2007/06/20 Council Agenda Packet

Exhibit J 3 Alleged Consultant Design Error Procedures The purpose of this exhibit is to establish a procedure to determine if a consultant's alleged design error is of a nature that exceeds the accepted standard of care. In addition, it will establish a uniform method for the resolution and/or cost recovery procedures in those instances where the agency believes is has suffered some material damage due to the alleged error by the consultant. Step 1 —Potential Consultant Design Error(s) is Identified by Agency's Project Manager At the first indication of potential consultant design error(s),the first step in the process is for the Agency's project manager to notify the Director of Public Works or Agency Engineer regarding the potential design error(s). For federally funded projects,the Region Highways and Local Programs Engineer should be informed and involved in these procedures. (Note: The Director of Public Works or Agency Engineer may appoint an agency staff person other than the project manager,who has not been as directly involved in the project,to be responsible for the remaining steps in these procedures.) Step 2—Project Manager Documents the Alleged Design Error(s) After discussion of the alleged design error(s)and the magnitude of the alleged error(s), and with the Director of Public Works or Agency Engineer's concurrence,the project manager obtains more detailed documentation than is normally required on the project. Examples include: all decisions and descriptions of work; photographs,records of labor, materials and equipment. Step 3—Contact the Consultant Regarding the Alleged Design Error(s) If it is determined that there is a need to proceed further,the next step in the process is for the project manager to contact the consultant regarding the alleged design error(s)and the magnitude of the alleged error(s). The project manager and other appropriate agency staff should represent the agency and the consultant should be represented by their project manager and any personnel(including sub-consultants)deemed appropriate for the alleged design error(s) issue. Step 4—Attempt to Resolve Alleged Design Error with Consultant After the meeting(s) with the consultant have been completed regarding the consultant's alleged design error(s),there are three possible scenarios: • It is determined via mutual agreement that there is not a consultant design error(s). If this is the case,then the process will not proceed beyond this point. • It is determined via mutual agreement that a consultant design error(s)occurred. If this is the case,then the Director of Public Works or Agency Engineer, or their representatives,negotiate a settlement with the consultant. The settlement would be paid to the agency for the services on the project in which the design error took place. The agency is to provide H&LP,through the Region Local Programs Engineer, a summary of the settlement for review and to make adjustments, if 135 DOT Form 140-089 EF Page 32 Revised 6/05