Contract comparison assignment (architectural topic)

Arch 4/517 Context of the Profession - Winter 2022 - Williams, Czopek, Arroyo, Govreau, Adams Negotiating the Contract Due: Tuesday, February 22 at 8:00 am to Canvas

Description For this project, you will refer to both the UO Architect’s Contract and the AIA B101. Respond to the questions below. Your answers should be concise—no more than a few sentences. Each answer must include references to sections of the contract that support your answer (e.g. UO 7-F, AIA 3.3.2).

Learning Goals The contract defines the terms of the agreement between parties involved in a project. It provides a reference point in cases of confusion or conflict and provides the definition and boundaries of the project (scope, schedule, time limit, compensation). This assignment will require you to become familiar with the contents, format, and typical wording of an Owner-developed Contract, in this case, the UO Architect’s Contract, and compare it to the standard AIA Contract, the AIA B101 Standard Form of Agreement Between Owner and Architect.

Instructions This is an individual assignment. Write out each question and follow with the response. Cite the relevant section(s) of the contract in your response to questions.

Terms of the Contract: 1. What type of Project Delivery or Procurement is assumed in the two contracts? 2. Is a physical study model agreed upon as a basic service? 3. How many months is the UO Contract in effect after substantial completion? 4. Is the architect responsible for coordinating 1% for art in the project?

Interpretation Questions: 5. Four weeks into Design Development, a member of the UO User Group has raised questions about the schematic design process, the program assumptions, and cost reconciliation. According to the UO Contract, what document could offer background on these issues?

6. Compare the Architects Standard of Care in both contracts. Which one appears to favor the Owner more?

7. UO Contract - Bids have come in 7% over the University’s budget for the project. What provisions does the contract make to keep the project on budget without delay?

8. At the end of Design Development, the probable cost opinion is 2.5% over the University’s budget. According to the UO Contract, can the Owner require the Architect to modify the Design Development documents, at the Architect’s sole expense, to adjust the Project quality and scope to reduce the opinion of probable cost? Does a similar provision exist in the AIA B101?

9. During an OAC meeting it becomes apparent that a ramp installed in accordance with the drawings is missing a handrail. The drawings show the ramp dimensioned with a run of 240 inches and a rise of 14 inches. The University accessibility officer reviewed and signed off on the Construction Documents. According to the UO Contract is the Architect responsible for correcting this deficiency at no extra cost to the University? Does the AIA B101 describe similar expectations regarding deficiencies in the drawings?

10. The Owner’s decision-making process has consistently been delayed during the project, leading to missed milestones and schedule delays. What provisions do the two contracts offer related to Additional Services for the Architect as a result of the failure of performance on the Owner’s part?

Grading Rubric The assignment is 20 points total, each question is worth 2 points: 1.5 points for correct terms (Questions 1-4) or reasoned interpretation (Questions 5-10). 0.5 points for correct section citation. 2 point deduction for overall submittals exceeding 2 pages in length, or individual answers exceeding 100 words. -.5 points each time the question is not written out Late submissions will receive a -2 point penalty per day late.