My Services
Dispute Boards
o Qualified for Dispute Resolution Boards in 2016, as both Chairman and Member status, for the State of Florida Department of Transportation. Board member for the mega project I-275 Howard Franklin Bridge replacement $864,929,000, Reconstruction of the I-4 and I-95 intersection $204,975,000, and the Brooks Bridge Replacement, Ft Walton Beach $171,000,000. Board Chairman for 5 other FDOT projects in the $5,000,000 to $38,000,000 range. All of FDOT project claims have been settled at the lowest level of authority without the need for Board hearings. Claims settled included public utility companies' failure to perform scheduled work in a timely manner, new utility interferences and conflicts with existing utilities both above and below ground, permitting issues, architectural precast delivery, supply of labor and material shortages, drainage issues, public utility subcontractors not adhering to contracted work schedules and the associated delays, earth surcharge issues, roadway base failures, design changes due to unavailability of required materials, and construction defects.
Mediation
Certified by the Supreme Court of Florida as a Circuit Mediator in 2021. Participated in over 15 mediations as an observer or co-mediator. Cases included construction delay claims, disruption to project schedule, scope issues, construction defects, subcontractor not supplying the specified materials and installing a lessor product without the owner's knowledge, subcontractor's failure to meet schedule causing liquidated damages to the contractor, completed project not meeting the owners performance specification, loss of productivity, and condominium associations dispute with construction defects of a general contractor.
Arbitration
Currently participating in the AAA's NCDRC Mentorship Program. Taken part as an observer in three cases, one involved multinational contractors and subcontractors. Case issues included alleged deficiencies in the manufacture of furnaces and steel materials, whether the deficiencies were due to manufacturing in a foreign country or from transportation and storage by another party when delivered, purchase orders subject to state statutes for non-payment, weather back charges are assigned to the correct party, and injunctions against a foreign letter of credit to prevent draw down of a letter of credit. The values of the disputes were in the $10 million to $45 million range.
Construction Services and Expert Witness
Well known for possessing a deep knowledge of design and construction issues, critical path scheduling, construction means and methods, interpretation of owner contracts, subcontracts, discrepancies between bid plans and specification and construction documents, and tenant leases. This knowledge provided effective project management that streamlined and supported overall project continuity prior to and during construction. Possesses the ability to evaluate multiple detailed plans and specifications of large commercial multi-tenant projects. Recognized for the talent to successfully take over difficult projects with scope, time, and budget constraints.
If you need other services like identifying and mitigating risks during the design, budgeting, preconstruction, construction, and project close-out phases of your project, Earle S. Cooper, ADR Construction Neutral can help you. He listens to your needs and outlook first, then customizes his services to help you meet your expectations. Whether you need a construction professional to help you as an owners representative or just someone to guide you in the process, Earle gives you personal attention and advice based on his own experiences. He also has skills in providing expert construction witness reports and testimony.
