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87 <br />to be selected is comfortable with this process. In this <br />case, it may be preferable to hire the CM first. <br />The last issue to consider in the selection of a con- <br />struction management firm is the contract form which will be <br />used to define the relationship between the owner and the <br />CM. The American Institute of Architects (AIA), the Associa- <br />tion of General Contractors (AGC), and the Construction <br />Management Association of America (CMAA) all have construc- <br />tion management contract documents available for <br />utilization. While each contract sets forth the arrange- <br />ments for construction management services, they vary signif- <br />icantly in the responsibilities incurred by the parties to <br />this process. The chart in Appendix V sets out a compari- <br />son of assigned responsibilities for project components <br />under each contract form. It is imperative that an owner <br />thoroughly evaluates the contract document to make sure <br />needs are best being meet and liabilities are <br />minimized.143 <br />143 Thomas F. Nelson and Patricia O'Leary Kiscoan, <br />"Construction Management: The Legal Background (With <br />Focus on Risk Allocation)," in Public Construction, <br />Professional Development Program, Minnesota Institute of <br />Legal Education, February 26, 1992, 30 -31. <br />36 <br />