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GVSU Approach to Design & Construction... GVSU Facilities Planning Goals
Consistent with that of the University as a whole, the mission of GVSU Facilities Planning is to provide a quality environment that supports teaching, learning and community service at Grand Valley State University. In carrying out its mission, GVSU Facilities Planning is dedicated to the following goals:
To support high quality undergraduate and graduate education
by developing exceptional facilities in which University faculty and
students can effectively concentrate on teaching, learning, scholarship
and service.
To enhance the image, atmosphere and environment of the University
community by combining aesthetic form with practical function.
To foster relationships of trust and positive experience between
the University and its contractors and professional service providers by
successfully completing projects under reasonable and fair contracts
and documents.
To prudently and effectively manage the University financial resources
with which it is entrusted by creating innovative and efficient structures
within the budgets and timelines allotted.
GVSU Contract Philosophy
For decades, various construction industry interest groups have provided "standard form" contracts. Those documents are usually and understandably biased in favor of the groups which produce them. In order to provide a more balanced alternative, GVSU has undertaken a program to prepare a suite of interrelated and integrated contracts, consistent with the following premises:
The University, as the source of all project funds, has the right to choose the most
appropriate contract language to best serve the interests of all parties.
Project contract documents should have certain common provisions applicable to the
entities providing the core requirements of design and construction, and should be
as easily understandable and as clerically easy to use as possible.
Contract language should clearly specify the nature, type and scope of services, and the
performance obligations expected, of project professionals and contractors.
Risk and responsibility should be allocated to the party best able to control the risk and to
act responsibly in a particular situation.
Parties contracting with GVSU are entitled to fair compensation and profit commensurate
with their contractual obligations.
GVSU Contract Organization
GVSU's construction contract documents are divided into two major series:
Within each series, documents are divided into suites comprised of various chapters, and each chapter is further subdivided into articles organized by specific subjects. Chapter 1 contains project-specific, fill-in-the-blank details and defines the Who, Where, When, Why and, in general, the What of a given project. This chapter is expected to change in detail for each project. Chapter 2 states specifically What is required of the party contracting with GVSU. This chapter cannot be modified, but additions or deletions required by a specific project may, if necessary, be made in an appendix at the end of the chapter. Chapter 3 states How each contracting party, including GVSU, is expected to perform, and what will happen if a party does not do so. Chapter 3 is very similar for both series of contracts. This chapter cannot be modified, so that GVSU and those with whom it contracts will always know what is required with respect to the subjects covered, irrespective of the type of project or entity involved. GVSU Contract Experience GVSU has a long history of successful relationships with a large number of contractors and professional service firms, and has won numerous awards for the fine work they have performed. For the most part, GVSU’s experience has been positive; however, prior to utilization of its own CONTRACTS FOR PROFESSIONAL SERVICES and CONTRACTS FOR CONSTRUCTION, the University occasionally encountered problems. For example:
While these errors and omissions were eventually corrected, they should never have occurred, and resolution was more difficult due to the various contract documents being used. GVSU believes similar problems can be reduced if not eliminated, and prompt and fair resolution facilitated, by consistant use of its standard contracts for Professional and Construction Services. Note: GVSU contract documents were drafted under the advice of the office of Plunkett Cooney Attorneys & Counselors at Law - Bridgewater Place - 333 Bridge Street NW, Suite 530 - Grand Rapids, MI 49504
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| Last Modified Date: July 14, 2009 | |
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