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Value Engineering: A Legal Perspective. David M. Governo Governo Law Firm LLC 260 Franklin St. Boston, MA 617.737.9045 dgoverno@governo.com www.governo.com. Value Engineering: Legal Goals. Get Paid Avoid Claims. Value Engineering: Definition. Structured Process Assess Design/Materials
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Value Engineering:A Legal Perspective David M. Governo Governo Law Firm LLC 260 Franklin St. Boston, MA 617.737.9045 dgoverno@governo.com www.governo.com
Value Engineering:Legal Goals • Get Paid • Avoid Claims
Value Engineering:Definition • Structured Process • Assess Design/Materials • Assure Goals Met
Get Paid:Your Contract • Conflict Recognition & Avoidance • Clear Communication • Documented Agreement
Get Paid:Additional Services • Build Value Engineering into Contract • Detail Your Scope of Services • Clarify Payment Terms
Engineering Contract’sLiability Risks • Lack of Detail • Indemnification Provisions • Warranty and Guarantee Clauses
Value Engineering:Legal Protection? • Facility should operate “better” • But: What Goals? • Risk Management • Claim Avoidance
Value Cutting = Liability • Sound “Goals” • Qualified Team • Proper Documentation
Sources of Engineer’s Liability • Contract: Failure to meet terms • System/Facility: Failure to perform
System or Facility’s Failure to Perform • Engineer’s Duty: Standard of Care • Specification of Less Durable Component • Documentation of Value Engineering Process
Record Keeping • What to document? • How to describe? • Keep for how long?
Case Study:Value Engineering • HVAC in Office Building • Fan and pump motors originally specified were “engineered” out to save initial cost • Less expensive/less durable motors • Occupants complained • Motors failed
Case Study:Claims • Allegation: Breach of Contract • Failure to properly design • Selection of materials that were non durable
Case Study:Documentation • Owners & other consultants requested change • Reason for change and expected results described • New operations and maintenance specified • Owner’s acceptance documented • No breach of contract • No negligence
Protect Yourself at all Times • Understand • Analyze • Act!!!