Construction Management Approach

Typically, in construction, jobs are awarded to bonded general
contractors who, in turn, have the authority to hire subcontractors
completely at their discretion. However, experience tells us that
this type of arrangement often presents shortcomings,
particularly when the project in question deals with "on-reserve"
construction. Some of these shortcomings include:

• difficulties of First Nations constructors in securing bonding
• the lack of control the owner has over who the general
. contractor hires for specific portions of the work
• the onerous negotiations involved with contract changes
• during tough economic times, contractors tend to bid low in
. hopes of making a profit on 'extras' once a contract is awarded

In Construction Management, The Project Team determines
what bid packages are for First Nations Contractors only, while
the remaining bid packages could be open or invited to off
reserve contractors. In inviting local contractors to bid on specific
packages, the Project Team is allowed to make these decisions:

• Workers Compensation Coverage
• Payment schedules
• Contract security, if applicable
• Contract forms

The division of bid packages by native contractors vs. off-reserve
contractors ensures the Project Team receives a fair and
equitable pricing to each of the bid packages.

"In the name of fiscal responsibility, liability and construction practice, First Nations contractors and labourers have been constrained from fully participating in the construction of facilities built on their own lands. By utilizing construction management, a project can be administered to maximize local labour within a framework that is directly controlled by client representatives in conjunction with the Consultant Team."

Two Row Architect has utilized various alternatives during the tendering process that guarantees sub-contracts be awarded to local native construction companies. We have found that there are many First Nations who undertake the construction of a project by the construction management method. An example of this method would be where the First Nation acts as the General Contractor on the project and retains an experienced Band member(s) to act as Project Manager/Construction Site Supervisor. The Project Manager and Construction Supervisor determine the extent of work that they are willing to undertake. A workforce of skilled tradespeople and labourers are then recruited from your community. The balance of the work is broken into various tender or bid packages.

Click the following link for a .pdf document of construction management projects that Two Row Architect has had the opportunity of acting as prime consultants for.

(Adobe Acrobat required)