http://www.constructionweblinks.com/ Briefing papers on legal and business issues affecting contractors, engineers, architects and project owners, including claims and disputes, public works contracting, insurance, building codes, business opportunities, technology en-us Copyright 2009, ConstructionWebLinks.com cwlcomments@howrey.com cwlcomments@howrey.com http://www.constructionweblinks.com/Resources/rss.html http://constructionweblinks.com/cwl.jpg http://www.constructionweblinks.com/Resources/Industry_Reports__Newsletters/20110228/deve.htmlBy Brienne Wesolek

Niles Bolton Associates, Inc. was hired by Archstone, a developer and owner, to design multi-family apartment buildings in the 1990s. In 2004, several disability advocacy groups filed a lawsuit against Archstone, Niles Bolton, contractors and other architects alleging that Archstone apartment buildings were not designed and constructed so that they would be accessible to persons with disabilities in compliance with the Fair Housing Act (FHA)

]]>Mon, 28 Feb 2011 12:00 GMThttp://www.constructionweblinks.com/Resources/Industry_Reports__Newsletters/20110228/deve.htmlhttp://www.constructionweblinks.com/Resources/Industry_Reports__Newsletters/20110212/city.htmlBy Peter K. Zweighaft

R&D Consultants, Inc., a civil engineering company, contracted with the City of Carlsbad, California, to redesign a municipal golf course for a fixed price of $556,745. The contract provided that it could be amended only by a written agreement signed by both parties. During construction, the parties entered into four written change orders, increasing the base contract price by $63,525.50.

]]>Mon, 21 Feb 2011 12:00 GMThttp://www.constructionweblinks.com/Resources/Industry_Reports__Newsletters/20110212/city.htmlhttp://www.constructionweblinks.com/Resources/Industry_Reports__Newsletters/20110214/cgli.htmlBy John Fedun

Piedmont Construction Group, LLC contracted with the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia to renovate an historic building on the campus of Middle Georgia College. During the renovation, a plumbing subcontractor soldering pipes accidently ignited a wood wall stud, which destroyed the roof and the entire second floor of the building and caused extensive damage to the rest of the structure.

]]>Mon, 14 Feb 2011 12:00 GMThttp://www.constructionweblinks.com/Resources/Industry_Reports__Newsletters/20110214/cgli.htmlhttp://www.constructionweblinks.com/Resources/Industry_Reports__Newsletters/20110207/plum.htmlBy Brienne Wesolek

A jury awarded plaintiffs Michael Sean Huitt, an experienced plumber, and Matt Nino, a plumber's assistant, each more than $1 million in compensatory damages and $5 million in punitive damages against Southern California Gas Co. for injuries they sustained while attempting to light a water heater at a construction site owned by the Porterville Unified School District.

]]>Mon, 7 Feb 2011 12:00 GMThttp://www.constructionweblinks.com/Resources/Industry_Reports__Newsletters/20110207/plum.htmlhttp://www.constructionweblinks.com/Resources/Industry_Reports__Newsletters/20110131/desi.htmlBy William S. Hale

A geologist's corporation contracted with a country club for consulting and project coordination services for a reverse osmosis water treatment plant. The plant, to provide irrigation water for the club's golf course, was to be designed and built by another company, ITT Industries, Inc.

]]>Mon, 31 Jan 2011 12:00 GMThttp://www.constructionweblinks.com/Resources/Industry_Reports__Newsletters/20110131/desi.htmlhttp://www.constructionweblinks.com/Resources/Industry_Reports__Newsletters/20110124/cont.htmlBy Peter K. Zweighaft

Plaintiff was a locksmith for California State University, Fullerton. His office was located 10 to 15 feet from a vacant lot that was used to stockpile 1,600 cubic yards of dirt from a campus construction project that lasted 14 months.

]]>Mon, 24 Jan 2011 12:00 GMThttp://www.constructionweblinks.com/Resources/Industry_Reports__Newsletters/20110124/cont.htmlhttp://www.constructionweblinks.com/Resources/Industry_Reports__Newsletters/20110117/cour.htmlBy Lauren Charneski

An unlicensed contractor fraudulently induced a homeowner to hire the contractor for a home remodeling project by falsely claiming it was licensed. The homeowner paid the unlicensed contractor $123,000 for services rendered. The unlicensed contractor paid $129,217.95 to licensed subcontractors, material suppliers and labor providers to perform the work.

]]>Mon, 17 Jan 2011 12:00 GMThttp://www.constructionweblinks.com/Resources/Industry_Reports__Newsletters/20110117/cour.htmlhttp://www.constructionweblinks.com/Resources/Industry_Reports__Newsletters/20110110/when.htmlBy Laura Thomson

An owner who insisted that a performance bond surety not use the defaulted contractor as the surety's completion contractor thereby breached the terms of the AIA A312 bond, discharging the surety from its obligations to perform under the bond, the US. Court of Appeals for the 1st Circuit has held. St. Paul Fire & Marine Insurance Co. v. VDE Corp., 603 F.3d 119 (1st Cir. 2010).

]]>Mon, 10 Jan 2011 12:00 GMThttp://www.constructionweblinks.com/Resources/Industry_Reports__Newsletters/20110110/when.htmlhttp://www.constructionweblinks.com/Resources/Industry_Reports__Newsletters/20101220/noti.htmlBy John Fedun

General contractor Hathaway Development Co. hired Whisnant Contracting Co. to install the plumbing on three construction projects. American Empire Surplus Lines Insurance Co. issued a commercial general liability policy to Whisnant. Problems arose with the plumbing at all three construction sites, and Hathaway sued Whisnant for negligent construction. Neither Whisnant nor American Empire on Whisnant's behalf responded to the complaint. Hathaway obtained a default judgment for $187,696 and attempted to collect the judgment from American Empire.

]]>Mon, 20 Dec 2010 12:05 GMThttp://www.constructionweblinks.com/Resources/Industry_Reports__Newsletters/20101220/noti.htmlhttp://www.constructionweblinks.com/Resources/Industry_Reports__Newsletters/20101220/rece.htmlConstructionWebLinks.com

A recent string of arrests and criminal sentences handed down to employees who stole or are alleged to have stolen their employers' trade secrets for their own personal gain underscores the importance of taking preventive measures to protect company secrets from internal misuse.

]]>Mon, 20 Dec 2010 12:00 GMThttp://www.constructionweblinks.com/Resources/Industry_Reports__Newsletters/20101220/rece.htmlhttp://www.constructionweblinks.com/Resources/Industry_Reports__Newsletters/20101213/cont.htmlBy Rowan T. Mason

A California Court of Appeal has held that a subcontractor instructed to perform substantial additional work but unable to negotiate in good faith its compensation for the work may elect to either stop work or to proceed and later pursue fair and reasonable compensation for the work.

]]>Mon, 13 Dec 2010 12:00 GMThttp://www.constructionweblinks.com/Resources/Industry_Reports__Newsletters/20101213/cont.htmlhttp://www.constructionweblinks.com/Resources/Industry_Reports__Newsletters/20101206/gove.htmlBy Christian Henel

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the 5th Circuit has denied a government contractor sued by New Orleans residents for damages resulting from Hurricane Katrina the protection of government contractor immunity, holding that specifications approved by the government were not precise enough to qualify for the defense.

]]>Mon, 6 Dec 2010 12:00 GMThttp://www.constructionweblinks.com/Resources/Industry_Reports__Newsletters/20101206/gove.htmlhttp://www.constructionweblinks.com/Resources/Industry_Reports__Newsletters/20101129/inju.htmlBy Brienne Wesolek


Background

Plaintiff Alex Salas was employed by Charter Construction and worked on a construction project at the San Villa condominium complex in Northgate, Washington. Charter Construction contracted with Hi-Tech Erectors to erect scaffolding at the construction site.

]]>Mon, 29 Nov 2010 12:00 GMThttp://www.constructionweblinks.com/Resources/Industry_Reports__Newsletters/20101129/inju.htmlhttp://www.constructionweblinks.com/Resources/Industry_Reports__Newsletters/20101122/newg.htmlBy William Devan

The Virginia Department of General Services has issued a revised set of General Conditions to be used in construction of all state buildings. The revised General Conditions replace those published in 2005 and are intended to address issues arising from several recent cases. But, they contain a number of other new provisions that shift significant risks to the contractor.

]]>Mon, 22 Nov 2010 12:00 GMThttp://www.constructionweblinks.com/Resources/Industry_Reports__Newsletters/20101122/newg.htmlhttp://www.constructionweblinks.com/Resources/Industry_Reports__Newsletters/20101115/afte.htmlBy Andrew D. Ness and William DeVan

The United Nations Commission on International Trade Law (UNCITRAL) arbitration rules were adopted in 1976 and have been both broadly used and widely praised as simple and straightforward. Remarkably, in 34 years they have not been revised - until now.

]]>Mon, 15 Nov 2010 12:00 GMThttp://www.constructionweblinks.com/Resources/Industry_Reports__Newsletters/20101115/afte.htmlhttp://www.constructionweblinks.com/Resources/Industry_Reports__Newsletters/20101108/bidp.htmlBy Laura Kent

The Government Accountability Office (GAO) has sustained a bid protest by AMEC Earth & Environmental, Inc. on two grounds involving fair handling of the selection process. First, GAO found that the U.S. Coast Guard failed to ensure there was a common understanding of the agency'ss requirements among all bidders.

]]>Mon, 8 Nov 2010 12:00 GMThttp://www.constructionweblinks.com/Resources/Industry_Reports__Newsletters/20101108/bidp.htmlhttp://www.constructionweblinks.com/Resources/Industry_Reports__Newsletters/20101101/cali.htmlBy Peter K. Zweighaft


Background

In 1999, the Los Angeles Unified School District declared a contractor building a new elementary school to be in default and terminated the contract. The district then solicited bids to repair the defective work and to complete the project.

]]>Mon, 1 Nov 2010 12:00 GMThttp://www.constructionweblinks.com/Resources/Industry_Reports__Newsletters/20101101/cali.htmlhttp://www.constructionweblinks.com/Resources/Industry_Reports__Newsletters/20101025/chin.htmlBy Seth D. Lamden

Over the last several years, thousands of homeowners have sued developers, contractors, manufacturers and suppliers alleging that Chinese-manufactured drywall installed in their homes is defective because it emits harmful gases that can corrode metal components and cause a variety of health problems (and smells like rotten eggs).

