Infinity Engineering is a dynamic, multi-discipline engineering consulting firm comprising of civil, structural, mechanical, and electrical capabilities, as well as advanced measurements services. This multi-discipline approach allows Infinity’s engineers to produce designs in open collaboration from project inception through completion.
CMAR - Construction Manager At Risk
RTA Canal Street Ferry Terminal Conceptual Design - New Orleans, LA
RTA Canal Street Ferry Terminal CMAR Construction - New Orleans, LA
Infinity is at the forefront of the CMAR method of delivery, which is rapidly gaining favor with our public clients. CMAR is short for “construction manager at risk” which is a collaborative effort between a public owner, engineer, and contractor. This process offers an alternative to the traditional design-bid-build relationship which is customary with projects that follow the Louisiana Public Bid Law (defined by LA RS 38:2211). Previously enacted legislation has been expanded by LA RS 38:2225.2.4, allowing any Louisiana public entity to utilize the CMAR method of delivery.
For a project where the best solution is not straightforward or presents a high-risk situation regarding unforeseen conditions, CMAR may offer a better alternative. In this scenario, the owner would hire an engineering consultant, such as Infinity, who together would develop a conceptual design for the project. The design could be advanced up to the 30% development stage, enough to illustrate the design intent to prospective contractors. The owner would then advertise for a CMAR contractor to collaborate on the completion of designs and construction plans. At the end of this process, if the engineer has developed a design that the contractor can construct within the owner’s defined budget limitations, then the owner and contractor can enter into a contract for a “guaranteed maximum price.” If not, then the owner may use the construction documents as developed to solicit bid proposals as if the project was traditional design-bid-build.
Infinity has first-hand experience in serving as the owner’s engineer on CMAR projects that follow this Louisiana Revised Statute. LA RS 38:2225.2.4 statute provides reasons for using CMAR, which include collaboration and cost control; concurrent execution of design and construction; a complex project with a tight time frame; owner, designer, and contractor with mutual project goals; risk identification controlled by owner; and minimization of the risk of construction and design disputes by using a collaborative process. Projects that exceed $5.0 million are potentially eligible.
We welcome the opportunity to explore this option with our municipal clients, architects, engineers, or contractors on future projects.