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Oklahoma Prompt Payment Guide and FAQs

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Oklahoma Prompt Payment Overview

Oklahoma Prompt Payment Requirements


  • Private Jobs
  • Public Jobs
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28
DAYS
Prime Contractors

For Prime (General) Contractors, progress payment must be made within 28 calendar days of billing. Can be modified by contract.


10
DAYS
Subcontractors

For Subcontractors, payment due within 10 days of billing. Can be modified by contract.


10
DAYS
Suppliers

For Suppliers, payment due within 10 days of billing. Can be modified by contract.


NO
Interest & Fees

Not specified in state statutes

30
DAYS
Prime Contractors

For Prime (General) Contractors, progress payments due within 30 days of invoice.


10
DAYS
Subcontractors

For Subcontractors, payments due within 10 days of receipt of payment from above.


10
DAYS
Suppliers

For Suppliers, payments due within 10 days of receipt of payment from above.


1.5%
/ MONTH
Interest & Fees

Interest for prime at statutory rate; for subs at 1.5% month

Prompt payment laws are a set of rules that regulate the acceptable amount of time in which payments must be made to contractors and subs. This is to ensure that everyone on a construction project is paid in a timely fashion. These statutes provide a framework for the timing of payments to ensure cash flow and working capital.

Projects Covered by Prompt Payment in Oklahoma

The Oklahoma prompt payment provisions are split into two sections, covering both private and public projects. These statutes govern the timing of all payments on construction projects, and impose penalties for late payment in the form of interest.

Private Projects

Oklahoma’s prompt payment laws that regulate payments on private construction projects within the state can be found in the Okla. Stat. Title 15, §820. This applies to all private projects except contracts for construction of low-rise residential dwellings or low-income housing projects.

Deadlines for Payment on Private Projects

All payments on an Oklahoma private project will be determined by the contract terms. However, if the contract is silent, then the prompt pay deadlines are enforced. Payments from the property owner to the prime are due within 28 calendar days after receipt of a request for payment. As for payments to subcontractors and suppliers down the payment chain, payments must be made within 10 days of the higher-tiered party receiving payment.

Penalties for Late Payment for Private Projects

The statute doesn’t provide for any interest penalties for late payment.

Public Projects

Payments on public works projects in Oklahoma are regulated by Okla. Stat. Title 61, §§221-227. These rules do not apply to public construction contracts regarding highways, railroads, turnpikes, or any project under $25,000.

Deadlines for Payment on Public Projects

Payments to the prime contractor from the public entity are due within 30 days of receipt of a proper request for payment. Upon receipt of payment from the public entity, the prime is required to pay their subcontractors and material suppliers within 10 days. All other payments down the payment chain must be made within 7 days of receipt of payment from the higher-tiered party.

Penalties for Late Payment on Public Projects

If payment is either late or wrongfully withheld, the unpaid balance will be subject to interest penalties. For late payments to the prime contractor, the interest will accrue at a rate equal to the interest rate for the deposit of state funds set by the OK State Treasurer. And for late payments to subcontractors and suppliers, the interest rate will be 1.5% per month.

Oklahoma Prompt Payment Frequently Asked Questions

Oklahoma Prompt Payment Private Projects FAQs

Do I have to send a letter or file anything to qualify for prompt payment penalties or remedies in Oklahoma?

Oklahoma statutes don’t set forth specific requirements that must be met in order for the provisions of the prompt pay act to apply. It is likely, therefore, that entitlement to payment is determined by a party’s contract. However, it may be necessary to submit a bill to the paying party in order for the timing provisions to begin.

Can I include prompt payment fees in my Oklahoma mechanics liens claim or bond claim?

No. Oklahoma doesn’t allow miscellaneous amounts to be included on the face of a mechanics lien.

If I am paid late according to prompt payment statutes, can I obtain interest or other penalty payments?

Oklahoma does not have a specific statutory clause providing for the accrual of interest on late payments.

