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Definition of role classifications:
Owner/End User:
The individual or corporate entity that will own or occupy the project upon completion.
Government Contracting Agency: A Federal, State or
Local Government Agency regularly involved in construction projects. This agency is responsible for project design (or supervision of design work) and the award of construction contracts. This agency is also
usually responsible for the administration of construction contracts.
Developer:
A developer builds and finances (or arranges for the financing of) projects. Projects are usually either Build-to-Suit (to the requirements of the end user) or Speculation (built without an end user commitment). Projects are usually built and; a) leased; b) leased with an option to purchase or; c) sold after completion to the end user (or other entity). Some developers may even manage or operate facilities after completion. The developer may also function as the builder or contract this work to outside firms.
Lead Architectural/Engineering Firm:
May be comprised of architectural only, engineering only or a combination of architectural and engineering disciplines. This firm frequently acts as the "Architect or Engineer of Record" for their projects. They may provide all the required services "in-house" or "out-source" a portion of the work. If some work is "out-sourced" either by the Lead A/E firm or directly by the Owner (or other entity) the Lead A/E firm is charged with coordinating the efforts of all "out-sourced" design work.
Specialty Engineering/Design Firm: May work in
conjunction with a Lead A/E firm (above) or independently. They normally focus on specific areas of design expertise (i.e. Site/Civil, Geotechnical, Structural, Plumbing, HVAC or Electrical Design). Usually, but
not always, comprised predominately of registered engineers, specialized architects or other specialized design professionals.
Other Professional Services: Professional Service
providers, which support the construction process but are not design related. Examples include Accounting, Bonding & Insurance, Consultants, Legal Services and Real Estate Professionals.
Construction Manager:
The Construction Managers (CM) role can take on many forms. Usually the CM represents the Owner during the design and construction process. Frequently the CM advises and consults with the Architectural & Engineering Team during the Design Phase. Often the CM compiles project cost estimates and provides value-engineering services. The CM commonly administers construction contracts between the Owner and the Prime Contractors. The CM frequently provides on-site supervision, inspection and quality control. Sometimes the CM contracts directly with Prime and Subcontractors or provides field labor. This begins to blur the CM role into that of the General Contractor. Some larger A/E firms also provide CM services.
General Contractor: The General Contractor (GC)
typically has control and responsibility for the construction phase of the entire project or substantial portions of the project. Usually the GC is contracted directly by the Owner. The GC may do some or all of
the work with its own labor, or may subcontract some or all of the work to Specialty Contractors. The GC normally provides on-site supervision, inspection and quality control.
Specialty Contractor / Subcontractor: Specialty
Contractors are often referred to as Subcontractors because they frequently work under subcontract agreement with General Contractors. They may also function as Prime Contractor (first tier contract with the
Owner or other entity). The Specialty Contractor normally performs specific types of work with its own forces (as opposed to subcontracting). Specialty Contractors include Excavators, Masonry Contractors,
Steel Erectors, Plumbing Contractors, Heating & Cooling Contractors and Electrical Contractors. Specialty Contractors should not be confused with Suppliers. Specialty Contractors may or may not provide
materials but always provide on-site labor. Suppliers provide material with little or no on-site labor.
Material Supplier: A Material Suppler is an entity,
which provides material of any sort with little or no on-site labor. The Suppler may manufacture or fabricate the product using off-site (factory or shop) labor.
Construction Tools/Equipment Suppler:
A Suppler, which provides tools and/or equipment in support of the construction process. The customer may purchase, rent, lease or lease/purchase the tools and/or equipment from the supplier.
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