A guarantee that subcontractors and suppliers will get paid even if the contractor runs out of money.
A payment bond is a surety bond that guarantees a contractor will pay its subcontractors, suppliers, and laborers even if the contractor fails to do so. Payment bonds are required on all federal construction projects over $150,000 under the Miller Act, and most states have similar 'Little Miller Act' requirements for state-funded projects. Unpaid parties may file a bond claim against the payment bond rather than pursuing a mechanic's lien on public property.
After a general contractor defaults on a public school renovation, unpaid subcontractors file claims against the payment bond and recover what they are owed from the surety.
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