Are there reasons for which payment may be withheld past the general deadline?

The reasons for which payment may be withheld are set forth in, and governed by, the parties’ contracts.

What is the best practice for making a demand to a non-paying party to get prompt payment fees?

Sending a notice of intent to lien and prompt payment demand is generally the best method for encouraging parties to make payment.

Oklahoma Prompt Payment Public Projects FAQs

Do I have to send a letter or file anything to qualify for prompt payment penalties or remedies in Oklahoma?

In order for the provisions of the Oklahoma prompt pay statutes to apply, the party requesting payment must be entitled to payment pursuant to the terms of the contract, and must submit a proper invoice.

Can I include prompt payment fees in my Oklahoma mechanics liens claim or bond claim?

No. Oklahoma doesn’t allow miscellaneous amounts to be included on the face of a bond claim.

If I am paid late according to prompt payment statutes, can I obtain interest or other penalty payments?

There is no specific prerequisite for interest to begin to accrue pursuant to Oklahoma’s prompt payment laws other than the payment being late.

Are there reasons for which payment may be withheld past the general deadline?

Oklahoma allows a payment to be reduced in an amount reasonably necessary to correct work. In order for this provision to apply, the party reducing the payment must provide written notice of the reasons for the reduction to the party to be paid.

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Oklahoma Prompt Payment
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Oklahoma Prompt Payment Statutes

Getting informed about prompt payment laws is important. An examination of Oklahoma’s prompt payment laws, the rules and regulations related to payment timing, is important to know your rights and responsibilities as a party on a construction project. Oklahoma’s specific laws can be found in: 15 Okl. Stat. § 820, Okla. Stat., Title 61, §§ 221-227, and are reproduced below.

Prompt Payment Statute on Private Projects

15 § 820: Frequency and Time Period of Payments to Prime Contractors - Exemption - Suspension and Resumption of Work

A. Bid Projects.

1. On all private construction projects in which a set of plans or specifications or both plans and specifications are issued for bid, the owner shall specify in writing the frequency and time period for payments to the prime contractor. The general specifications and the first page of all bid plans shall include the following, or substantially similar, language:

OWNER SHALL ISSUE PAYMENTS WITH A FREQUENCY OF __________.

OWNER SHALL ISSUE EACH PAYMENT TO THE PRIME CONTRACTOR WITHIN ________ DAYS AFTER RECEIPT OF CONTRACTOR’S BILLING.

Any resulting contract shall include the payment frequency and time period prescribed in the general specifications and bid plans. An architect, engineer, or other entity preparing the plans and specifications for the owner shall not be liable for the failure to include the payment terms on a set of plans or specifications used for bidding purposes.

2. If the owner fails to comply with the provisions of paragraph 1 of this subsection, the following shall be applicable: a) the owner shall make monthly progress payments, and b) payments shall be due within twenty-eight (28) calendar days after receipt of billing.

3. The owner may reduce the progress payment as provided for in the contract.

4. Subcontractors shall be paid by the prime contractor within ten (10) calendar days of payment from the owner, or as otherwise agreed to by the parties. Payment may be reduced as provided for in the subcontract.

B. Private Negotiated Projects.

1. The provisions of subsection A of this section shall not be applicable to private negotiated projects.

2. An owner may choose to negotiate a construction contract with a contractor, and may also choose to keep the payment terms of that contract private.

3. If a contractor invites a subcontractor to bid on any portion of a negotiated project, the contractor shall clearly define the contractor’s payment term upon issuance of the invitation to bid. Such payment term shall be defined as to the frequency that payments shall be made, and a specific day of the month that the subcontractor shall expect to receive each payment.

4. Any subcontract negotiated pursuant to this subsection shall include the same payment terms as were represented by the prime contractor to the subcontractor prior to the acceptance of the bid of the subcontractor. Payment may be reduced as provided for in the subcontract.

