Today's construction claims encompass increasingly complex issues and consequently call for urgent evaluation and resolution. We utilize a four-point program that facilitates ongoing review and monitors all project areas. Guardian Group, Inc.'s Four Point Program services are designed to work in synergy with one another. 1. Pre-Bonding Evaluation Guardian may be engaged to evaluate a potential principal prior to the issuance of a bond. As projects become more technically complicated, understanding the difficulties that a principal may face in fulfilling obligations has become increasingly difficult. Guardian's Surety Group personnel are experts in reviewing project plans and specifications. These are evaluated combined with a principal's financial and other capabilities to determine if the principal is capable of meeting a performance bond and its obligations. Our Pre-Bonding Evaluations can prevent sureties from furnishing bonds which may otherwise go into default. Our Pre-Bonding Evaluation Services Include: Credit relationship investigations Prior surety experience investigations Banking relationship investigations Management investigations Bid evaluation & preparation Financial investigations Cost estimates Budget analysis Cash-flow analysis Contractual commitment investigations Scheduling analysis Subcontractor investigations Project plan, specification & document review Payment & billing analysis Quality control evaluations Education & training programs Specialized surety requirement 2. Disbursement Control Service If your underwriting or our Pre-Bonding Evaluation indicates that extra control of the project is prudent before writing a bond, Guardian Group, Inc. offers Disbursement Control Services. These services insure that construction funds are disbursed from a neutral third party and specifically directed to the bonded project. The amount of activity desired from Guardian Group, Inc. depends on the client's discretion. Our Disbursement Control Services include: Direct application of funds Independent project feasibility analysis On-site job inspection Prompt, efficient disbursements Specialized surety requirements 3. Pre-Fault Investigation Guardian identifies difficulties before they become financially threatening situations. For example, when an obligee notifies the surety of project delays, or when a vendor serves notice to the surety for non-payment, the likelihood is that the principal may be in trouble. Our Pre-Default Investigation services can pinpoint problems and expedite corrections before default occurs. Our Pre-Default Investigation Services Include: Background investigations Exposure evaluations & estimates Cost to complete review & estimates Work methodology reviews & recommendations Recovery identification Project status evaluations Schedule to complete reviews & estimates Work quality & control evaluations Change order review & recommendations - Contractor cost system evaluations - Specialized surety requirements