]]>Mon, 25 Oct 2010 12:00 GMThttp://www.constructionweblinks.com/Resources/Industry_Reports__Newsletters/20101025/chin.htmlhttp://www.constructionweblinks.com/Resources/Industry_Reports__Newsletters/20101018/aiap.htmlBy William DeVan

In 1984, the American Institute of Architects published its A312 Payment and Performance Bond forms. Prompted by several court decisions, the AIA undertook a project to revise the bond forms and now has issued a 2010 edition of the A312 with several significant changes.

]]>Mon, 18 Oct 2010 12:00 GMThttp://www.constructionweblinks.com/Resources/Industry_Reports__Newsletters/20101018/aiap.htmlhttp://www.constructionweblinks.com/Resources/Industry_Reports__Newsletters/20101011/fede.htmlBy Laura Bourgeois

Historically, when a government contractor received an "unsatisfactory" performance rating ("Unsat") that was issued without proper procedures being followed or was substantively erroneous, the contractor's only immediate recourse was to ask the agency to reconsider. Otherwise, the contractor had to wait to seek judicial review through a bid protest on a subsequent procurement - forcing the contractor to wait for the Unsat to potentially deprive it of more work.

]]>Mon, 11 Oct 2010 12:00 GMThttp://www.constructionweblinks.com/Resources/Industry_Reports__Newsletters/20101011/fede.htmlhttp://www.constructionweblinks.com/Resources/Industry_Reports__Newsletters/20101004/expe.htmlBy Michael S. McNamara

Don't email our testifying expert! Keep it all verbal - phone calls or in person. And for crying out loud, never let your expert keep drafts of his report!

For the last 17 years, this sort of talk has been commonplace for lawyers and clients working with testifying experts in federal court cases. But that is about to change.

]]>Mon, 4 Oct 2010 12:00 GMThttp://www.constructionweblinks.com/Resources/Industry_Reports__Newsletters/20101004/expe.htmlhttp://www.constructionweblinks.com/Resources/Industry_Reports__Newsletters/20100927/cont.htmlBy Laura Kent

The Town of Charlton, New York, hired J. Paul Vosburgh, Architect, P.C. to design a new town hall and act as project administrator during construction. The town contracted with Schmidt & Schmidt, Inc. to build the town hall.

During construction, the architect recommended that the town terminate the contractor for failure to supply enough properly skilled workers, failure to supply proper materials and failure to perform its work. The town terminated the contractor before work was completed.

]]>Mon, 27 Sep 2010 12:05 GMThttp://www.constructionweblinks.com/Resources/Industry_Reports__Newsletters/20100927/cont.htmlhttp://www.constructionweblinks.com/Resources/Industry_Reports__Newsletters/20100927/busi.htmlConstructionWebLinks.com

A U.S. District Court judge has approved the report and recommendation of a Magistrate Judge holding that information on a headhunter's contact database was not protectable trade secrets because the information in them was readily ascertainable on social networking and business Web sites. Sasqua Group, Inc. v. Lori Courtney, 2010 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 93442 (S.D.N.Y Aug. 2, 2010) [report and recommendation].

]]>Mon, 27 Sep 2010 12:00 GMThttp://www.constructionweblinks.com/Resources/Industry_Reports__Newsletters/20100927/busi.htmlhttp://www.constructionweblinks.com/Resources/Industry_Reports__Newsletters/20100920/cour.htmlBy W. Samuel Niece

A California Court of Appeal has re-affirmed the distinction between responsiveness and responsibility in evaluating bids on public works projects and harshly criticized a school district that wrongfully determined that a low bidder for two projects was non-responsible.

]]>Mon, 20 Sep 2010 12:00 GMThttp://www.constructionweblinks.com/Resources/Industry_Reports__Newsletters/20100920/cour.htmlhttp://www.constructionweblinks.com/Resources/Industry_Reports__Newsletters/20100913/cont.htmlBy Andrew M. Argyris

In May 2001, Williamson Pounders Architects (WPA) contracted with Tunica County, Mississippi, to design the Tunica County River Front Park. WPA then entered into a subcontract with Tetra Tech for design and construction administration services.

]]>Mon, 13 Sep 2010 12:00 GMThttp://www.constructionweblinks.com/Resources/Industry_Reports__Newsletters/20100913/cont.htmlhttp://www.constructionweblinks.com/Resources/Industry_Reports__Newsletters/20100906/howw.htmlBy Stephen Palley

"Subrogation" usually refers to an insurance company's right to step into the shoes of its insured and sue in the insured's name to recover money that the insurance company has paid to the insured after a loss. Standard form construction contracts have long included subrogation waivers.

]]>Mon, 6 Sep 2010 12:00 GMThttp://www.constructionweblinks.com/Resources/Industry_Reports__Newsletters/20100906/howw.htmlhttp://www.constructionweblinks.com/Resources/Industry_Reports__Newsletters/20100830/bank.htmlBy Lauren Charneski

David Morrison was the president and principal shareholder of Morrison Excavation, Inc. After Morrison filed a personal Chapter 7 bankruptcy proceeding, the Bankruptcy Court held him personally liable for and refused to discharge a $549,773.63 debt his company incurred when it abandoned a construction project. The court determined that Morrison had made fraudulent representations on behalf of his company during the bidding process for the abandoned project. The decision was affirmed on appeal.

]]>Mon, 30 Aug 2010 12:00 GMThttp://www.constructionweblinks.com/Resources/Industry_Reports__Newsletters/20100830/bank.htmlhttp://www.constructionweblinks.com/Resources/Industry_Reports__Newsletters/20100823/fede.htmlBy David Beck

A new interim rule under the Federal Acquisition Regulations requires all federal contractors to report detailed information about their first-tier subcontracts and compensation of their (and their subcontractors') five most highly paid executives. The new rule applies to virtually all federal contracts and to all businesses regardless of size or ownership.

]]>Mon, 23 Aug 2010 12:00 GMThttp://www.constructionweblinks.com/Resources/Industry_Reports__Newsletters/20100823/fede.htmlhttp://www.constructionweblinks.com/Resources/Industry_Reports__Newsletters/20100816/cont.htmlBy Peter K. Zweighaft

The City of Los Angeles awarded Dillingham-Ray Wilson a contract to expand the Hyperion Wastewater Treatment Plant. During the project, the parties used two methods to price change orders.

]]>Mon, 16 Aug 2010 12:00 GMThttp://www.constructionweblinks.com/Resources/Industry_Reports__Newsletters/20100816/cont.htmlhttp://www.constructionweblinks.com/Resources/Industry_Reports__Newsletters/20100809/cont.htmlBy Christian F. Henel

A contractor that failed to present factual defenses as a "claim" in the form required by the Contract Disputes Act in response to the federal government's imposition of liquidated damages was barred from asserting those defenses.

]]>Mon, 9 Aug 2010 12:00 GMThttp://www.constructionweblinks.com/Resources/Industry_Reports__Newsletters/20100809/cont.htmlhttp://www.constructionweblinks.com/Resources/Industry_Reports__Newsletters/20100802/newf.htmlBy Kristin R. Robrock, Ph.D. and Peter Mesard, P.E.
Exponent, Inc.

and Christopher Marraro

The Environmental Protection Agency has issued regulations that, for the first time, impose performance-based standards and numerical effluent limits on stormwater discharges from construction sites ("Construction Rule").

]]>Mon, 2 Aug 2010 12:00 GMThttp://www.constructionweblinks.com/Resources/Industry_Reports__Newsletters/20100802/newf.htmlhttp://www.constructionweblinks.com/Resources/Industry_Reports__Newsletters/20100726/usst.htmlBy Fiona A. Philip and Joseph Walker

In the last few weeks, with the extradition of foreign executives and the imposition of hundreds of millions of dollars in fines, the Department of Justice and Securities and Exchange Commission have sent a strong message that they will be undeterred by the nationality or location of alleged wrongdoers under the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act.

]]>Mon, 26 Jul 2010 12:00 GMThttp://www.constructionweblinks.com/Resources/Industry_Reports__Newsletters/20100726/usst.htmlhttp://www.constructionweblinks.com/Resources/Industry_Reports__Newsletters/20100719/subc.htmlBy Rowan T. Mason

A subcontractor has been held liable to employees of a general contractor because the sub failed to notify the general contractor of a non-obvious jobsite hazard that it discovered.

]]>Mon, 19 Jul 2010 12:00 GMThttp://www.constructionweblinks.com/Resources/Industry_Reports__Newsletters/20100719/subc.htmlhttp://www.constructionweblinks.com/Resources/Industry_Reports__Newsletters/20100712/lend.htmlBy Laura Bourgeois

Destiny USA Holdings, LLC and Citigroup Global Markets Realty Corp. entered into a loan agreement under which Citigroup was to provide financing for Phase I of the Destiny USA expansion project.

]]>Mon, 12 Jul 2010 12:00 GMThttp://www.constructionweblinks.com/Resources/Industry_Reports__Newsletters/20100712/lend.htmlhttp://www.constructionweblinks.com/Resources/Industry_Reports__Newsletters/20100705/narrBy Andrew D. Ness

In an end-of-term decision, the U.S. Supreme Court has reconfirmed its support for enforcing arbitration agreements as written, even when this deprives the courts of any significant role in determining threshold questions of arbitrability.

]]>Mon, 5 Jul 2010 12:00 GMThttp://www.constructionweblinks.com/Resources/Industry_Reports__Newsletters/20100705/narrhttp://www.constructionweblinks.com/Resources/Industry_Reports__Newsletters/20100628/gene.htmlBy Elizabeth Walsh

A U.S. Court of Appeals has affirmed the Occupational Safety and Health Administration's long-standing policy of citing general contractors for failing to prevent or abate hazardous conditions on their construction sites through the reasonable exercise of supervisory authority.

]]>Mon, 28 Jun 2010 12:00 GMThttp://www.constructionweblinks.com/Resources/Industry_Reports__Newsletters/20100628/gene.htmlhttp://www.constructionweblinks.com/Resources/Industry_Reports__Newsletters/20100614/cont.htmlBy Laura A. Kamas

Slattery Skanska, Inc., Perini Corporation, Koch Skanska, Inc., Skanska (USA), Inc. and Bombardier Transit Corp. formed the Air Rail Transit Consortium and entered into a design-build contract with the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey.

