By:  Wentworth                                       S.C.R. No. 103
                             SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION
    1-1        WHEREAS, Construction contracting is a very competitive,
    1-2  high-risk business that can evolve into an adversarial,
    1-3  confrontational business with energies misdirected away from the
    1-4  ultimate goal of constructing a quality product on time and within
    1-5  budget; and
    1-6        WHEREAS, This competitiveness and the perception of
    1-7  conflicting objectives among owners, contractors, architects,
    1-8  engineers, subcontractors, and suppliers have set the stage for
    1-9  what, at times, have been adversarial and unrewarding
   1-10  relationships; and
   1-11        WHEREAS, Lawsuits are contrary to the basic nature and goal
   1-12  of the construction industry, and conflicts can be expensive and
   1-13  counterproductive to all parties' efforts to produce quality
   1-14  projects on time and within budget; and
   1-15        WHEREAS, It is in the best interests of the citizens of this
   1-16  state to take advantage of the opportunities uniquely available to
   1-17  not only achieve sensible resolutions of disputes, but also to
   1-18  avoid conflicts in the first place, therefore saving time and
   1-19  money; and
   1-20        WHEREAS, The "partnering" process attempts to establish
   1-21  working relationships among the parties before a project starts
   1-22  through a mutually developed, formal strategy of commitment and
   1-23  communication; and
    2-1        WHEREAS, The "partnering" process further attempts to create
    2-2  an environment where trust and teamwork prevent disputes, foster a
    2-3  cooperative bond to everyone's benefit, and facilitate the
    2-4  completion of a successful project; and
    2-5        WHEREAS, The fabric of the industry depends on strong weaving
    2-6  of owner, contractor, architect, engineer, subcontractor, and
    2-7  supplier into a team; and
    2-8        WHEREAS, Successful teams are built on the strengths of each
    2-9  member, while successful lawsuits are founded on capitalizing on
   2-10  the weaknesses of team members; now, therefore, be it
   2-11        RESOLVED, That the 73rd Legislature of the State of Texas
   2-12  hereby encourage any state agency entering into a building or
   2-13  construction contract with the successful bidder to establish a
   2-14  formal "partnering" agreement and program along the lines of the
   2-15  National Associated General Contractor's Partnering Program; and,
   2-16  be it further
   2-17        RESOLVED, That a copy of this resolution be forwarded to all
   2-18  state agencies as an official expression of the sentiment of the
   2-19  73rd Texas Legislature.