In this week’s cases, we see once again that it’s prudent to follow an owner’s recommendation to perform a site investigation. A trial jury awarded more than $3 million to a contractor for excess payments that the city would not pay, but the appeals court overturned the ruling (and the award).In another case, the contractor unsuccessfully appealed a lower court’s decision for remobilization and delay costs on a city storm drainage project. Because the contractor did not follow the exact terms of the contract, the court ruled that the city was not obligated to pay. In a sheet pile wall project, discrepancies in contract understandings arose after the contracting officer repeatedly entered modifications to the project. An appeals board found an accord and satisfaction did not bar a portion of the contractor’s claimed costs for extra work.
Tips and Techniques looks at how contract disputes and other issues are handled in Britain. Finally, this week’s issue includes the Corps’ Safety and Health Requirements Manual.
