We represented a general contractor to negotiate a guaranteed maximum price (GMP) contract exceeding $5.5 million with a religious organization, using AIA Document A104–2017, Abbreviated Form of Agreement Between Owner and Contractor. The project presented unique challenges, including religiously mandated work restrictions, a heavily modified Exhibit A (Determination of the Cost of the Work), and the owner’s preference for a faith-based arbitration process overseen by clergy. The firm secured favorable terms for the contractor regarding cost reimbursements, audit rights, and critical exceptions to the religious arbitration clause, preserving legal recourse for matters like mechanics liens, undisputed debts, and insurance claims.
