Which statement best describes CMAR in capital projects?

• A. Construction Manager at Risk involves early contractor involvement to assist design and cost control, with risk transferred to the CM.
• B. CMAR is selected after construction begins.
• C. CMAR means a contract with separate design and construction teams.
• D. CMAR is only used for non-public projects.

Answer: (A)

Construction Manager at Risk centers on bringing a construction manager on board early to help with design development, cost estimation, and constructability, with the obligation to deliver the project within a guaranteed maximum price. This early involvement allows the CM to review design choices for feasibility and budget, and then, once the design is sufficiently developed, the CM commits to constructing the project under a GMP, effectively transferring construction risk to the CM. The other statements don’t fit because CMAR is typically chosen during the design phase, not after construction begins; it involves the CM coordinating both design and construction rather than keeping them as separate teams; and CMAR is used for both public and private projects, not limited to non-public ones.