The goal of successful completion of the project now includes the expectation of project closeout free from disputes and claims. Construction disputes and claims threaten the schedule, cost and quality of the projects, impact future capital programs, divert critical resources and erode public confidence. The Construction Manager (CM) plays an important role and is responsible for avoiding, mitigating, and resolving the disputes and claims between the owner and the contractor(s) during the execution of construction projects. Claims Management Guidelines provides the menu of services that relates to these responsibilities. The CM must understand the responsibilities of each party as stated in the Contract and have the skill to manage those separate parties and the project objectives of time, cost, quality, and safety. Understanding the most common causes of disputes and claims, the CM should implement a Claims Management Plan that enables the project team to avoid, mitigate and resolve disputes.

The paper discusses the objective and functions of the Claims Management Plan throughout the Pre-design, Design, Procurement and Post-Construction phases of the project.