Final answer:
The owner is usually responsible for preparing the construction contract after the successful bidder is chosen, often with assistance from legal counsel, and using standard contract documents like AIA or AGC is recommended.
Step-by-step explanation:
After bidding has concluded and a successful bidder is awarded the contract, the responsibility for preparing the construction contract typically falls on the owner of the project, often with assistance from the owner's legal counsel. The architect or engineer may contribute to the technical sections of the contract documents, especially those pertaining to the scope of work and specifications. It is recommended that standard contract documents be used, such as those provided by the American Institute of Architects (AIA) or Associated General Contractors (AGC), which help to ensure that all necessary details are covered, and the rights and responsibilities of all parties are clearly defined.