In the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey, school officials should follow best practices in vetting building and disaster recovery contractors. According to media reports, there will be a shortage of skilled labor and increased costs for various building trades following the most costly natural disaster in U.S. history. Although school officials may feel compelled to repair and restore instructional facilities as expeditious as possible, officials should avoid taking short-cuts in contracting practices. Some practical tips for vetting potential building contractors include:
Is there evidence of:
- Sufficient solvency for the size of the contract? What method or evidence is the contractor offering to show sufficient solvency? Is a consultant needed to vet the contractor’s financial solvency?
- General accepted certifications for the trade area(s), and professional memberships?
- Long-term team of workers versus crews hired “off the street?”
- Maintaining a relationship with the school district after scheduled work is completed? This may be an issue with certain out-of-state contractors that chase disasters.
- History of avoiding numerous and costly change orders on similar scale projects?
- Membership in the American Society of Safety Engineers?
- A satisfactory safety record and records of site-specific training of employees?
- Use of the right equipment for the project? Is the contractor able to provide pictures of equipment and tool trucks?
- History of completing projects on schedule and budget?
- Sufficient references of completed projects of similar scale? Has the contractor completed projects of similar scale that you can visit to inspect and interview owners about satisfactory performance? Are there projects-in-progress that you can visit to interview owners and vet satisfactory performance?
- Highly detailed plan and schedules for the project work in advance?
- Satisfactory record in working with construction management firms, if applicable?
- Allowing “right to audit” clause in contract terms and conditions?
School districts are also advised to work closely with their attorney on retainer in vetting potential building and disaster recovery contractors.