As a service and convenience to NASBP Members, Affiliates, and Associates, NASBP provides the following information about The American Institute of Architects (AIA) Contract Documents.
AIA Contract Documents
In the design and construction industry, AIA Contract Documents’ pre-drafted agreements and forms define the roles and terms involved in a project ensuring all parties are aware of expectations. AIA offers nearly 200 of the most trusted and widely accepted contracts and forms in the industry.
How to Obtain and Purchase AIA Contract Documents
Note What is Free to NASBP Members and Affiliates
NASBP negotiated with AIA to provide NASBP Members and Affiliates access to the NASBP Bond Forms that are equivalent to the AIA A312-2010, Performance Bond and Payment Bond; AIA A310-2010, Bid Bond; and AIA A313-2020, Warranty Bond. Free access to these NASBP Bond Forms is a NASBP membership benefit provided to Members and Affiliates upon their agreement to the NASBP license for use of the NASBP Bond Forms. To obtain other AIA forms through a purchase, see the instructions below.
Choose the Right AIA Contract Documents™ Product
AIA Contract Documents offer several product options to fit your business. For information on how to purchase AIA Contract Documents visit: https://designshop.aia.org/collections/aia-contract-documents-paper-hardcopies. For download on demand forms, visit: https://shop.aiacontracts.com/.
Frequently Asked Questions About the AIA Contract Documents
Q1: Does the AIA Contract Documents Program publish a bid bond?
Yes, The AIA Contract Documents Program publishes AIA Document A310™–2010, Bid Bond.
Q2: What are the differences between A310–1970 and A310–2010?
In addition to generally updated language, AIA Document A310™–2010 adds language allowing the owner and contractor to extend the period of acceptance of the contractor’s bid for up to 60 days without obtaining the surety’s consent. A310–2010 also adds language allowing subcontractors to use A310 when a bid bond is required by the contractor.
Q3: What is AIA Document A312™–2010, Performance Bond and Payment Bond?
AIA Document A312™–2010, Performance Bond and Payment Bond, is one form that incorporates two bonds: a performance bond covering the contractor’s performance, and a payment bond covering the contractor’s obligations to pay subcontractors and others for material and labor.
Q4: What are the differences between A312–1984 and A312–2010?
In addition to generally updated language, among other changes, AIA Document A312™–2010, Performance Bond, adds language clarifying that the owner’s failure to comply with the notice requirements of Section 3.1 does not release the surety from its obligations under the bond except to the extent the surety demonstrates actual prejudice. Additionally, A312–2010 shortens the notice period for surety default under the bond from 15 days to seven days. Further, the limit of the surety’s obligation to the amount of the bond does not apply if the surety elects to undertake and complete the contract itself.
AIA Document A312™–2010, Payment Bond, also has generally updated language. In addition to other changes, the period of time in which the surety must answer a claimant’s claim has been increased from 45 days to 60 days, and language has been added stating that a failure of the surety to answer or make payment in the time period specified is not a waiver of the surety’s and contractor’s defenses to the claim, but may entitle the claimant to attorneys’ fees.
Q5: Does the AIA Contract Documents Program publish a warranty bond?
Yes, the AIA Contract Documents Program publishes AIA Document A313-2020, Warranty Bond.
Background about AIA and NASBP
AIA A312-2010 and AIA A310-2010
In June 2010, the AIA released the updated AIA A312 Performance and Payment Bond and the AIA A310 Bid Bond forms. Click here to see the press release released jointly May 25, 2010, by NASBP, SFAA, and AIA announcing the new forms. This is the first update of these forms since 1984 and 1970, respectively. The NASBP CEO discussed the release of the revised AIA forms in his column, “New Editions of AIA Bond Forms Anticipated to be Released in Late Spring” (Jan/Feb 2010 issue of Pipeline).
AIA A313-2020
In 2020, the AIA released the AIA A313 Warranty Bond form. Read the Surety Bond Quarterly article about the release of the Warranty Bond form. NASBP had the opportunity to provide industry insight and commentary on specific language to the AIA Documents Committee and AIA staff during the development of the AIA A313 Warranty Bond.
