Standard contract for federal work is revised

A newly revised standard subcontract for federal work will make it easier for general contractors and subcontractors.

The updated ConsensusDocs 752 Federal Subcontract Agreement is designed to address recent changes in federal contracting such as requirements for certifying small business entities and new reporting of executive compensation requirements.

“We are providing an essential tool for any general contractor working in the federal market. In 2012, this standard subcontract was completely updated with input from all segments of the industry to remain current and relevant to today’s federal construction practice,” Tom Kelleher, chairman of the ConsensusDocs 752 Federal Subcontract Working Group, said in a statement. “These updates will be especially helpful to general and specialty contractors that may not routinely perform federal government contracts but now seek federal work in a construction market that has significantly changed since 2008.”

The updated agreement is designed to make it easier for contractors to comply with Federal Acquisition Regulations as well as federal contracting preferences.

One significant new provision now provides for attorneys’ fees if a general contractor withholds payments based on a Miller Act claim that is made in bad faith. Removed from this edition are references to certain federal stimulus funding requirements that do not apply to non-stimulus funded projects. The subcontract continues to address requirements and conform to federal practices in regard to E-Verify and immigration status.

Other federal subcontract flow-down requirements now addressed include notification of employee rights under the National Labor Relations Act, and contractor’s prohibition on text messaging.

For information, visit www.consensusdocs.org.