Contracts Bulletins

• Contracts Bulletin #98: Change Orders and Extra Work: Tools for Change

  Jan 9, 2022 |1 min read — Contracts Bulletin

  This bulletin will discuss the basics for effectively implementing and incorporating changes into agreements, and will address how standard contracts, such as the American Institute of Architects.

• Contracts Bulletin #125: COVID-19 Vaccine Mandate for Federal Contractors

  Jan 9, 2022 |2 min read — Contracts Bulletin

  President Biden signed Executive Order 14042, “Ensuring Adequate COVID Safety Protocols for Federal Contractors.”

• Contracts Bulletin #65 (2.0): Force Majeure – A Clause for Our Times

  Jun 4, 2021 |4 min read — Contracts Bulletin

  The contract between my client and its customer set a specific production schedule, and had incentives and penalties if certain deadlines were not met. My client’s customer was demanding completion on schedule, and threatening to enforce penalties.

• Contracts Bulletin #110 (2.0): Shifting the Risk of Rising Material Costs

  Jun 3, 2021 |9 min read — Contracts Bulletin

  Even in the best of times, material shortages and changing prices are disruptive. Commodities, such as asphalt, copper, steel and other materials are subject to global pressures and price fluctuations.

• Contracts Bulletin #118 (2.0) : Force Majeure Provisions: COVID-19

  Jun 1, 2021 |4 min read — Contracts Bulletin

  Over the last year, many industries have experienced supply delays and workforce shortages resulting from the spread of COVID-19. The construction industry certainly was not immune to these issues.

• Contracts Bulletin: COVID-19 Contract Addenda - Considerations for the Subcontractor

  Jun 17, 2020 |1 min read — Contracts Bulletin

  Subcontractors, whether they hope to present their own COVID-19 addendum or have recently had a COVID-19 addendum included by general contractor or owner, should consider the following information before signing on the dotted line:Increased Cost and Time.

• Contracts Bulletin: Remedies for the Unpaid Subcontractor

  Jun 11, 2020 |1 min read — Contracts Bulletin

  Part 4 of this SMACNA Contracts Bulletin covers a common subcontractors scenario: when services on a job have been completed and a general contractor gets paid, but then does not pay the subcontractors for their work on the project.

• Contracts Bulletin: Before You Cash That Check

  Jun 1, 2020 |1 min read — Contracts Bulletin

  Part 3 of this SMACNA Contracts Bulletin covers the risks involved in accepting partial payment on a project and how cashing certain checks could result in a subcontractor unwittingly giving up their rights to full payment.

• Contracts Bulletin: Getting Paid in the Event of a General Contractor Bankruptcy

  May 28, 2020 |1 min read — Contracts Bulletin

  Construction contracts present unique problems in bankruptcy. This is because these contracts involve the rights and obligations of at least three separate categories of persons: owners, general contractors, and subcontractors

• Contracts Bulletin: Payment and Retainage

  May 18, 2020 |1 min read — Contracts Bulletin

  COVID-19 notwithstanding, every subcontractor has run into payment issues at some time. Now, more than ever, before signing anything, a subcontractor should carefully review payment provisions and procedures included in any contract.

• Contracts Bulletin: COVID-19: Increased Construction Costs

  Apr 16, 2020 |1 min read — Contracts Bulletin

  Many subcontractors have faced additional costs associated with performing work at jobsites during the COVID-19 outbreak. These additional COVID-19-related costs come in many forms, including extra hand-washing stations, and before-shift health checks.

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