Construction Manager at Risk (CMaR) Training for State of Iowa Public Building and Facility Projects

What is the CMaR?

Construction Manager at Risk (CMaR) is a contracting method widely used in the construction industry, especially for large or complex projects. In this model, the construction manager (CM) assumes financial risk and acts as a general contractor.  Larry brings his expertise as a general contractor, construction manager, owner’s agent, and owner’s representative on projects using CM at Risk for over 30 years.

Key Characteristics of CMaR Method:

• Early Involvement: The CM is involved in the project from its early design phase. This allows for input on design decisions to optimize constructability, selection of building systems, continuous budget updates, long-lead analysis for materials and equipment, and cost-effectiveness.  
• At-Risk Contract: The CM assumes financial risk for the project, meaning they are responsible for completing the project within the agreed-upon budget and schedule.  
• Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP): The CM typically provides a GMP, which is a fixed price for completing the project. This provides the owner with a predictable budget.  
• Construction Management Services: The CM also provides traditional construction management services, such as scheduling, cost control, quality assurance, and safety management.  
• Subcontractor Management: The CM manages subcontractors and suppliers on behalf of the owner, reducing the owner's administrative burden.

CMaR Training Program

Construction Manager at Risk (CMAR) training for State of Iowa Public Building and Facility Projects is a specialized program focused on the project delivery methods and designed to equip individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary to excel in the role of a CMaR. Our training covers various topics related to construction project management, risk management, contract administration, project costs, and leadership.

CMAR training aims to provide participants with the tools and knowledge they need to successfully manage complex construction projects, mitigate risks, and deliver projects on time and within budget. CMaR training can benefit individuals seeking to advance their careers in construction management or those interested in starting their own CMaR firms.

Key Areas Covered in CMaR Method Training:

• Understanding the RFQ and RFP process for public owners when soliciting professional construction management services for public building and facilities projects in Iowa.
• Understand the RFQ process for the CM at Risk when prequalifying potential subcontractors for individual trade bid packages.
• Learn what the Iowa Law, Chapter 26A, allows and prohibits.

Benefits of CMaR Training

CMAR training can provide significant benefits, including enhanced career prospects, improved project management skills, increased client confidence, and opportunities for business development if you're interested in advancing your career in construction management or starting your own CMaR firm.

Enhanced Career Prospects

• Specialized Knowledge: CMAR training equips you with specialized knowledge and skills that are highly sought after in the construction industry.
• Increased Job Opportunities: With the specialized knowledge gained from CMaR training, you'll be qualified for a broader range of roles and positions within the construction industry.
• Higher Earning Potential: Construction managers at-risk method professionals often command higher salaries due to their specialized expertise and ability to manage complex projects.

Improved Project Management Skills

• Effective Risk Management: CMaR training provides you with project delivery methods and the tools and techniques to identify, assess, and mitigate risks in construction projects.
• Enhanced Negotiation Skills: Learn how to effectively negotiate contracts and resolve disputes with subcontractors and suppliers.
• Stronger Leadership Abilities: CMaR training develops your leadership skills, enabling you to manage teams effectively and drive project success.

Increased Client Confidence

• Proven Expertise: CMaR training demonstrates your expertise in construction management, which can boost your credibility with clients.
• Reduced Risk: Clients are more likely to trust a CMaR professional with their projects due to their ability to manage risks and deliver projects on time and within budget.
• Improved Project Outcomes: By applying the knowledge and skills gained from CMaR training, you can help clients achieve better project outcomes.

Business Development Opportunities

• Starting Your Own Firm: CMAR training can provide the foundation for starting your own CMAR firm.
• Diversifying Your Service Offerings: As a CMaR professional, you can offer a wider range of services to clients, such as project management, construction project delivery, construction consulting, and risk management.

Experience and Qualifications

Cormicle Consulting Services has provided training in construction scheduling and planning, project management, and construction claims consulting since 2005. Your instructor, Mr. Larry Cormicle, is a licensed professional engineer in the State of Iowa in Construction Engineering and has over 30 years of higher education teaching and coaching experience.  Mr. Cormicle has served Master Builders of Iowa as their CM at Risk consultant and expert since 2023. He has trained various owners, architects, engineers, general contractors, construction managers, and subcontractors with virtual and in-person seminars.  Mr. Cormicle has over 6,000 hours of classroom teaching experience in higher education.

Certifications:

• Certificate of Management-Lean Construction | AGC of America.
• CM-Lean Lead Instructor of the AGC of America "CM Lean Education Program 2.0".
• Certified Maxwell Leadership Coach, Trainer, and Speaker.
• Emeritus Teaching Professor of Construction Engineering at Iowa State University.

Mr. Cormicle brings his twenty-five years of experience in general contracting, construction management, and real estate development, as well as his thirty-plus years of experience as a professional construction engineering and management educator, as the foundation for his services.

Iowa Code Chapter 26A and CMaR

Iowa Code Chapter 26A is a general law that governs the procurement of public works contracts in the state of Iowa. While it primarily focuses on the bidding process for public projects, it can also have implications for Construction Manager at Risk (CMaR) contracts.  

Construction professionals involved in CMaR projects in Iowa must know this law's requirements and potential exceptions.

Key Points:

• Public Projects: Chapter 26A primarily applies to public works projects, such as those undertaken by state agencies, municipalities, or school districts.
• Competitive Bidding: The law generally requires public projects to be awarded through a competitive bidding process, where multiple contractors submit bids for the work.
• CMaR Contracts: While CMaR contracts are not explicitly mentioned in Chapter 26A, they can sometimes be used for public projects in Iowa. However, their use must comply with competitive bidding and public interest principles.
• Exceptions: The competitive bidding requirement may be waived in some instances, such as when a CMaR contract is deemed necessary due to the complexity or urgency of the project.
• Local Regulations: It's important to note that local governments in Iowa may have additional regulations or guidelines that govern the use of CMaR contracts for public projects.

You Can Download a PDF of  CHAPTER 26A

Press release: Master Builders of Iowa Hires Mr. Cormicle as CM at Risk Consultant