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Construction: Public Agencies

Helping public agencies construct a better California

Construction projects are complex by nature.  When a project involves a public agency, additional layers of complexity are come into the mix.

A municipal, state or federal agency involved in the construction process must follow specific procurement rules.  The scope of a project is publicly advertised.  Interested parties respond with bids.  A bid is selected and a contract awarded.  The contract must then be administered.

Often, special attention must be paid to requirements that encourage disadvantaged and/or disabled veteran enterprises.

We assist public owners with all aspects of this process – including selection of design professionals, pre-qualification of bidders, preparation of bid packages, evaluation of bids, awarding of contracts, management of bid protests, negotiation of ensuing schedule disputes and change orders, and resolution of claims filed by contractors in the course of a public project.

Because of their knowledge of federal, state and local government contracting procedures, our lawyers have been asked to present courses on public construction law for the Associated Builders & Contractors and other construction-industry entities.

When disputes such as protest issues arise in the course of the procurement process – as they frequently do – our lawyers represent the interests of public owners before a wide range of state and federal courts, as well as relevant administrative tribunals and boards of contract appeals.  We offer negotiation, mediation, arbitration and litigation services.

In order to secure proper payment of suppliers and subcontractors, virtually all public projects require that general contractors post a payment bond.  For more information on how our construction lawyers assist with this process, see Sureties.

Our legal advice can help public agencies construct a better California.