An ongoing public dispute between the U.S. Dept. of Veterans Affairs and general contractor Brasfield & Gorrie over design changes and delays at a $616-million Orlando hospital project escalated recently when the agency notified the firm it had 10 days to deliver a new work plan or face termination. The contractor has been contending that the VA has been unrealistic about schedule in light of the extensive design revisions, but submitted a new project work plan.
In its "notice to cure," the VA's Office of Construction & Facilities Management cited the Birmingham, Ala.-based contractor's "failure and refusal to diligently pursue the work and insufficient workforce on the project." The agency indicated it had received Brasfield & Gorrie's new work plan by the deadline of June 25, and stated that it was planning to meet with representatives of Brasfield & Gorrie.