Is the contractor responsible for the acts of others performing portions of the work on the project?

• A. The contractor is responsible for the acts and omissions of the contractor's own employees and subcontractors, and all others performing portions of the work on behalf of the contractor or its subcontractors.
• B. Only for subcontractors' acts.
• C. Only for the owner's representatives.
• D. Not responsible for anyone's acts.

Answer: (A)

Under AIA A201, the contractor bears responsibility for the acts and omissions of those performing portions of the work on the project. This means the contractor is responsible not only for its own employees but also for subcontractors and anyone else engaged by the contractor or its subcontractors to execute portions of the work. The contractor has control over who works on the project and must ensure safety, quality, and coordination, so liability extends to those actors during the construction process. For example, if a subcontractor’s crew or a helper hired by the contractor conducts negligent work, the contractor is responsible for those acts. This does not place responsibility on owner representatives or on individuals not engaged to perform portions of the contracted work, and it is broader than just subcontractors alone.