C. Suspension of Work for Bid Projects and Private Negotiated Projects.

1. The prime contractor may suspend work: a) when payment has not been received within ten (10) calendar days of the date payment should have been received, b) if the prime contractor has complied with the contract, and c) if the prime contractor has given the owner ten (10) calendar days written notice of work suspension delivered by certified mail or other verifiable service.

2. Subcontractors may suspend work:

when payment has not been received within ten (10) calendar days of the date payment should have been received, a) if the subcontractor has complied with the subcontract, and b) if the subcontractor has given the prime contractor ten (10) calendar days written notice of work suspension delivered by certified mail or other verifiable service.

D. Resumption of Work.

No prime contractor or subcontractor shall be required to resume work until:

1. Receipt of full payment of undisputed portions of outstanding billing;

2. The contracted work schedule is extended the number of days of delay; and

3. A change order is issued for the verifiable direct cost of suspension, delay and start-up.

Prompt Payment Statute on Public Projects

61 § 221: Short title

This act shall be known and may be cited as the “Fair Pay for Construction Act”.

61 § 222: Definitions

As used in the Fair Pay for Construction Act:

“Construction contract” means a written contract or subcontract awarded by an owner or contracting entity for the purpose of making any public improvements or constructing any public building or making repairs to or performing maintenance on the same;

“Material supplier” means any entity that supplies materials, services, or equipment to be used in conjunction with the performance of work on a construction contract;

“Prime contractor” means any entity that has a direct contract with an owner to perform work under a construction contract;

“Owner” means any state government entity, municipality, township, public trust or an instrumentality of a state government entity, municipality, township or public trust in this state, or any entity designated by the owner to act on the owner’s behalf, that requests work to be performed by a contractor under a construction contract;

“Proper invoice” means a request for payment or partial payment based on work performed on a construction contract;

“Retainage” means the difference between a gross proper invoice amount on a construction contract and the amount paid on said contract;

“Subcontractor” means any entity that has a direct contract with a prime contractor to perform a portion of the work under a construction contract; and

“Sub-subcontractor” means any entity that has a direct contract with another subcontractor to perform a portion of the work under a construction contract.

61 § 223: Construction contracts; Progress payments; Reduction

A.  On all construction contracts exceeding Twenty-five Thousand Dollars ($25,000.00) in value an owner shall make progress payments to the prime contractor for work performed and materials properly stored, within thirty (30) calendar days after a proper invoice is submitted to the owner or a representative designated by the owner.

B.  An owner or entity designated by the owner, may not reduce a proper invoice of a prime contractor without detailing and forwarding to the prime contractor, within fourteen (14) calendar days of receipt of the proper invoice, the reasons for reduction. The reduction may not be more than an amount that is reasonable to correct the work, as set forth in writing.

C.  If a contracting entity has had their proper invoice reduced by another entity all other affected entities having a construction contract with the contracting entity shall be notified within seven (7) calendar days. Except as affected by a prior reduction, a prime contractor or subcontractor may not reduce the proper invoice of another subcontractor, sub-subcontractor, or material supplier without detailing and forwarding to the subcontractor, sub-subcontractor, or material supplier, within seven (7) calendar days of receipt of the proper invoice, the reasons for reduction. A prime contractor, subcontractor, or sub-subcontractor may also reduce a payment of a contracted party from a previous proper invoice. Any such reductions may not be more than an amount that is reasonable to correct the reasons for reduction, as set forth in writing. Any prime contractor, subcontractor or sub-subcontractor may be exempt from notification if the reduction is less than one percent (1%) of its net proper invoice or is due to mathematical errors.

61 § 224: Payment of subcontractor or sub-contractor or supplier; Time limit

A.  If a subcontractor or material supplier has performed in accordance with the provisions of a construction contract, the prime contractor shall make payment to the subcontractor or material supplier no later than ten (10) calendar days after the prime contractor receives its corresponding payment for the work performed.