]]>Mon, 21 Jun 2010 12:00 GMThttp://www.constructionweblinks.com/Resources/Industry_Reports__Newsletters/20100614/cont.htmlhttp://www.constructionweblinks.com/Resources/Industry_Reports__Newsletters/20100614/usag.htmlBy David Beck

Weeks Marine, Inc., a large marine construction and dredging contractor, filed a pre-award bid protest challenging the Army Corps of Engineers' decision to change the solicitation process for dredging and shore protection contracts in its South Atlantic Division from sealed, competitive bidding to a negotiated bidding system.

]]>Mon, 14 Jun 2010 12:00 GMThttp://www.constructionweblinks.com/Resources/Industry_Reports__Newsletters/20100614/usag.htmlhttp://www.constructionweblinks.com/Resources/Industry_Reports__Newsletters/20100607/cour.htmlBy Andrew M. Argyris

Tillman Park, LLC contracted with Dabbs-Williams General Contractors, LLC to build a condominium project in Statesboro, Georgia. After completion of the project, Dabbs-Williams sued Tillman Park and its owner, T. Holmes Ramsey.

]]>Mon, 7 Jun 2010 12:00 GMThttp://www.constructionweblinks.com/Resources/Industry_Reports__Newsletters/20100607/cour.htmlhttp://www.constructionweblinks.com/Resources/Industry_Reports__Newsletters/20100531/badf.htmlBy Eric Casher

A federal appeals court has barred a surety's claim for indemnity against a subcontractor on the grounds that the surety settled with the general contractor in bad faith. In another case and under different factual circumstances, a federal court denied a contractor's claim of bad faith settlement against its surety.

]]>Mon, 31 May 2010 12:00 GMThttp://www.constructionweblinks.com/Resources/Industry_Reports__Newsletters/20100531/badf.htmlhttp://www.constructionweblinks.com/Resources/Industry_Reports__Newsletters/20100524/cumu.htmlBy Laura Thomson

Over a strong dissent, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit has vacated in part a judgment by the Court of Federal Claims in favor of a government contractor for its cumulative impact and delay claims, relying on contract modification language

]]>Mon, 24 May 2010 12:05 GMThttp://www.constructionweblinks.com/Resources/Industry_Reports__Newsletters/20100524/cumu.htmlhttp://www.constructionweblinks.com/Resources/Industry_Reports__Newsletters/20100524/hown.htmlBy Barbara Werther

Non-U.S. companies frequently ask whether they are eligible to compete for U.S. government construction and renovation projects, whether within the United States or on U.S.-owned facilities abroad.

]]>Mon, 24 May 2010 12:00 GMThttp://www.constructionweblinks.com/Resources/Industry_Reports__Newsletters/20100524/hown.htmlhttp://www.constructionweblinks.com/Resources/Industry_Reports__Newsletters/20100517/cont.htmlBy Christian F. Henel

The Colorado Supreme Court has held that a contractor may use impaired bonding capacity as the basis for a claim of lost profits in a breach of contract action.

]]>Mon, 17 May 2010 12:00 GMThttp://www.constructionweblinks.com/Resources/Industry_Reports__Newsletters/20100517/cont.htmlhttp://www.constructionweblinks.com/Resources/Industry_Reports__Newsletters/20100510/cour.htmlBy William S. Hale

States Roofing Corp. was awarded a contract by the Navy to re-roof a large existing building in Norfolk, Virginia. In the bidding documents, the roof was divided into 11 cells labeled A through K.

]]>Mon, 10 May 2010 12:00 GMThttp://www.constructionweblinks.com/Resources/Industry_Reports__Newsletters/20100510/cour.htmlhttp://www.constructionweblinks.com/Resources/Industry_Reports__Newsletters/20100503/sure.htmlBy John Fedun

The Labuzans were owners of Contractor Technology, Ltd. (CTL), a general contractor. St. Paul Fire & Marine Insurance Co. provided payment and performance bonds to CTL for several projects.

]]>Mon, 3 May 2010 12:00 GMThttp://www.constructionweblinks.com/Resources/Industry_Reports__Newsletters/20100503/sure.htmlhttp://www.constructionweblinks.com/Resources/Industry_Reports__Newsletters/20100426/7yea.htmlBy Fiona Philip

A U.S. District Court judge has handed down "the longest-ever prison sentence" for a Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) violation, according to the U.S. Department of Justice.

]]>Mon, 26 Apr 2010 12:00 GMThttp://www.constructionweblinks.com/Resources/Industry_Reports__Newsletters/20100426/7yea.htmlhttp://www.constructionweblinks.com/Resources/Industry_Reports__Newsletters/20100419/fede.htmlBy John Foust

More than six years ago, a federal judge handed down a series of influential opinions that outlined the parameters of litigants' obligation to preserve and collect electronically-stored evidence. The case was called Zubulake v. USB Warburg.

]]>Mon, 19 Apr 2010 12:05 GMThttp://www.constructionweblinks.com/Resources/Industry_Reports__Newsletters/20100419/fede.htmlhttp://www.constructionweblinks.com/Resources/Industry_Reports__Newsletters/20100419/with.htmlBy William DeVan

The growing trend toward green building has resulted in a number of competing and overlapping certification systems, with only faint hope in sight of better standardization. U.S. builders are most familiar with the LEED system sponsored by the United States Green Building Council (USGBC).

]]>Mon, 19 Apr 2010 12:00 GMThttp://www.constructionweblinks.com/Resources/Industry_Reports__Newsletters/20100419/with.htmlhttp://www.constructionweblinks.com/Resources/Industry_Reports__Newsletters/20100412/with.htmlBy Brienne Wesolek

Homeowners and a contractor entered into a contract for construction of a modular home in April 2004. The eventual price of the contract was $359,042.

On September 30, 2004, the homeowners' construction lender informed the contractor that it would not be disbursing any more funds

]]>Mon, 12 Apr 2010 12:00 GMThttp://www.constructionweblinks.com/Resources/Industry_Reports__Newsletters/20100412/with.htmlhttp://www.constructionweblinks.com/Resources/Industry_Reports__Newsletters/20100405/proj.htmlBy Andrew M. Argyris

Barton Brands, Ltd. owns and operates a distillery and bottling plant in Bardstown, Kentucky. Barton Brands contracted with O'Brien & Gere Engineers, Inc. / O'Brien & Gere, Inc. of North America to design, fabricate and install a baghouse system to control pollution from the coal-fired boiler at the distillery. O'Brien & Gere subcontracted with Astec, Inc. for part of the work.

]]>Mon, 5 Apr 2010 12:00 GMThttp://www.constructionweblinks.com/Resources/Industry_Reports__Newsletters/20100405/proj.htmlhttp://www.constructionweblinks.com/Resources/Industry_Reports__Newsletters/20100329/ussu.htmlBy Michael McNamara and Christian Henel

The United States Supreme Court has settled a long-standing split among lower courts on the definition of a corporation's "principal place of business" for purposes of diversity jurisdiction in federal court.

]]>Mon, 29 Mar 2010 12:00 GMThttp://www.constructionweblinks.com/Resources/Industry_Reports__Newsletters/20100329/ussu.htmlhttp://www.constructionweblinks.com/Resources/Industry_Reports__Newsletters/20100322/real.htmlConstructionWebLinks.com

Robert J. Lucas owned two companies, Bill Hill Acres, Inc. and Consolidated Investments, Inc. Through them, he acquired a large parcel of land in Jackson County, Mississippi, about 8 miles from the Gulf of Mexico.

]]>Mon, 22 Mar 2010 12:00 GMThttp://www.constructionweblinks.com/Resources/Industry_Reports__Newsletters/20100322/real.htmlhttp://www.constructionweblinks.com/Resources/Industry_Reports__Newsletters/20100315/geor.htmlBy Peter K. Zweighaft

A developer hired an architect to design a retaining wall for a detention pond in a residential development. The parties' contract stated

]]>Mon, 15 Mar 2010 12:00 GMThttp://www.constructionweblinks.com/Resources/Industry_Reports__Newsletters/20100315/geor.htmlhttp://www.constructionweblinks.com/Resources/Industry_Reports__Newsletters/20100308/appl.htmlConstructionWebLinks.com

The Montana Supreme Court has held that the application of the wrong type of paint constitutes "physical injury to tangible property" within the meaning of a subcontractor's commercial general liability insurance policy's definition of "property damage."

]]>Mon, 8 Mar 2010 12:00 GMThttp://www.constructionweblinks.com/Resources/Industry_Reports__Newsletters/20100308/appl.htmlhttp://www.constructionweblinks.com/Resources/Industry_Reports__Newsletters/20100301/cont.htmlBy Lauren M. Charneski

Intercounty Paving Associates contracted with the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) to widen and re-pave 3.6 miles of two-lane state highway for just over $4.5 million.

]]>Mon, 1 Mar 2010 12:00 GMThttp://www.constructionweblinks.com/Resources/Industry_Reports__Newsletters/20100301/cont.htmlhttp://www.constructionweblinks.com/Resources/Industry_Reports__Newsletters/20100222/ever.htmlBy William S. Hale

The termination date for E-Verify, the Department of Homeland Security's program to provide Internet-based verification of employment eligibility, has been extended for three years to September 30, 2012. In addition, the Federal Acquisition Regulation

]]>Mon, 22 Feb 2010 12:00 GMThttp://www.constructionweblinks.com/Resources/Industry_Reports__Newsletters/20100222/ever.htmlhttp://www.constructionweblinks.com/Resources/Industry_Reports__Newsletters/20100215/fund.htmlBy Laura Kent

A federal appeals court has refused to allow an executive of a failed general contractor to discharge in bankruptcy debts owed to a subcontractor.

]]>Mon, 15 Feb 2010 12:00 GMThttp://www.constructionweblinks.com/Resources/Industry_Reports__Newsletters/20100215/fund.htmlhttp://www.constructionweblinks.com/Resources/Industry_Reports__Newsletters/20100208/bads.htmlBy Stephen D. Palley

Does a bad smell constitute property damage for purposes of a standard commercial general liability insurance policy? According to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 1st Circuit, the answer is "yes," particularly if the smell is "pervasive" or "permeating."

]]>Mon, 8 Feb 2010 12:00 GMThttp://www.constructionweblinks.com/Resources/Industry_Reports__Newsletters/20100208/bads.htmlhttp://www.constructionweblinks.com/Resources/Industry_Reports__Newsletters/20100201/newc.htmlBy Eric Casher

ConsensusDOCS has issued a contract document that sets out the parties' liabilities when entering into contracts for green construction.

