CHOP | 2.3.9 | pp 1

At the outset of the project, the architect and the client must determine:

• the form of project delivery;
  
• the type of construction contract;
  
• the method for awarding the contract.
  

These decisions affect:

• the architect’s scope of services and fees;
  
• the project schedule;
  
• the preparation of construction documents and bid documents;
  
• the bidding process.

For example, a stipulated price contract, with a single bid call, is much simpler to manage than a contractual arrangement with multiple bid packages at various stages of the project.  To ensure that all contractors are bidding on a comparable finished product, bidding for stipulated price contracts with general contractors occurs after all construction documents (including drawings and specifications) have been completed.  All criteria for the selection of the successful bidder and award of contract must be included in the bid documents. At the outset of the project, the architect and the client must determine:

• the form of project delivery;
  
• the type of construction contract;
  
• the method for awarding the contract.

These decisions affect:

• the architect’s scope of services and fees;
  
• the project schedule;
  
• the preparation of construction documents and bid documents;
  
• the bidding process.

For example, a stipulated price contract, with a single bid call, is much simpler to manage than a contractual arrangement with multiple bid packages at various stages of the project.  To ensure that all contractors are bidding on a comparable finished product, bidding for stipulated price contracts with general contractors occurs after all construction documents (including drawings and specifications) have been completed.  All criteria for the selection of the successful bidder and award of contract must be included in the bid documents.