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Bridging/CM Comments
Though I respect the creativity and vision that George Heery brings to our industry, his ongoing attempt to package bridging as a new project delivery system, as in "Bridging/CM Is a New System That Gives Owners Results," only adds confusion.
Heery applies bridging to a variation of CM to coin "bridging/CM," which is basically CM at-Risk focusing on two classic issues: the timing of the price guarantee and the option of using a guaranteed maximum or a fixed-price contract. Owners using CM at-Risk have addressed both topics in numerous ways for decades.
Are there challenges with guaranteed maximum price? Sure, but smart owners understand these risks and have learned how to manage and mitigate them. They get the benefit of a collaborative, open-book process while a contractor focuses on giving them the best value. Bridging/CM takes this choice away. Bridging/CM is heavily based on locking in an early fixed price, removing the option to use a GMP and the ability to use it as an incentive to enhance collaboration. Is adding a new term really necessary?
I understand very well Michael Kenig's concern about the introduction of bridging/CM. It, as well as bridging, was developed with the best interests of the owner in mind. The major advance in bridging/CM over CM at-Risk is that it deals decisively with a vexing problem, namely, that a GMP is not very dependable until 100% completion of contract documents. For public-sector owners and certain others who cannot or should not rely upon relationships in procuring fair prices and conditions for major construction projects, bridging/CM may well be the answer to their real needs.Â
Starting April 10, our company will host a new Website, bridgingmethod.com, as a free resource for detailed information about bridging and bridging/CM. Owners and industry professionals will be able to submit their questions, which will be answered as quickly as possible.
Hypertrack Problem
Most articles about the benefits of fast tracking and now "hypertracking," such as in "Architects Belatedly Are Moving Toward the Light," fail to mention one of the key elements of designing and constructing any project: government permits and approvals. You can't even apply for a building permit until all site plans are engineered and approved by state and local authorities. Also, don't forget local planning and zoning or even the need for a variance. That means going in front of a city or county commission, at least once if not more. Once you have all approvals, you can apply for a building permit, which requires a complete set of architectural and engineering plans. None of these entities even appear on the story's charts.
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