Issue
The cost and time to perform change order work may increase as a
result of COVID-19 impacts that arise after the change order is
agreed upon. The Contractor can include contingencies for that risk
in its lump sum pricing, but the Owner will have paid an
unnecessary premium if those impacts do not materialize.
Proposed Solution
Consider utilizing a COVID-19 Rider with your change orders. The
Rider details the types of COVID-19 impacts that entitle the
Contractor to relief, as well as the specific relief. This allows
the parties to use their standard process and format for change
orders, with the COVID-19 issues addressed in the Rider. A one-page
Rider is often all you need. The primary issues to address in the
Rider are discussed below.
