Save Transactional Costs and Time
• 3. Attract the Best Contractors and Get the Best Pricing
• 4. Better Project Results
• 5. A Balanced Contract Gives Owners a Greater Role
• 6. Prevent, Mitigate and Resolve Disputes and Claims
• 7. Establish Positive Working Relationships and Direct Communications
• 8. Utilize Building Information Modeling (BIM) and Electronic Communications
• 9. IPD Agreement Takes Collaboration to a Higher Level
• 10. A Balanced Approach to Liability Exposures

For more details and a copy of the complete electronic brochure, please click here.

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

ConsensusDOCS standard contracts require project financial information upon request.  The AIA A201 (2007 edition) does not take a similar approach. In today's tough financial times, it is critical to use contracts based upon best practices and fair risk allocation.  Endorsed by national owners' groups including COAA, CURT and NASFA, ConsensusDOCS is a significant upgrade from the old standards to meet today's challenges. ConsensusDOCS even includes a balanced standard project financial questionnaire and guidance (290 and 290.1). 

Act now to receive three free recorded audio conferences about ConsensusDOCS ($687 retail value).  Members of endorsing organizations receive a 20% discount on all ConsensusDOCS' products.  For more information, please visit www.ConsensusDOCS.org.

It will cost less to get publicly-funded construction projects started in South Dakota now that Governor Mike Rounds has signed legislation authorizing the use of ConsensusDOCS, documents jointly drafted by Owners, Contractors, Subcontractors and Surety professionals who are represented by 22 leading associations, including AGC. Now state officials will be able to use the documents instead of paying attorneys to update old contracts from scratch.

"Adopting these documents will make it easier, faster and cheaper to turn good project ideas into actual construction successes," said Larry P. Zikmund, president and chief executive officer of the South Dakota Building Chapter of the Associated General Contractors. "South Dakota is showing the nation that there is a better, more efficient way to handle contracts."

The new South Dakota law, known as HB 1212, establishes the terms and conditions in the ConsensusDOCS standard contracts as a pre-approved option for use on government-funded construction projects in the state. Zikmund noted that South Dakota's action is likely to lead other states looking to save money on construction projects to follow suit.

The South Dakota Building Chapter of the Associated General Contractors of America (AGC) and AGC of South Dakota worked closely with the state officials and legislators to get the new law passed. Zikmund said the legislation was needed because South Dakota is one of a few states in the country that specifies standard construction contracts in law.

The ABA Journal, published by the American Bar Association, featured an article co-authored by Brian Perlberg, AGC's senior counsel, contracts and construction law.

Philip E. Beck, Esq., an AGC member, respected attorney and ConsensusDOCS user, recently wrote an article providing a variety of practical tips to help contractors.  Mr. Beck's article, "Tools for Tough Times - Practical Tips for Contractors Who Want to Protect Themselves Financially and Better Manage Tight Economic Conditions", is especially timely in light of the current state of the economy.  Mr. Beck provides helpful advice for all stages of the construction process, from contractual considerations to managing financial risks.  He discusses 10 specific issues that all Contractors should be sure to address in their financial risk management programs.  As Mr. Beck aptly quotes in his conclusion, "The fishermen know that the sea is dangerous and the storm in terrible, but they have never found these dangers sufficient reason for remaining ashore."  Mr. Beck's article provides Contractors with an array of useful tips to help them "navigate through the storm".

Click here to view Mr. Beck's article in its entirety.

The ConsensusDOCS Reference Kit CD-ROM provides complete samples of all 80+ industry standard contract documents.  The Kit also includes the ConsensusDOCS Commentary, which provides a useful overview of the entire catalog of consensus documents, as well as supplemental information for project specific considerations. 

ConsensusDOCS are the first and only industry standard contract documents that were written by and for the construction industry.  The documents are written in clear language that provides a superior contractual foundation by incorporating best practices and fair risk allocation.  Act now to get your copy of the ConsensusDOCS Reference Kit CD-ROM as quantities are limited.  Member price $149, non-member price $199.  www.agc.org/bookstore