Emergent Subcontracting Models and Owner Involvement in Selecting Subcontracting Strategies And Participants in the U.S. Construction Industry

Abstract

Prime contracting models for a wide variety of Project Delivery Methods (PDM) have been described with great detail in the practice-oriented and academic literature. However, the same depth of understanding about contractual relationships between general and specialty contractors is less known, especially as specialty contractors are being increasingly involved in earlier project phases. The objective of this research is to describe subcontracting models, owner involvement scenarios, and their variations across the United States. Results of a nationwide survey and follow-up semi-structured interviews with industry practitioners indicate many subcontracting models are currently in use and that project owner involvement is widely variable. Presentation attendees should expect to gain a greater understanding of each of the identified subcontracting models as well as to learn the advantages, disadvantages, regional variations, and owner involvement under each.