Because of advancements in the use of digital technology in the administration of construction contracts, the 2017 AIA documents now default to the AIA’s Digital Data Use and Transmission protocol established in 2013 as set forth in the E203. Section 1.8 of the A201 now provides that the contractor’s reliance on BIM modeling will be at its “sole risk and without liability of any other party” unless the parties use AIA E203 and G202 BIM Modeling documents. Clearly, this provision allocates significant risk to the contractor. Contractors’ and their attorneys should consider modifying this language if the AIA digital transmission documents are not agreed to and utilized by the parties.
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W Mason is an partner with the law firm Fox Rothschild LLP. W practices in Fox Rothschild’s Litigation department in West Palm Beach, Florida. W is Board Certified in Construction Law by the Florida Bar Association. W focuses his practice on construction and commercial litigation throughout Florida. You can reach W at (561) 804-4432 or wmason@foxrothschild.com.