Here at Construction Law Musings, I have often discussed payment bond claims under the federal Miller Act and its state specific analogs (so called “Little Miller Acts“). Most of these discussions have assumed without actually stating that the surety carrying the payment bond would be solvent and available to pay any judgment against it. Unfortunately, […]
No Recoupment Defense to Supplier’s Miller Act Claim
We’re back on the Miller Act train here at Musings. Recently, the Alexandria, VA Federal District Court revisited the issue of whether the failure of a subcontractor to pay its supplier provides a general contractor and its surety with a defense to a Federal Miller Act bond claim. The short answer is “No.” In U.S. […]
Why Contractors Should Notify Bonding Companies Quickly
With the rise in federal and state construction projects, and the need for contractors and other construction professionals to seek out these projects in the present economy, focus on the Miller Act and your state’s “Little Miller Act” is key. As a quick reminder, the Miller Act essentially requires that a general contractor carry a […]
Reminder: Don’t Waive Your Mechanic’s Lien Rights (or Bond Rights For That Matter)
Here at Construction Law Musings, I have discussed mechanic’s liens and bond claims and how these types of payment protections interact with construction contracts. Throughout these many posts, I have emphasized both the technical and picky nature of mechanic’s liens in Virginia and the fact that the contract is king in Virginia. If you add […]
Musings on Construction Claim Changes
Everyone knows that the construction economy is not exactly stellar right now and has not been for a while. Groups from the AGC to the federal government are discussing the issues with the building sector. I have discussed some ways that I believe that a Virginia or any other contractor can distinguish itself from competitors […]