Aia Cma Agreement

The AIA CMA Agreement: What You Need to Know

For those involved in the construction industry, the American Institute of Architects (AIA) Construction Management Agreement (CMA) is a commonly used contract document. The AIA CMA agreement outlines the roles and responsibilities of the construction manager and the owner throughout the construction process. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the AIA CMA agreement and its key components.

Overview of the AIA CMA Agreement

The AIA CMA agreement is a comprehensive document that defines the roles and responsibilities of each party involved in a construction project. It helps to minimize confusion and disputes by clearly outlining expectations and obligations. The agreement covers a range of topics, including the scope of work, payment terms, schedule, and dispute resolution.

Key Components of the AIA CMA Agreement

1. Scope of Work:

The scope of work section outlines the specific tasks and responsibilities of the construction manager. This includes general responsibilities such as coordinating the construction process, hiring and supervising subcontractors, and managing the schedule.

2. Payment Terms:

The payment terms section details how and when the construction manager will be paid. This includes hourly rates, fixed fees, and reimbursable expenses. The agreement may also include provisions for retainage, which is a percentage of each payment that is held back to ensure the construction manager meets the owner’s expectations.

3. Schedule:

The schedule section outlines the timeline for the construction project, including key milestones and deadlines. The schedule may be expressed as a series of dates or as a Gantt chart, which shows the dependencies between tasks.

4. Dispute Resolution:

The dispute resolution section outlines the process for resolving conflicts that may arise during the construction process. This includes mediation, arbitration, or litigation. The AIA recommends utilizing the first two methods before resorting to litigation.

Benefits of Using the AIA CMA Agreement

Using the AIA CMA agreement provides several benefits for construction managers and owners. First, it helps to establish clear expectations and reduce misunderstandings. Second, it helps to ensure that the project is completed on time and within budget. Finally, it provides a framework for resolving disputes that may arise during the construction process.

Conclusion

The AIA CMA agreement is a critical document for those involved in the construction industry. It provides a comprehensive framework for defining the roles and responsibilities of the construction manager and owner and helps to minimize disputes. By understanding the key components of the agreement, construction managers and owners can ensure a successful construction project.