WASHINGTON - ConsensusDOCS, a first-of-its-kind collaboration to publish fair and balanced standard construction contracts and forms, has released the first edition of its guidebook, which provides an overview of the main contracts and forms as well as individual highlights and possible project-specific considerations for modification.

The guidebook includes contributions by the participating endorsing associations of ConsensusDOCS and it supplements the provisions in the 72 ConsensusDOCS contracts and forms, which cover all project delivery methods and help to facilitate the use of technologies like Building Information Modeling.

“ConsensusDOCS offers the most balanced contract language for parties to negotiate and complete a construction project,” said Stephen E. Sandherr, chief executive officer of the Associated General Contractors of America (AGC). “The guidebook is another innovative approach to provide the most relevant and timely information to the respective memberships of the leading associations participating in ConsensusDOCS.”

“The guidebook is a critical component to ConsensusDOCS and will give owners a great tool to consider changes that other owners recommend. It will allow owners to review and understand the issues raised by designers, contractors, and subcontractors,” noted Jack Mumma, with the Construction Owners Association of America (COAA).

Ricardo Aparico, president of the Construction Users Roundtable (CURT), commented, “The guidebook provides a collection of supplementary information that contracting parties should carefully consider before entering into an agreement.”

“Subcontractors negotiating on the basis of the best practices reflected in the ConsensusDOCS will find the commentary in the guidebook useful for understanding their options,” said Colette Nelson, executive vice president of the American Subcontractors Association (ASA).

The recent release of the ConsensusDOCS contracts and forms, with input from associations representing owners, contractors, subcontractors, sureties, and designers, is said to be the first time that broad industry representation has had an equal voice in collaboratively drafting construction contracts. The ConsensusDOCS contracts are designed to provide fair risk allocation for all parties in the construction process. For more information or a copy of the guidebook, visit www.consensusdocs.org.

Publication date: 11/12/2007