Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the CMAR topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Legal adviser explains CMAR option, but says $5 million threshold limits local use
Summary
Committee heard a detailed explanation of construction management-at-risk (CMAR), including procedural timing and a $5 million state threshold that limits the option for most local projects. Members discussed whether large upcoming projects justify CMAR or additional on-site management.
The committee received a technical briefing on CMAR — construction management at risk — as a potential alternative to traditional low-bid public works procurement.
Attorney Rhodes (speaker S10) explained the CMAR approach: "CMAR is short for construction management at risk," and said state law requires that a project be "in excess of $5,000,000 in order for it to qualify as a CMAR project." Rhodes outlined the typical process — selecting a CMAR during design (around 30% design completion), using preconstruction services and negotiating a guaranteed maximum price, and the legislative review requirement for mid-size projects.
Members raised that many local projects remain below the statutory threshold and that the committee should identify projects that could qualify or consider administrative policies for added on-site construction management on very large projects. Staff and counsel agreed to list candidate projects and the procedural steps needed to pursue CMAR where permissible.