The U.S. Green Building Council issues sustainable building standards and has developed a certification process that is the most widely used in the United States. Achieving a LEED rating]]>Mon, 1 Feb 2010 12:05 GMThttp://www.constructionweblinks.com/Resources/Industry_Reports__Newsletters/20100201/newc.htmlhttp://www.constructionweblinks.com/Resources/Industry_Reports__Newsletters/20100201/addi.htmlBy Rowan T. Mason

Effective January 1, 2011, the California Legislature has amended Civil Code §§3084 and 3146 to require two additional notices relating to mechanic's liens. The Legislature acted in response to complaints from property owners, particularly residential owners

]]>Mon, 1 Feb 2010 12:00 GMThttp://www.constructionweblinks.com/Resources/Industry_Reports__Newsletters/20100201/addi.htmlhttp://www.constructionweblinks.com/Resources/Industry_Reports__Newsletters/20100125/gove.htmlBy Todd J. Wagnon

In April 2000, Conner Brothers Construction Co. contracted with the Army Corps of Engineers to construct four buildings within the Army Ranger compound at Fort Benning, Georgia. After the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001, Ft. Benning was closed to everyone except essential personnel.

]]>Mon, 25 Jan 2010 12:00 GMThttp://www.constructionweblinks.com/Resources/Industry_Reports__Newsletters/20100125/gove.htmlhttp://www.constructionweblinks.com/Resources/Industry_Reports__Newsletters/20100118/prev.htmlConstructionWebLinks.com

The California Court of Appeal has held that state prevailing wage laws apply to renovations, not just to new construction, and apply to work on common portions of privately owned buildings, not just to the areas leased by public agencies.

]]>Mon, 18 Jan 2010 12:05 GMThttp://www.constructionweblinks.com/Resources/Industry_Reports__Newsletters/20100118/prev.htmlhttp://www.constructionweblinks.com/Resources/Industry_Reports__Newsletters/20100118/seca.htmlBy Fiona Philip

Robert Khuzami, director of the Securities and Exchange Commission's Division of Enforcement, in August 2009 announced a restructuring of the division and an initiative to create comprehensive guidelines on individual cooperation with the SEC. The guidelines were released on January 13, 2010.

]]>Mon, 18 Jan 2010 12:00 GMThttp://www.constructionweblinks.com/Resources/Industry_Reports__Newsletters/20100118/seca.htmlhttp://www.constructionweblinks.com/Resources/Industry_Reports__Newsletters/20091221/howt.htmlBy Jill B. Berkeley

Construction disputes that arise out of a contractual relationship are subject to the economic loss rule. The economic loss rule also affects insurance coverage disputes arising out of construction claims. Although the Texas Supreme Court has stated that the]]>Mon, 21 Dec 2009 12:00 GMThttp://www.constructionweblinks.com/Resources/Industry_Reports__Newsletters/20091221/howt.htmlhttp://www.constructionweblinks.com/Resources/Industry_Reports__Newsletters/20091214/effo.htmlBy Laura Kent

Neighbors sued wind farm developer-operators for injunctive relief, claiming public and private nuisance arising from construction and operation of the wind farm. Defendants moved for partial summary judgment against those nuisance claims "based upon the wind farm's]]>Mon, 14 Dec 2009 12:00 GMThttp://www.constructionweblinks.com/Resources/Industry_Reports__Newsletters/20091214/effo.htmlhttp://www.constructionweblinks.com/Resources/Industry_Reports__Newsletters/20091207/coun.htmlConstructionWebLinks.com

King County, Washington, contracted with Frank Coluccio Construction Co., Inc. to build a utility tunnel under a waterway. Coluccio subcontracted with Donald B. Murphy Contractors, Inc. to build an access shaft at the eastern end of the tunnel.

Murphy designed and built the access shaft as a circular series]]>Mon, 7 Dec 2009 12:00 GMThttp://www.constructionweblinks.com/Resources/Industry_Reports__Newsletters/20091207/coun.htmlhttp://www.constructionweblinks.com/Resources/Industry_Reports__Newsletters/20091130/desi.htmlBy Jeffrey R. Gans and Stephen D. Palley

The great modern architect Mies van der Rohe reportedly said that "architecture starts when you carefully put two bricks together." Of course, this begs the question of who will physically put the bricks together.]]>Mon, 30 Nov 2009 12:00 GMThttp://www.constructionweblinks.com/Resources/Industry_Reports__Newsletters/20091130/desi.htmlhttp://www.constructionweblinks.com/Resources/Industry_Reports__Newsletters/20091123/defe.htmlConstructionWebLinks.com


The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit has ruled that a contractor reasonably relied on defective government specifications and was entitled to an equitable adjustment for resulting increased costs of performance.

The Army Corps of Engineers contracted with Ace Constructors for construction of loading]]>Mon, 23 Nov 2009 12:00 GMThttp://www.constructionweblinks.com/Resources/Industry_Reports__Newsletters/20091123/defe.htmlhttp://www.constructionweblinks.com/Resources/Industry_Reports__Newsletters/20091116/decl.htmlBy Laura Thomson


In performing its contract to build a Wal-Mart store in Vancouver, Washington, Colorado Structures, Inc. subcontracted with Action Excavating and Paving, Inc. to build the store's sewer system. Action fell behind schedule. Colorado Structures]]>Mon, 16 Nov 2009 12:00 GMThttp://www.constructionweblinks.com/Resources/Industry_Reports__Newsletters/20091116/decl.htmlhttp://www.constructionweblinks.com/Resources/Industry_Reports__Newsletters/20091109/insu.htmlBy Douglas M. DeWitt

The Washington Supreme Court has balanced "the interests of an insured defendant in reaching a reasonable settlement with a claimant against the insurer's interest in fully litigating its insured's legal obligation to that claimant.]]>Mon, 9 Nov 2009 12:00 GMThttp://www.constructionweblinks.com/Resources/Industry_Reports__Newsletters/20091109/insu.htmlhttp://www.constructionweblinks.com/Resources/Industry_Reports__Newsletters/20091102/stat.htmlConstructionWebLinks.com

The California Supreme Court has held that a trial court may not deny a petition to compel arbitration on grounds that the statute of limitations had run on the claims the parties agreed to arbitrate.

A contractor performing work on a pump station in Santa Monica, California, hired a subcontractor to install]]>Mon, 2 Nov 2009 12:00 GMThttp://www.constructionweblinks.com/Resources/Industry_Reports__Newsletters/20091102/stat.htmlhttp://www.constructionweblinks.com/Resources/Industry_Reports__Newsletters/20091019/cour.htmlBy Peter K. Zweighaft

Homeowners in a large residential project sued the developer/general contractor and its subcontractors and suppliers alleging construction defects. The developer/general contractor cross-complained for indemnity and defense costs against the subcontractors]]>Mon, 19 Oct 2009 12:00 GMThttp://www.constructionweblinks.com/Resources/Industry_Reports__Newsletters/20091019/cour.htmlhttp://www.constructionweblinks.com/Resources/Industry_Reports__Newsletters/20091012/gove.htmlBy Laura Thomson

Moreland Corp. contracted with the Department of Veterans Affairs to design and construct a two-story medical clinic in Las Vegas under a 15-year lease-back agreement. The VA took occupancy of the building in 1997. Five years later, the VA terminated the lease]]>Mon, 12 Oct 2009 12:00 GMThttp://www.constructionweblinks.com/Resources/Industry_Reports__Newsletters/20091012/gove.htmlhttp://www.constructionweblinks.com/Resources/Industry_Reports__Newsletters/20090928/when.htmlConstructionWebLinks.com

When a subcontractor refused to stand by the price in its proposal, the general contractor could not enforce the bid because the proposal stated that it was for "informational purposes only" and should not be relied on.

The general contractor, Fletcher-Harlee Corp., was preparing to bid on a building project.]]>Mon, 28 Sep 2009 12:00 GMThttp://www.constructionweblinks.com/Resources/Industry_Reports__Newsletters/20090928/when.htmlhttp://www.constructionweblinks.com/Resources/Industry_Reports__Newsletters/20090921/illi.htmlBy Seth D. Lamden


Introduction

Given the inherently risky nature of construction projects, parties to construction contracts - owners, general contractors and subcontractors - continue to wrestle with developing effective contractual risk]]>Mon, 21 Sep 2009 12:00 GMThttp://www.constructionweblinks.com/Resources/Industry_Reports__Newsletters/20090921/illi.htmlhttp://www.constructionweblinks.com/Resources/Industry_Reports__Newsletters/20090914/insu.htmlBy Benjamin D. Heath

An insurance company that rejected the insured's tender of defense was not permitted to intervene in a case after the insured stipulated to judgment in favor of the plaintiff and agreed that the plaintiff could pursue the insurer for coverage and bad faith in]]>Mon, 14 Sep 2009 12:00 GMThttp://www.constructionweblinks.com/Resources/Industry_Reports__Newsletters/20090914/insu.htmlhttp://www.constructionweblinks.com/Resources/Industry_Reports__Newsletters/20090831/chin.htmlBy Melissa Lesmes and David Beck

During the height of the housing boom from 2004 to 2007, approximately 309 million square feet of Chinese drywall was imported into the United States. Since that time, more than 600 lawsuits have been filed]]>Mon, 31 Aug 2009 12:00 GMThttp://www.constructionweblinks.com/Resources/Industry_Reports__Newsletters/20090831/chin.htmlhttp://www.constructionweblinks.com/Resources/Industry_Reports__Newsletters/20090817/fede.htmlBy W. Samuel Niece

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit has held that a government contractor obtains no proprietary rights in the "concept" of a Value Engineering Change Proposal ("VECP") submitted to the U.S. government.]]>Mon, 17 Aug 2009 12:00 GMThttp://www.constructionweblinks.com/Resources/Industry_Reports__Newsletters/20090817/fede.htmlhttp://www.constructionweblinks.com/Resources/Industry_Reports__Newsletters/20090810/forc.htmlConstructionWebLinks.com

A federal appeals court has held that a force majeure clause did not relieve a contractor of its responsibility to the owner for delays caused by a supplier and that it was proper to apportion liquidated damages based on fault.

