Explains the complexities of the process involved in obtaining payment on a forfeited bidding contract and the exceptions to the general rule on forfeiture for contract bids. Includes discussion of court litigation on the topic. (MD)

Five major sources of construction disputes between architects and school clients are (1) errors, defects, or omissions in the contract documents; (2) cost-related problems; (3) changed conditions; (4) consumer reaction; and (5) interpersonal relationships. A clear understanding of each party's role is necessary to eliminate these conflicts. (MLF)

Conflict often occurs between architects and superintendents during the school building process. Expanding the "Standard Form of Agreement between Owner and Architect, "provided by the American Institute of Architects, to include terms written specifically for the protection of the owner can help resolve such conflict. (MLF)

An examination of statutes and case law reveals that in most states the employment of architects and engineers by public school districts is exempt from competitive bidding procedures. (MLF)