The just-released AIA contract documents in electronic format, EF V3.0, are generating attention from the architectural and construction press. From weekly construction news magazine, Engineering News-Record (ENR), to the monthly managers' newsletter, Design Firm Management & Administration Report (DFMAR), the new software is making headlines.

"EV V3.0 allows unlimited preliminary drafts to be printed," ENR reported in its February 19 issue, explaining that the user pays only for the final printed document. The software tracks changes to the standard-form document through strikeouts of deleted text and underlining of added text.

"Users may buy documents only as needed, thanks to a flexible pricing structure," noted DFMAR in its April 2001 issue. The DFMAR article highlighted nine marketing points of EF V3.0, namely its ability to:
• Open multiple documents to speed paperwork on a project
• Transfer documents via 3mail to other EF users
• Customize footers using up to 40 characters
• Increase formatting options for the custom part of the contract text
• Specify folders or directories for documents
• Print an unlimited number of free drafts (and charges only for final copies)
• Navigate faster with the new tool bar and icon functionality
• Access context-sensitive help at greater speed
• Incorporate revisions, which are emailed to account holders.

Among the other national periodicals expressing interest in the new electronic-format contract documents is Building Design & Construction, whose editorial director C.C. Sullivan, says has an article on EF V3.0 scheduled for its June issue.

Copyright 2001 The American Institute of Architects. All rights reserved.