Hutton Contracting Company, Inc. contracted with the City of Coffeyville, Kansas, to construct]]>Mon, 10 Aug 2009 12:00 GMThttp://www.constructionweblinks.com/Resources/Industry_Reports__Newsletters/20090810/forc.htmlhttp://www.constructionweblinks.com/Resources/Industry_Reports__Newsletters/20090803/insu.htmlBy Christian Henel

The Arizona Court of Appeals has held that a defendant subcontractor may assign its rights against its insurance carrier to a plaintiff property owner in a construction defect case and that the assignment includes the right to estop the insurer from disputing cover]]>Mon, 3 Aug 2009 12:00 GMThttp://www.constructionweblinks.com/Resources/Industry_Reports__Newsletters/20090803/insu.htmlhttp://www.constructionweblinks.com/Resources/Industry_Reports__Newsletters/20090727/arch.htmlConstructionWebLinks.com

Because two architectural designs contained unprotected common design elements attributable to owner input, zoning requirements and physical restrictions, the two works were not "substantially similar," and no copyright infringement occurred, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 6th Circuit held.

]]>Mon, 27 Jul 2009 12:00 GMThttp://www.constructionweblinks.com/Resources/Industry_Reports__Newsletters/20090727/arch.htmlhttp://www.constructionweblinks.com/Resources/Industry_Reports__Newsletters/20090720/wrap.htmlBy Jill B. Berkeley


INTRODUCTION

Among the many good reasons that wrap-up insurance policies are purchased for construction projects, seamless claims-handling certainly is one of the most important. As an obvious extension of claims-handling]]>Mon, 20 Jul 2009 12:00 GMThttp://www.constructionweblinks.com/Resources/Industry_Reports__Newsletters/20090720/wrap.htmlhttp://www.constructionweblinks.com/Resources/Industry_Reports__Newsletters/20090629/econ.htmlBy Clark T. Thiel

Presented with a certified question that it recast as "Does the economic loss doctrine apply to preclude negligence-based claims against design professionals, such as engineers and architects, who provide services in the commercial property development or improvement

]]>Mon, 29 Jun 2009 12:00 GMThttp://www.constructionweblinks.com/Resources/Industry_Reports__Newsletters/20090629/econ.htmlhttp://www.constructionweblinks.com/Resources/Industry_Reports__Newsletters/20090622/cont.htmlConstructionWebLinks.com

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia has held that the traveling contractor's clause in a contract with a union local obligated a general contractor working outside its home area to pay union pension fund benefits for work performed by subcontractors that employed non-union labor.

]]>Mon, 22 Jun 2009 12:00 GMThttp://www.constructionweblinks.com/Resources/Industry_Reports__Newsletters/20090622/cont.htmlhttp://www.constructionweblinks.com/Resources/Industry_Reports__Newsletters/20090615/cont.htmlConstructionWebLinks.com

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the 5th Circuit, in a 2-to-1 decision, allowed a contractor to pursue its claim that the City of Lubbock, Texas, wrongfully refused to do business with the contractor because of a lawsuit it had filed against another local government.

]]>Mon, 15 Jun 2009 12:00 GMThttp://www.constructionweblinks.com/Resources/Industry_Reports__Newsletters/20090615/cont.htmlhttp://www.constructionweblinks.com/Resources/Industry_Reports__Newsletters/20090608/mary.htmlBy Christopher Marraro

The Maryland Department of Environment has settled its dispute with the Maryland Waterkeeper Alliance over the state's storm water permit program for construction projects. The settlement will result in fewer projects being eligible for the general permit ]]>Mon, 8 Jun 2009 12:00 GMThttp://www.constructionweblinks.com/Resources/Industry_Reports__Newsletters/20090608/mary.htmlhttp://www.constructionweblinks.com/Resources/Industry_Reports__Newsletters/20090601/whyc.htmlBy Seth D. Lamden

After nearly three decades of litigation and scores of decisions from nearly every jurisdiction, courts still do not agree on whether a commercial general liability (CGL) policy protects a general contractor against claims for property damage occurring after]]>Mon, 1 Jun 2009 12:00 GMThttp://www.constructionweblinks.com/Resources/Industry_Reports__Newsletters/20090601/whyc.htmlhttp://www.constructionweblinks.com/Resources/Industry_Reports__Newsletters/20090525/obam.htmlBy Peter Unger, Fiona Philip and Mary Carter Andrues

President Obama on May 20 signed the Fraud Enforcement and Recovery Act (FERA), passed by the House of Representatives on May 18 and the Senate on May 14.]]>Mon, 25 May 2009 12:05 GMThttp://www.constructionweblinks.com/Resources/Industry_Reports__Newsletters/20090525/obam.htmlhttp://www.constructionweblinks.com/Resources/Industry_Reports__Newsletters/20090525/newc.htmlBy Peter K. Zweighaft

In 2005, the California Legislature amended Civil Code §2782 in an effort to prevent home builders from imposing "Type I" indemnity obligations on subcontractors. Such indemnity obligations typically forced the indemnitor/subcontractor to indemnify

]]>Mon, 25 May 2009 12:00 GMThttp://www.constructionweblinks.com/Resources/Industry_Reports__Newsletters/20090525/newc.htmlhttp://www.constructionweblinks.com/Resources/Industry_Reports__Newsletters/20090518/line.htmlBy Christian Henel

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit has held that the federal government is not permitted to disclose line item pricing information in a government contract in response to a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request.]]>Mon, 18 May 2009 12:00 GMThttp://www.constructionweblinks.com/Resources/Industry_Reports__Newsletters/20090518/line.htmlhttp://www.constructionweblinks.com/Resources/Industry_Reports__Newsletters/20090511/some.htmlBy Clark T. Thiel

In March 2008, the U.S. Supreme Court held that manifest disregard of the law was not an independent ground for vacating arbitration awards. Rather, it held, the grounds set out in the Federal Arbitration Act]]>Mon, 11 May 2009 12:00 GMThttp://www.constructionweblinks.com/Resources/Industry_Reports__Newsletters/20090511/some.htmlhttp://www.constructionweblinks.com/Resources/Industry_Reports__Newsletters/20081222/cali.htmlBy Aaron R. Gruber

After the California Legislature failed to timely resolve budget issues in 2008, many state agencies shut down ongoing construction projects - making good on earlier warnings that work would have to stop because the agencies would be unable to pay for work performed.

]]>Mon, 4 May 2009 12:05 GMThttp://www.constructionweblinks.com/Resources/Industry_Reports__Newsletters/20081222/cali.htmlhttp://www.constructionweblinks.com/Resources/Industry_Reports__Newsletters/20090504/brok.htmlBy Stephen Palley

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the 5th Circuit has held that an insurance broker was liable to a participant in a wrap-up insurance program for negligent failure to procure insurance even though the broker and participant were not in privity of contract.]]>Mon, 4 May 2009 12:00 GMThttp://www.constructionweblinks.com/Resources/Industry_Reports__Newsletters/20090504/brok.htmlhttp://www.constructionweblinks.com/Resources/Industry_Reports__Newsletters/20090427/obam.htmlBy Christopher Marraro

The Environmental Protection Agency has made a game-changing move in the policy debate over climate change. EPA declared in a proposed rule that greenhouse gases endanger human health and welfare and that greenhouse gas emissions from new motor vehicles and]]>Mon, 27 Apr 2009 12:05 GMThttp://www.constructionweblinks.com/Resources/Industry_Reports__Newsletters/20090427/obam.htmlhttp://www.constructionweblinks.com/Resources/Industry_Reports__Newsletters/20090420/cont.htmlBy Laura Thomson

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the 4th Circuit has held that payments to a U.S. security contractor by the Coalition Provisional Authority in Iraq are subject to the False Claims Act. The appeals court reversed a trial court's ruling limiting the reach of the]]>Mon, 20 Apr 2009 12:05 GMThttp://www.constructionweblinks.com/Resources/Industry_Reports__Newsletters/20090420/cont.htmlhttp://www.constructionweblinks.com/Resources/Industry_Reports__Newsletters/20090420/gove.htmlBy Mary Carter Andrues

The stimulus package, also known as the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, has been touted by many members of Congress as the mechanism for reducing U.S. dependence on foreign oil by investing in renewable energy production and for improving the environment]]>Mon, 20 Apr 2009 12:00 GMThttp://www.constructionweblinks.com/Resources/Industry_Reports__Newsletters/20090420/gove.htmlhttp://www.constructionweblinks.com/Resources/Industry_Reports__Newsletters/20090413/calt.htmlEdited by Clark T. Thiel

Caltrans Prohibited from Withholding Retention from Progress Payments Previously, the Department of Transportation (Caltrans) could withhold retention from progress payments to its contractors. New Public Contract Code §7202 prohibits Caltrans from withholding retention from progress payments.

]]>Mon, 13 Apr 2009 12:00 GMThttp://www.constructionweblinks.com/Resources/Industry_Reports__Newsletters/20090413/calt.htmlhttp://www.constructionweblinks.com/Resources/Industry_Reports__Newsletters/20090330/newt.htmlBy James Newland, Ethan Litwin and John Foust

To assist governments in battling bid rigging, the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) has issued "Guidelines for Fighting Bid Rigging in Public Procurement." They include specific methodology and checklists to help OECD member governments prevent and detect cartel activity in procurement.]]>Mon, 30 Mar 2009 12:00 GMThttp://www.constructionweblinks.com/Resources/Industry_Reports__Newsletters/20090330/newt.htmlhttp://www.constructionweblinks.com/Resources/Industry_Reports__Newsletters/20090323/obam.htmlBy David Beck

President Barack Obama has signed a memorandum intended to reform the federal procurement process by eliminating wasteful and inefficient government contracts. With Sen. John McCain, his former rival for the Presidency, at his side, Mr. Obama announced:]]>Mon, 23 Mar 2009 12:05 GMThttp://www.constructionweblinks.com/Resources/Industry_Reports__Newsletters/20090323/obam.htmlhttp://www.constructionweblinks.com/Resources/Industry_Reports__Newsletters/20090323/requ.htmlBy W. Samuel Niece

Since 2001, federal government contractors and subcontractors have been require to post so-called "Beck Notices" advising certain employees of their right to opt-out of contributing to union political activities. The new administration has revoked this]]>Mon, 23 Mar 2009 12:00 GMThttp://www.constructionweblinks.com/Resources/Industry_Reports__Newsletters/20090323/requ.htmlhttp://www.constructionweblinks.com/Resources/Industry_Reports__Newsletters/20090316/fore.htmlConstructionWebLinks.com

If recent history is a barometer, there is every indication that enforcement of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act will continue to be a priority for both the Department of Justice and Securities and Exchange Commission in 2009. As the nature and scope of enforcement actions filed by DOJ and SEC demonstrate, no business sector is immune from FCPA oversight, and corporate executives and officers are not exempt from prosecution.]]>Mon, 16 Mar 2009 12:00 GMThttp://www.constructionweblinks.com/Resources/Industry_Reports__Newsletters/20090316/fore.htmlhttp://www.constructionweblinks.com/Resources/Industry_Reports__Newsletters/20090309/guar.htmlBy Laura Kent

The Nebraska Supreme Court has held a guarantor liable under a guaranty agreement despite (1) the release of collateral that partially secured the guaranty and (2) the guarantor's contention that liability was capped at $525,000.]]>Mon, 9 Mar 2009 12:00 GMThttp://www.constructionweblinks.com/Resources/Industry_Reports__Newsletters/20090309/guar.htmlhttp://www.constructionweblinks.com/Resources/Industry_Reports__Newsletters/20090302/50mi.htmlBy Jeffrey R. Gans

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit has affirmed a finding that Daewoo Engineering and Construction Co., Ltd. must pay the U.S. government $50,629,855.88 in penalties for a Contract Disputes Act violation plus $10,000 for a False Claims Act violation]]>Mon, 2 Mar 2009 12:05 GMThttp://www.constructionweblinks.com/Resources/Industry_Reports__Newsletters/20090302/50mi.htmlhttp://www.constructionweblinks.com/Resources/Industry_Reports__Newsletters/20090302/howt.htmlBy Ernest Summers

Molds are a type of fungi that can cause millions of dollars in property damage and serious health problems, sometimes before the mold is even discovered. Some molds have been linked to triggering asthma attacks.

