Study of GC/CM approach yields mixed consclusions
Washington Construction law posts a copy of a atste study of the effectiveness of using the General Contractor/Construction Manager (GC/CM) delivery system on state and local projects.
In Washington the GC/CM is selected based on qualifications rather than competitve bids. The construction contract is negotiated and signed with the GC/CM early in the design phase of the project.
One key finding is that owners and contractors believed the GC/CM approach fosters "more collaborative working relationships" that helped keep projects "progressing through obstacles and challenges."
The study also found evidence suggesting some agencies were using GC/CM to avoid the risks of the design-bid-build approach, that some owners didn't appreciate that the GM/CM's involvement in the deign did not relieve the owner of responsibility for the design, and that some owners didn't appreciate that the GC/CM's involvement was not a substitute for the owner having its own expertise.
Of moment, the study found there was not sufficient comparative data available to determine if the GM/CM approach reduced costs associated with change orders, claims and litigation.