CMAR (Construction Manager at Risk) Project Delivery

The Construction Manager at Risk (CMAR) approach offers a strategic alternative to the traditional design-bid-build model, giving owners more control and confidence throughout the project lifecycle.

With CMAR, owners bring a qualified construction manager, often a general contractor, on board early in the design phase. This professional becomes an integral part of the team, offering real-time cost insights that empower the owner and design consultant to make informed, value-driven decisions. Rather than waiting until bid day to discover if a project is over budget, CMAR allows for continuous scope adjustments to align with financial goals.

One of CMAR’s key advantages is early engagement with subcontractors and trades. This proactive step helps ensure the availability of skilled contractors, which is especially important in today’s competitive construction environment where fewer firms are bidding on projects.

While CMAR is commonly used for building construction, its application in utility and transportation projects is growing—though state regulations vary. For example, Minnesota restricts CMAR in public rights-of-way, while Iowa permits its use outside of DOT projects.

The process begins with a qualifications-based selection (RFQ), typically initiated when design is about 30% complete. The CMAR then collaborates with the team to refine the design to 80–90%, ultimately proposing a Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP). The owner can accept the GMP and proceed or opt for traditional bidding.

Our construction administration and inspection staff coupled with our diverse resources enable us to support a wide range of construction service needs. Curious how CMAR can streamline your next project and reduce risk? Let’s explore how Bolton & Menk can help you build smarter, faster, and with greater confidence.