Molds grow from spores that can be]]>Mon, 2 Mar 2009 12:00 GMThttp://www.constructionweblinks.com/Resources/Industry_Reports__Newsletters/20090302/howt.htmlhttp://www.constructionweblinks.com/Resources/Industry_Reports__Newsletters/20090223/130b.htmlBy Barbara Werther and David Beck

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, the economic stimulus bill signed into law last week by President Obama, provides more than $130 billion for construction-related spending.

The spending covers a wide range of projects, including roads, public transportation, federal buildings and hospitals. With a requirement that much of the $130 billion be obligated by September 30, 2010, the legislation has the potential to immediately impact the construction industry and to provide significant opportunities in an otherwise slow economy.

]]>Mon, 23 Feb 2009 12:05 GMThttp://www.constructionweblinks.com/Resources/Industry_Reports__Newsletters/20090223/130b.htmlhttp://www.constructionweblinks.com/Resources/Industry_Reports__Newsletters/20090223/ftcu.htmlBy Benjamin D. Heath

The Federal Trade Commission's Green Guides, which govern environmental marketing claims, will be updated this year. The Green Guides are the FTC's primary tool for preventing consumer deception in the ever-expanding arena of environmental claims. The manual was last updated in 1998. This year's version will clarify the legal parameters for environmental promises made to consumers and business clients.

]]>Mon, 23 Feb 2009 12:00 GMThttp://www.constructionweblinks.com/Resources/Industry_Reports__Newsletters/20090223/ftcu.htmlhttp://www.constructionweblinks.com/Resources/Industry_Reports__Newsletters/20090216/conc.htmlBy Sanaz Asgharzadeh

When seeking insurance coverage, did you tell your insurer of certain details about your business? Did you wonder if those details were relevant to whether or not the insurer would issue or reissue the policy? It may be that the insurer already was aware of these facts or that it]]>Mon, 16 Feb 2009 12:00 GMThttp://www.constructionweblinks.com/Resources/Industry_Reports__Newsletters/20090216/conc.htmlhttp://www.constructionweblinks.com/Resources/Industry_Reports__Newsletters/20090216/cons.htmlBy Laura Bourgeois

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the 9th Circuit has ruled that employees of a construction company that worked at scattered construction jobsites on different projects were not employed at a "single site" and, therefore, did not qualify for prior notice of termination under the fed]]>Mon, 16 Feb 2009 12:00 GMThttp://www.constructionweblinks.com/Resources/Industry_Reports__Newsletters/20090216/cons.htmlhttp://www.constructionweblinks.com/Resources/Industry_Reports__Newsletters/20090202/desi.htmlBy W. Samuel Niece

Public and private owners, contractors and design professionals all have an interest in better project delivery methods. Design-build is viewed by many as an alternative to the inefficiencies and adversarial nature of traditional design-bid-build contracting. Following is a guide to de]]>Mon, 2 Feb 2009 12:00 GMThttp://www.constructionweblinks.com/Resources/Industry_Reports__Newsletters/20090202/desi.htmlhttp://www.constructionweblinks.com/Resources/Industry_Reports__Newsletters/20090126/cour.htmlBy John Fedun

Indemnity is the duty of one person to make good any loss, damage or liability incurred by another. This duty is common in construction industry contracts. One example is a clause requiring a contractor to indemnify an owner for damages resulting from personal injuries on the job.

]]>Mon, 26 Jan 2009 12:00 GMThttp://www.constructionweblinks.com/Resources/Industry_Reports__Newsletters/20090126/cour.htmlhttp://www.constructionweblinks.com/Resources/Industry_Reports__Newsletters/20090119/nail.htmlBy Amy J. Fink

Construction projects involve a substantial risk of accidental destruction or damage to structures, equipment and materials located onsite. In the construction business, "time is money." Therefore, time is of the essence in obtaining indemnification of losses so that funds are immediately]]>Mon, 19 Jan 2009 12:00 GMThttp://www.constructionweblinks.com/Resources/Industry_Reports__Newsletters/20090119/nail.htmlhttp://www.constructionweblinks.com/Resources/Industry_Reports__Newsletters/20090119/epas.htmlBy Christopher Marraro

Contractors and project owners should be aware of the recent increase in enforcement activity by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency at construction sites across the country.

Storm water runoff at construction sites was a particular target of EPA enforcement and compliance activity in 2008. Violations involved all types of projects, including retail, manufacturing and commercial/residential developments.]]>Mon, 19 Jan 2009 12:05 GMThttp://www.constructionweblinks.com/Resources/Industry_Reports__Newsletters/20090119/epas.htmlhttp://www.constructionweblinks.com/Resources/Industry_Reports__Newsletters/20090112/hard.htmlBy W. Samuel Niece

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit has affirmed a decision upholding an agency's bid package that bundled (or merged) both hardware and software maintenance for a government computing system into a single procurement. CHE Consulting, Inc. v. United States, No. ]]>Mon, 12 Jan 2009 12:00 GMThttp://www.constructionweblinks.com/Resources/Industry_Reports__Newsletters/20090112/hard.htmlhttp://www.constructionweblinks.com/Resources/Industry_Reports__Newsletters/20081222/cali.htmlBy Aaron R. Gruber

The California Pooled Money Investment Board has voted to cut off funding for $3.8 billion in public works construction projects in California.

The State Treasurer's office posted a list of the affected projects on the Web. ]]>Mon, 22 Dec 2008 12:00 GMThttp://www.constructionweblinks.com/Resources/Industry_Reports__Newsletters/20081222/cali.htmlhttp://www.constructionweblinks.com/Resources/Industry_Reports__Newsletters/20081222/more.htmlBy David T. Dekker and Stephen D. Palley

and Douglas Green
Marsh, Inc.

Construction defect litigation is a concern for everyone involved in the construction process. If history is any guide, current economic conditions will le]]>Mon, 22 Dec 2008 12:00 GMThttp://www.constructionweblinks.com/Resources/Industry_Reports__Newsletters/20081222/more.htmlhttp://www.constructionweblinks.com/Resources/Industry_Reports__Newsletters/20081215/stri.htmlBy Laura Kent and Andrew D. Ness

A significant amendment to the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) that will affect all government contractors took effect on December 12, 2008. Contractors with federal government contracts of more than $5 million and with perform]]>Mon, 15 Dec 2008 12:00 GMThttp://www.constructionweblinks.com/Resources/Industry_Reports__Newsletters/20081215/stri.htmlhttp://www.constructionweblinks.com/Resources/Industry_Reports__Newsletters/20081027/subs.htmlConstructionWebLinks.com

Murdock & Sons Construction, Inc. was the masonry subcontractor for construction of a maximum security state prison in Terre Haute, Indiana. Goheen General Construction, Inc. was general contractor. Murdock bid $1,629,825 for the masonry work. The only other two bids for that work exceeded $2.4 million.

The project was very dense with ma]]>Mon, 27 Oct 2008 12:00 GMThttp://www.constructionweblinks.com/Resources/Industry_Reports__Newsletters/20081027/subs.htmlhttp://www.constructionweblinks.com/Resources/Industry_Reports__Newsletters/20081020/cour.htmlBy Benjamin D. Heath

The City of Los Angeles Department of Airports issued a request for proposals for the lease of a parcel of land at Van Nuys Airport that included hangers, buildings and a fuel farm. Under the RFP, the city would select the successful proposer based on a variety of criteria, including ]]>Mon, 20 Oct 2008 12:00 GMThttp://www.constructionweblinks.com/Resources/Industry_Reports__Newsletters/20081020/cour.htmlhttp://www.constructionweblinks.com/Resources/Industry_Reports__Newsletters/20081020/over.htmlConstructionWebLinks.com

While HERA is not a particularly bold-sounding acronym, this new law is in fact a bold and sweeping piece of federal legislation intended to ameliorate the consequences of the unprecedented mortgage meltdown and to ensure that no such meltdown occurs again. The breadth and scope of the Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008 or HERA (Public Law 110-289)]]>Mon, 20 Oct 2008 12:00 GMThttp://www.constructionweblinks.com/Resources/Industry_Reports__Newsletters/20081020/over.htmlhttp://www.constructionweblinks.com/Resources/Industry_Reports__Newsletters/20081013/cont.htmlBy Peter K. Zweighaft

Owners hired the contractor to perform demolition work. In separate meetings with the contractor's president and vice president, the owners explained that the scope of work included the removal of: 1) the carport attached to the owners' house]]>Mon, 13 Oct 2008 12:00 GMThttp://www.constructionweblinks.com/Resources/Industry_Reports__Newsletters/20081013/cont.htmlhttp://www.constructionweblinks.com/Resources/Industry_Reports__Newsletters/20081006/lach.htmlConstructionWebLinks.com

The plaintiffs, Detroit area real estate developers, worked with an architectural firm to design a "twelve-plex" condominium building that maximized space utilization in its projects. The fronts and backs of the buildings were identical so there was no "back" of a building. Each building contained 12 units, and each unit had direct indoor access ]]>Mon, 6 Oct 2008 12:00 GMThttp://www.constructionweblinks.com/Resources/Industry_Reports__Newsletters/20081006/lach.htmlhttp://www.constructionweblinks.com/Resources/Industry_Reports__Newsletters/20080929/proj.htmlBy Joanna Rosen