B.  If a sub-subcontractor or material supplier has performed in accordance with the provisions of a construction contract, the sub-subcontractor or material supplier shall be entitled to receive payment no later than seven (7) calendar days after subcontractor receives its corresponding payment for the work performed.

61 § 225: Suspension or termination of construction contract; Payment

A.  Any prime contractor that performs work under a construction contract may suspend performance of the work or may terminate a construction contract if the prime contractor is not properly paid within forty-nine (49) calendar days of the date that the corresponding proper invoice is submitted. Written notice must be received by the owner at least seven (7) calendar days before any such intended suspension or termination.

B.  A prime contractor or any entity that suspends performance due to the suspension of a prime contractor, is not required to furnish further performance until such entity is paid for the full amount, less retainage, of work performed, material supplied, or services rendered, together with any costs incurred for demobilization, mobilization and other costs attributable to delay of the work resulting from the shutdown and start-up of a project.

C.  Any entity that suspends performance of the work or terminates a construction contract for nonpayment under this act shall not be held in breach of the construction contract.

D.  If the owner delays in making payments to the prime contractor, any agreed-upon schedule or completion date and their resulting penalties, damages, bonuses, or rewards shall be extended by the same amount of calendar days that payments were late.

E.  If a payment to a prime contractor is received later than as specified in this act, that prime contractor shall be entitled to receive interest pursuant to Section 41.4b of Title 62 of the Oklahoma Statutes. If the prime contractor has already paid a subcontractor, then no interest is due and owing to the subcontractor. If interest is paid to a prime contractor as provided herein, then any subsequent timely payment made to a subcontractor shall bear interest at the same rate paid to the prime contractor. If a prime contractor fails to timely pay a subcontractor, such payment to a subcontractor shall bear interest at the rate of one and one-half percent (1 1/2%) per month.

61 § 226: Retainage of portion of payment due; Release

A.  A construction contract may include a provision for the retainage of a portion of payment due. Such retainage is not to exceed five percent (5%) of the amount of the payment due.

B.  A subcontract may include a provision for the retainage of a portion of payment due. Such retainage is not to exceed five percent (5%) of the amount of the payment due.

C.  No later than twenty-one (21) calendar days after a certificate of substantial completion is issued for the project or separate usable phase of the project and upon adequate performance of the prime contractor and with approval of any applicable surety, retainage shall be released by the owner to the prime contractor less an amount no greater than one hundred fifty percent (150%) of the estimated costs to correct any incomplete or defective work as identified, itemized, and attached to the certificate of substantial completion. All remaining funds shall be released as each deficiency is satisfactorily completed. The prime contractor shall release within ten (10) calendar days of receipt, the share of those funds that have been withheld from other entities. All other entities shall release within seven (7) calendar days of receipt, the share of those funds that have been withheld from other entities.

61 § 227: Application of act - Void and unenforceable provisions, covenant, clauses or understandings

1. This act shall not apply to: (a) highway construction, (b) railroad construction, or (c) turnpike construction.

2. Except as the following may be a portion of a construction contract as defined in Section 2 of this act, this act shall not apply to: (a) roads, (b) bridges, (c) utilities, (d) traffic control, (e) drainage construction, (f) sanitary sewer construction, or (e) waterline construction.

3. This act shall not apply to any contract relating to a single-, two-, three-, or four-family dwelling.

B. The following are against the public policy of this state and are void and unenforceable:

1. A provision, covenant, clause or understanding in, collateral to or affecting a construction contract that makes the contract subject to the laws of another state or that requires any litigation, arbitration or other dispute resolution proceeding arising from the contract to be conducted in another state; and

2. A provision, covenant, clause or understanding in, collateral to or affecting a construction contract that disallows or alters the rights of any prime contractor, subcontractor, sub-subcontractor, or material supplier to receive and enforce any and all rights under this act.

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