Owner and Geotechnical Consultant Agreement - 246

The ConsensusDocs 246 Standard Agreement is a comprehensive contract designed for use between the Owner of a construction project and a Geotechnical Consultant. This agreement defines the full scope of geotechnical engineering services to be delivered and ensures both parties are aligned in terms of responsibilities, timelines, and legal protections.

This best-practice, industry-standard contract streamlines the process of engaging a Geotechnical Consultant by integrating all necessary general terms and conditions into a single document. Whether for small-scale or large-scale projects, the ConsensusDocs 246 provides a dependable legal foundation for critical early-phase services that impact project feasibility and design.

The agreement covers basic services such as:

• Site evaluations and subsurface investigations
• Soil sampling and laboratory analysis
• Geotechnical reports and design recommendations
• Risk assessments based on geological conditions
• In addition to these essential tasks, the contract includes provisions for Other Additional Services, which can be tailored to the project’s specific requirements.

Key contract clauses and general conditions address:

• Clear definitions of responsibilities and obligations for both the Owner and the Consultant
• Ownership and use rights of generated documents and reports
• The standard of care expected from the Geotechnical Consultant
• Insurance coverage, including professional liability
• Termination conditions and dispute resolution procedures
• Scheduling and deliverable timelines
• Confidentiality and intellectual property protections

The ConsensusDocs 246 offers flexibility to adapt to state laws and individual project demands, making it suitable for a wide range of geotechnical services in both public and private construction projects. By using this agreement, owners can ensure that geotechnical services are delivered professionally and consistently, minimizing project risk and enhancing collaboration from the outset.