Public Construction Projects
Legal Counsel to Safeguard Your Projects
Public construction law varies significantly from private construction. Depending on the project’s function, funding, agency, and jurisdiction, contractors may be subject to a variety of federal, state, and local laws, as well as regulations declared by separate administrations and departments.
Public construction law ensures that public works projects are completed safely, on budget, and within a reasonable time frame. The law is designed to protect and promote the safety of all parties involved in a project. When these laws are not followed, costly delays, disputes, and potential legal action can result.
The bidding method for public projects (which is often required) is called open tendering, whereby anyone is allowed to submit a bid on the project. Open tendering is commonly used on government projects, as it usually creates the most competition for a job, which drives cost estimates down. In fact, many public projects are required to solicit contractors through an open tender.
The public contracts bidding process and the requirements that contractors must abide by includes following all relevant local, state, and/or federal regulations regarding environmental protection, labor laws, wages, taxes, insurance coverage, and potential union agreements.
Public construction projects involve financing from governmental entities, usually in the form of tax dollars or other public funds. As such, government entities need to monitor that funds are spent appropriately, and that public safety and health standards are met.
In addition to regulatory requirements, public construction law also includes the rights and responsibilities of all parties involved in a project. This includes the right of governments to terminate contracts, if necessary, and how disputes between contractors, subcontractors, and laborers should be handled.
Public construction law varies significantly from private construction. Depending on the project’s function, funding, agency, and jurisdiction, contractors may be subject to a variety of federal, state, and local laws, as well as regulations declared by separate administrations and departments.
Legal Counsel to Safeguard Your Projects
Public construction consists of any matter relating to the construction, maintenance, rehabilitation, alteration, extension or demolition of any improvements by, or on behalf of, departments and public bodies.
It is important for government entities, contractors, subcontractors, laborers, and related parties to be guided by qualified attorneys who can help protect the rights and interests of all parties involved, while helping to ensure that the public construction project is completed on time and within budget, and with minimal disruption.
- At the national level, workplace safety and employment laws are implemented, along with hiring practices and worksite requirements.
- The states deliver a range of safety, employment, and environmental regulations.
- Counties develop the zoning ordinances and noise restrictions.