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This guide explores the necessity of surety bonds for third-party vendor contracts related to public works. Surety bonds protect public entities and taxpayers while ensuring that vendors meet their contractual obligations. Key concepts include the Miller Act, the significance of Little Miller Acts, and the essential components of surety bonding such as prequalification, risk assessment, and the claims process. Learn about the roles of principals, obligees, and sureties, and discover the advantages of surety bonds in achieving timely project execution and quality delivery.
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Protection for Third Party Vendor Contracts Surety Bonds For Public Entities
Why Bonds Are Required • Miller Act of 1935 • For federally funded public works projects over $150,000 • “Little Miller Acts” • For state & local public works projects
What is a Surety Bond? Principal (Vendor) Obligee (Public Entity) Surety (Guarantor)
Elements Of Prequalification Capital Capacity Character
Capital: Financial Strength Capital Financial statements Net Worth Cash Flow Indemnity
Capacity: Ability to Perform Capital Financial statements Working capital Net Worth Cash Flows Indemnity Capacity Resumes Contingency plan Business plan- short & long term
Character: References & Reputation Capital Financial statements Net Worth Cash Flows Indemnity Capacity Resumes Contingency plan Business plan- short & long term Equipment Character Reputation Relationships References
Role of the Underwriter • Review obligations • Determine the risk • Provide qualified principal to owner Underwriter
Underlying Agreement • Primary instrument to establish risk associated with the guarantee • Requirements contained in the contract documents
Functions of Surety Bonds • Competitive bidding process • “On time performance” • Saves tax dollars • Protects tax payer dollars Surety Bonds
The Advantages Of Surety Bonds • Qualified vendors • Competitive pricing • Timely contract performance • Quality product • Financial recourse • Insulates public officials • Efficient management of public works administration • Protect taxpayer dollars Surety Bonds
Surety vs. ILOC ILOCBond • Financial Prequalification Yes Yes • Capabilities Prequalification No Yes • Review of contract documents and guarantee forms No Yes • Guarantee completion No Yes • Warranty Period Covered No Yes • Cancellable Yes No/Yes • 100% Coverage No Yes • Impact on Bank Line Yes No
An Owner’s Guide To The Surety Claims Process(optional section)
When Problems Arise .... • Keep the surety informed of the principal’s progress • If principal defaults, submit written declaration of default • Allow the surety time to investigate the claim Obligee
Surety’s Responsibilities In a Claims Situation • Principal’s contractual obligations • Obligee’s contractual obligations • Principal’s defense • Whether the obligee has met its obligations Surety
Managing The Claims Process • Be cognizant of legal position • Avoid improperly worded letters • Written notice of known problems • Ask for a specific response Obligee
Surety Responsiveness • Be reasonable in your expectations • Be diligent in providing notice & maintaining records • Contact insurance commissioner Obligee
The Advantages Of Surety Bonds • Qualified vendors • Competitive pricing • Timely contract performance • Quality product • Financial recourse • Insulates public officials • Efficient management of public works administration • Protect taxpayer dollars Surety Bonds
Your Surety Professional Is Your Consultant Financial Security Qualified Principals