Richard Foust was a project manager for San Jose Construction, Inc. In early 2004, he was in charge of 18 projects in pre-construction stages and two projects under construction. In mid-March, Foust expressed his unhappiness at San Jose to the president of S.B.C.C., Inc., a competitor. F]]>Mon, 29 Sep 2008 12:00 GMThttp://www.constructionweblinks.com/Resources/Industry_Reports__Newsletters/20080929/proj.htmlhttp://www.constructionweblinks.com/Resources/Industry_Reports__Newsletters/20080922/flor.htmlConstructionWebLinks.com

The developer of a shopping center declared the contractor in default for poor workmanship during construction, including structural defects and building code violations. The developer gave written notice of the default to the surety and demanded that the surety take action in accordance with the terms of the performance bond within five business days. Th]]>Mon, 22 Sep 2008 12:00 GMThttp://www.constructionweblinks.com/Resources/Industry_Reports__Newsletters/20080922/flor.htmlhttp://www.constructionweblinks.com/Resources/Industry_Reports__Newsletters/20080915/dryw.htmlBy Laura Bourgeois

Royal International Drywall and Decorating, Inc. employed tapers as part of installing drywall in tract housing. Royal entered into a collective bargaining agreement with their union. Royal agreed to compensate the employees based on hours worked rather than on the usual piece-work]]>Mon, 15 Sep 2008 12:00 GMThttp://www.constructionweblinks.com/Resources/Industry_Reports__Newsletters/20080915/dryw.htmlhttp://www.constructionweblinks.com/Resources/Industry_Reports__Newsletters/20080908/wash.htmlConstructionWebLinks.com

In deciding the applicability of a prevailing wage law to truck drivers delivering materials to a construction project, the Washington Supreme Court equitably estopped the state's Department of Labor and Industry from enforcing penalties against suppliers that had relied in good faith on the department's prior interpretation of the act.

]]>Mon, 8 Sep 2008 12:00 GMThttp://www.constructionweblinks.com/Resources/Industry_Reports__Newsletters/20080908/wash.htmlhttp://www.constructionweblinks.com/Resources/Industry_Reports__Newsletters/20080901/priv.htmlBy W. Samuel Niece

California historically has relied on public monies to finance its infrastructure. The demand for infrastructure has increased dramatically as the state's population has increased. However, the availability of public revenues to fund infrastructure has not kept pace.

]]>Mon, 1 Sep 2008 12:00 GMThttp://www.constructionweblinks.com/Resources/Industry_Reports__Newsletters/20080901/priv.htmlhttp://www.constructionweblinks.com/Resources/Industry_Reports__Newsletters/20080825/ussu.htmlConstructionWebLinks.com

The U.S. Navy contracted in 1985 with two shipbuilders to build a fleet of guided missile destroyers according to the Navy's baseline drawings and military standards. The shipyards contracted with Allison Engine Co., Inc. to build the generator sets that supply electrical power to the destroyers. Allison Engine subcontracted with the General Tool Co. ]]>Mon, 25 Aug 2008 12:00 GMThttp://www.constructionweblinks.com/Resources/Industry_Reports__Newsletters/20080825/ussu.htmlhttp://www.constructionweblinks.com/Resources/Industry_Reports__Newsletters/20080818/owne.htmlConstructionWebLinks.com

National Amusements, Inc. contracted with Old Colony Construction Co. to build a movie theater complex. Old Colony subcontracted a significant amount of the work to Central Ceilings, Inc.

The original project completion date was June 28, 2000. Because of groundwater problems, the completion date was extended by the owner to September 3]]>Mon, 18 Aug 2008 12:00 GMThttp://www.constructionweblinks.com/Resources/Industry_Reports__Newsletters/20080818/owne.htmlhttp://www.constructionweblinks.com/Resources/Industry_Reports__Newsletters/20080804/bank.htmlConstructionWebLinks.com

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the 11th Circuit has ruled that an adversary proceeding by a debtor subcontractor against a general contractor was a "non-core" proceeding under the Bankruptcy Code and that the adversary proceeding was subject to the parties' arbitration agreement.

The Court of Appeals further held that even if the adversa]]>Mon, 4 Aug 2008 12:00 GMThttp://www.constructionweblinks.com/Resources/Industry_Reports__Newsletters/20080804/bank.htmlhttp://www.constructionweblinks.com/Resources/Industry_Reports__Newsletters/20080728/preq.htmlBy W. Samuel Niece


Relationship Between Prequalification and Responsibility

A.	Responsibility Requirement

A basic tenet of government contracting at the federal, state or local level is that a contract can be awarded only to a responsible bidder.]]>Mon, 28 Jul 2008 12:00 GMThttp://www.constructionweblinks.com/Resources/Industry_Reports__Newsletters/20080728/preq.htmlhttp://www.constructionweblinks.com/Resources/Industry_Reports__Newsletters/20080721/usco.htmlConstructionWebLinks.com

In two recent decisions by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 8th Circuit, the court held that plaintiffs may recover on a quantum meruit claim even when there is a contract between the parties so long as the work performed was not controlled by the contract.


Steel Fabrication

]]>Mon, 21 Jul 2008 12:00 GMThttp://www.constructionweblinks.com/Resources/Industry_Reports__Newsletters/20080721/usco.htmlhttp://www.constructionweblinks.com/Resources/Industry_Reports__Newsletters/20080714/flor.htmlBy Laura Thomson

In recent decisions, the Supreme Courts of Florida and South Carolina re-addressed earlier decisions involving coverage under general contractors' CGL policies for damage resulting from subcontractors' defective work.

In June, the Florida Supreme Court withdrew its prior]]>Mon, 14 Jul 2008 12:00 GMThttp://www.constructionweblinks.com/Resources/Industry_Reports__Newsletters/20080714/flor.htmlhttp://www.constructionweblinks.com/Resources/Industry_Reports__Newsletters/20080714/free.htmlConstructionWebLinks.com

In a decision arising out of the 2000-2001 Western energy crisis, the U.S. Supreme Court has ruled that when the rates included in a wholesale power sale agreement were freely negotiated between the buyer and the seller, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) is required to presume that the rate meets the "just and reasonable" standard under the Fe]]>Mon, 14 Jul 2008 12:00 GMThttp://www.constructionweblinks.com/Resources/Industry_Reports__Newsletters/20080714/free.htmlhttp://www.constructionweblinks.com/Resources/Industry_Reports__Newsletters/20080707/mate.htmlBy Peter K. Zweighaft

The buyer purchased a home from the seller pursuant to a real estate purchase agreement that contained an arbitration provision. The buyer ignored the arbitration clause and filed a lawsuit against the seller claiming that a leak from a negligently installed underground pipe damaged]]>Mon, 7 Jul 2008 12:00 GMThttp://www.constructionweblinks.com/Resources/Industry_Reports__Newsletters/20080707/mate.htmlhttp://www.constructionweblinks.com/Resources/Industry_Reports__Newsletters/20080630/part.htmlConstructionWebLinks.com

Jeld-Wen, Inc. was uninsured and was a cross-defendant in a multi-party construction defect case involving more than $500,000 in damage claims.

The San Diego County Superior Court deemed the case to be complex under judicial case management standards, issued a case management order, assigned a mediator to conduct up to 100 hours of mediatio]]>Mon, 30 Jun 2008 12:00 GMThttp://www.constructionweblinks.com/Resources/Industry_Reports__Newsletters/20080630/part.htmlhttp://www.constructionweblinks.com/Resources/Industry_Reports__Newsletters/20080623/unde.htmlBy Aaron R. Gruber

The Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) has been amended to make tax delinquencies grounds for declaring bidders non-responsible and for debarment and suspension from federal contracting.

The amendments, effective May 22, 2008, are the result of a study entitled]]>Mon, 23 Jun 2008 12:00 GMThttp://www.constructionweblinks.com/Resources/Industry_Reports__Newsletters/20080623/unde.htmlhttp://www.constructionweblinks.com/Resources/Industry_Reports__Newsletters/20080616/aiai.htmlBy William DeVan

In response to court decisions interpreting its A312-1984 payment bond and the reaction of sureties to those court decisions, the American Institute of Architects has issued an amendment to the bond form as "a stopgap measure to address the immediate concerns of the sureties" until AIA can]]>Mon, 16 Jun 2008 12:00 GMThttp://www.constructionweblinks.com/Resources/Industry_Reports__Newsletters/20080616/aiai.htmlhttp://www.constructionweblinks.com/Resources/Industry_Reports__Newsletters/20080609/llcs.htmlConstructionWebLinks.com

Three cases decided by the Washington Court of Appeals offer a cautionary tale to limited liability companies (LLCs) and their members as they seek to manage the risks of construction defect litigation.

Each case concerned the rights and liabilities of LLCs and their members after cancellation of the LLC's existence, either by the LLC or by]]>Mon, 9 Jun 2008 12:00 GMThttp://www.constructionweblinks.com/Resources/Industry_Reports__Newsletters/20080609/llcs.htmlhttp://www.constructionweblinks.com/Resources/Industry_Reports__Newsletters/20080602/cont.htmlBy Eric Casher

A home buyer and the developer of a new subdivision entered into a real estate purchase contract for the purchase of a home. The contract contained a provision requiring judicial appointment of a referee for binding (and not advisory) resolution of all disputes arising under the agreement.]]>Mon, 2 Jun 2008 12:00 GMThttp://www.constructionweblinks.com/Resources/Industry_Reports__Newsletters/20080602/cont.htmlhttp://www.constructionweblinks.com/Resources/Industry_Reports__Newsletters/20080526/cont.htmlConstructionWebLinks.com

An Idaho subcontractor was awarded additional compensation for extra work it performed after encountering site elevations at the jobsite that differed from those shown on the plans and specifications provided by the general contractor. The Idaho Supreme Court held that the construction contract, which included the American Institute of Architects' A201 ]]>Mon, 26 May 2008 12:00 GMThttp://www.constructionweblinks.com/Resources/Industry_Reports__Newsletters/20080526/cont.htmlhttp://www.constructionweblinks.com/Resources/Industry_Reports__Newsletters/20080519/revi.htmlConstructionWebLinks.com

