Standard Form of Agreement Between Owner and Contractor, Construction Manager as Adviser Edition
The Construction Manager as Adviser (CMa) project delivery method brings a construction professional on board early in the design phase to provide expert advice on cost, schedule, and constructability. The CMa acts as a consultant to the owner, offering valuable pre-construction services without directly performing the construction work. AIA Document A132–2019, Standard Form of Agreement Between Owner and Contractor, Construction Manager as Adviser Edition, establishes a streamlined contractual framework between an owner and a contractor, addressing projects involving a CMa. This agreement is structured to accommodate projects where the basis of payment can either be a stipulated sum (fixed price) or a cost-plus-fee approach, with or without a guaranteed maximum price (GMP). It is crafted to facilitate projects involving multiple prime contractors and emphasizes collaboration among the contractor, architect, and a construction manager who serves as an adviser.
Benefits of Using A132–2019
AIA Document A132–2019 offers a balanced approach to managing construction projects where advisory oversight by a construction manager ensures that both design and construction benefit from strategic guidance. The document allows flexibility in payment methods.
Its integration with AIA standard agreements—especially AIA Document A232–2019, General Conditions of the Contract for Construction, Construction Manager as Adviser Edition for general conditions—ensures consistency across the roles of the various project participants, streamlining communication and administrative coherence among all parties involved. This alliance between the contractor, owner, construction manager, and architect underlines the document’s role in facilitating a collaborative project environment.
When to Use A132–2019
AIA Document A132–2019 is particularly suited for projects that necessitate a construction manager’s advisory input, where multiple contractors are involved and where comprehensive oversight is essential.
Unlike AIA Document A133–2019, Standard Form of Agreement Between Owner and Construction Manager as Constructor where the basis of payment is the Cost of the Work Plus a Fee with a Guaranteed Maximum Price and AIA Document A134 – 2019 Standard Form of Agreement Between Owner and Construction Manager as Constructor where the basis of payment is the Cost of the Work Plus a Fee without a Guaranteed Maximum Price, which cast the construction manager as a constructor, AIA Document A132–2019 is intended to be used when the objective is to leverage advisory expertise to align design and construction efforts closely with project goals, ensuring quality and efficiency without overextending the contractor’s scope of work.
Customization for Project-Specific Needs
The AIA Document A132–2019 is tailored for construction projects where a construction manager acts as an adviser alongside the owner and contractor. While the AIA Document A132-2019 is a good starting point, it is crucial to customize this agreement to suit the specific requirements of each project. Projects vary widely in terms of local building codes, site-specific challenges, and the expectations of the involved parties, among other project-specific considerations—factors that a standardized contract like AIA Document A132–2019 might cannot fully address in their “off-the-shelf” form. Customizing the document, whether by adjusting existing terms or adding new provisions, is essential to ensure it meets the project’s unique needs, clearly delineates roles, effectively manages risks, and adheres to legal standards. Failing to implement these important customizations can result in gaps or ambiguities in the contract, which may lead to conflicts or misunderstandings during the course of the project.
Maximizing Project Success With A132–2019
AIA Document A132–2019 provides a framework for ensuring effective cooperation between the owner, contractor, and construction manager advisory roles while allowing for flexible financial management tailored to project conditions. It fosters a collaborative and well-structured project environment, delivering both strategic oversight and operational clarity, ultimately driving the successful completion of complex projects to meet design intentions and budgetary goals.
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