The American Institute of Architects has released the latest versions of many of its most widely used form documents, including the Owner/Contractor agreement forms and related general conditions and the owner/architect agreement forms. The AIA periodically revises its most popular form documents, generally on a 10-year cycle. The revisions are significan]]>Mon, 19 May 2008 12:00 GMThttp://www.constructionweblinks.com/Resources/Industry_Reports__Newsletters/20080519/revi.htmlhttp://www.constructionweblinks.com/Resources/Industry_Reports__Newsletters/20080512/sure.htmlBy Todd J. Wagnon

In a case arising out of a surety's claim against the Virginia Department of Transportation, the Virginia Court of Appeals held that because there was not a direct contractual relationship between the surety and the state, the surety's suit was barred by sovereign immunity. ]]>Mon, 12 May 2008 12:00 GMThttp://www.constructionweblinks.com/Resources/Industry_Reports__Newsletters/20080512/sure.htmlhttp://www.constructionweblinks.com/Resources/Industry_Reports__Newsletters/20080428/twom.htmlBy Brienne Wesolek

A general contractor entered into a contract with the United States Forest Service to construct an underground stream profile viewing chamber at Taylor Creek near South Lake Tahoe. The general contractor subcontracted with a glass company to supply and install glass panels in the v]]>Mon, 28 Apr 2008 12:00 GMThttp://www.constructionweblinks.com/Resources/Industry_Reports__Newsletters/20080428/twom.htmlhttp://www.constructionweblinks.com/Resources/Industry_Reports__Newsletters/20080421/ussu.htmlConstructionWebLinks.com

The U.S. Supreme Court has ruled that §§10 and 11 of the Federal Arbitration Act provide the exclusive grounds for vacating and modifying arbitration awards for parties seeking expedited review under the FAA. Contractual arbitration agreements providing for judicial review broader than the grounds in the FAA are not enforceable under the FAA

]]>Mon, 21 Apr 2008 12:00 GMThttp://www.constructionweblinks.com/Resources/Industry_Reports__Newsletters/20080421/ussu.htmlhttp://www.constructionweblinks.com/Resources/Industry_Reports__Newsletters/20080414/sure.htmlConstructionWebLinks.com

A subcontractor agreed to provide concrete paving work on a highway repair project in North Carolina. A surety issued a performance and payment bond on behalf of the subcontractor for the project. During the project, a heavy equipment repair company filed a claim with the surety to collect past due amounts for repairs the company made to equipment the sub]]>Mon, 14 Apr 2008 12:00 GMThttp://www.constructionweblinks.com/Resources/Industry_Reports__Newsletters/20080414/sure.htmlhttp://www.constructionweblinks.com/Resources/Industry_Reports__Newsletters/20080331/home.htmlConstructionWebLinks.com

A California Court of Appeal has found that shingles purchased by a homeowner as part of a lump sum contract for the re-roofing of his home were "consumer products" covered by the federal Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act. The law allows consumers to sue manufacturers of defective goods although consumers purchased the goods from retailers and not directly from m]]>Mon, 31 Mar 2008 12:00 GMThttp://www.constructionweblinks.com/Resources/Industry_Reports__Newsletters/20080331/home.htmlhttp://www.constructionweblinks.com/Resources/Industry_Reports__Newsletters/20080324/eris.htmlConstructionWebLinks.com

The U.S. Supreme Court has held in that an individual participant in a 401(k) plan can sue under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA) for lost-profits damages caused by the plan administrator's alleged breach of fiduciary duty. LaRue v. DeWolff, Boberg & Associates, Inc., 128 S.Ct. 1020 (2008).

James LaRue was a participa]]>Mon, 24 Mar 2008 12:00 GMThttp://www.constructionweblinks.com/Resources/Industry_Reports__Newsletters/20080324/eris.htmlhttp://www.constructionweblinks.com/Resources/Industry_Reports__Newsletters/20080324/newc.htmlEdited By Clark T. Thiel

DESIGN-BUILD

All California Counties Now May Use Design-Build Contracting

Public Contracts Code §20133 was amended to allow all 58 Califor

]]>Mon, 24 Mar 2008 12:00 GMThttp://www.constructionweblinks.com/Resources/Industry_Reports__Newsletters/20080324/newc.htmlhttp://www.constructionweblinks.com/Resources/Industry_Reports__Newsletters/20080317/unco.htmlBy Peter Zweighaft

A general contractor agreed to install an energy management system at a hospital. The contractor engaged a subcontractor to perform HVAC work, which comprised about 40 percent of the projects. The owner was to make 10 installment payments of $148,475 each to the contractor for a total]]>Mon, 17 Mar 2008 12:00 GMThttp://www.constructionweblinks.com/Resources/Industry_Reports__Newsletters/20080317/unco.htmlhttp://www.constructionweblinks.com/Resources/Industry_Reports__Newsletters/20080310/gove.htmlConstructionWebLinks.com

A government contractor was awarded a $14.3 million fixed price contract to construct a vehicle maintenance plant. The contract's specifications allowed the contractor to choose between two different materials - polystyrene rigid insulation or precast concrete -- for the project's fiber void retainers under grade beams. The specifications referred the cont]]>Mon, 10 Mar 2008 12:00 GMThttp://www.constructionweblinks.com/Resources/Industry_Reports__Newsletters/20080310/gove.htmlhttp://www.constructionweblinks.com/Resources/Industry_Reports__Newsletters/20080303/usco.htmlConstructionWebLinks.com

The Puerto Rico Public Housing Authority awarded Celta Construction Co. a contract to restore a public housing project. Plaintiff Miguel Redondo-Borges was Celta's president. Five months later, the housing authority annulled the bid award because it had determined that Redondo-Borges (and, therefore, Celta) was a "nonresponsible bidder." As a nonresponsi]]>Mon, 3 Mar 2008 12:00 GMThttp://www.constructionweblinks.com/Resources/Industry_Reports__Newsletters/20080303/usco.htmlhttp://www.constructionweblinks.com/Resources/Industry_Reports__Newsletters/20080225/beca.htmlBy Brienne Wesolek

After owners discovered mold contamination in their home, their insurers hired a remediation contractor. The owners entered into a contract for remediation and repair work on the home with the contractor.

After the work was completed, the owners sued the contractor for negli]]>Mon, 25 Feb 2008 12:00 GMThttp://www.constructionweblinks.com/Resources/Industry_Reports__Newsletters/20080225/beca.htmlhttp://www.constructionweblinks.com/Resources/Industry_Reports__Newsletters/20080225/comp.htmlConstructionWebLinks.com

A California Court of Appeal has upheld a compensation plan even though participants forfeited the stock and the money used to buy it if they were discharged or voluntarily terminated within two years. Schachter v. Citigroup, Inc., -- Cal.App.4th -- , 2008 WL 162244 (2008).

The plan was designed to encourage the retention of high-leve]]>Mon, 25 Feb 2008 12:00 GMThttp://www.constructionweblinks.com/Resources/Industry_Reports__Newsletters/20080225/comp.htmlhttp://www.constructionweblinks.com/Resources/Industry_Reports__Newsletters/20080218/cali.htmlBy Eric Casher

A homeowner hired his neighbor, an unlicensed roofing contractor, to replace the roof on his house. The parties agreed on a set price, and the roofer immediately began work. After only four hours of work, the roofer fell from the roof and was injured.

The roofer filed a personal ]]>Mon, 18 Feb 2008 12:00 GMThttp://www.constructionweblinks.com/Resources/Industry_Reports__Newsletters/20080218/cali.htmlhttp://www.constructionweblinks.com/Resources/Industry_Reports__Newsletters/20080211/stan.htmlBy Stephen Palley and Laura Thomson

In a much-anticipated decision, the Florida Supreme Court has confirmed that a subcontractor's faulty workmanship can constitute an accident and thus be an "occurrence" under a post-1986 commercial general liability (CGL) policy.]]>Mon, 11 Feb 2008 12:00 GMThttp://www.constructionweblinks.com/Resources/Industry_Reports__Newsletters/20080211/stan.htmlhttp://www.constructionweblinks.com/Resources/Industry_Reports__Newsletters/20080206/cour.htmlBy William DeVan

A recent series of court decisions has prompted several major sureties to require modifications to the American Institute of Architect's A312 Payment Bond before issuing new payment bonds using the form. Courts in Maryland, Virginia and Florida have held that a surety's failure to deny a]]>Wed, 6 Feb 2008 12:00 GMThttp://www.constructionweblinks.com/Resources/Industry_Reports__Newsletters/20080206/cour.htmlhttp://www.constructionweblinks.com/Resources/Industry_Reports__Newsletters/20080128/fede.htmlConstructionWebLinks.com

A federal appeals court has warned that those who insist on challenging arbitration awards may face sanctions.

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the 11th Circuit wrote that Congress enacted the Federal Arbitration Act (FAA) in order to reduce congestion in the courts while still allowing parties a separate, independent avenue to resolve their]]>Mon, 28 Jan 2008 12:00 GMThttp://www.constructionweblinks.com/Resources/Industry_Reports__Newsletters/20080128/fede.htmlhttp://www.constructionweblinks.com/Resources/Industry_Reports__Newsletters/20080128/intr.htmlConstructionWebLinks.com

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the 9th Circuit, sitting en banc, has overruled in part its holding in Morton v. United Parcel Service, Inc., 272 F.3d 1249 (9th Cir. 2001) regarding the showing an employer must make when asserting an affirmative defense to an American with Disability Act claim. In addition, the court clarified each party's respective]]>Mon, 28 Jan 2008 12:00 GMThttp://www.constructionweblinks.com/Resources/Industry_Reports__Newsletters/20080128/intr.htmlhttp://www.constructionweblinks.com/Resources/Industry_Reports__Newsletters/20080121/cglp.htmlBy Michael S. McNamara

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the 4th Circuit has ruled that under Maryland law, defective construction is not an occurrence triggering coverage under a standard form commercial general liability insurance policy but that damage to a contractor's nondefective work caused by]]>Mon, 21 Jan 2008 12:00 GMThttp://www.constructionweblinks.com/Resources/Industry_Reports__Newsletters/20080121/cglp.htmlhttp://www.constructionweblinks.com/Resources/Industry_Reports__Newsletters/Jan_07_2008/alte.htmlConstructionWebLinks.com

The California Supreme Court has held in that employers may offer employees lump-sum reimbursement for work-related expenses, even "in the form of increases in base salary or... in commission rates."

Employers may do so as long as: 1) "[T]he employer establishes some means to identify the portion of overall compensation]]>Mon, 7 Jan 2008 12:00 GMThttp://www.constructionweblinks.com/Resources/Industry_Reports__Newsletters/Jan_07_2008/alte.html