143-135.6. Adjustment and resolution of community college board construction contract claim.

(a) A contractor who has not completed a contract with a board of a community college for construction or repair work and who has not received the amount he claims is due under the contract may follow the claims procedure in G.S. 143-135.3(b) that is available to a contractor who has contracted with a State board.

(b) A contractor who has completed a contract with a board of a community college for construction or repair work and who has not received the amount he claims is due under the contract may follow the same claims procedure in G.S. 143-135.3(c) that is available to a contractor who has contracted with a State board.

(c) A contractor who is dissatisfied with the Director's decision on any portion of a claim submitted pursuant to subsection (b) of this section may, within six months of receipt of the Director's final decision, institute a civil action for the sum he claims to be entitled to under the contract in the Superior Court of Wake County or in the superior court of any county where the work under the contract was performed. The procedure shall be the same as in all civil actions except that all issues shall be tried by the judge, without a jury. A contractor may not commence an action under Chapter 150B of the General Statutes.

(d) The provisions of this section are part of every contract for construction or repair work made by a board of a community college and a contractor. A provision in a contract that conflicts with this section is invalid.

(e) For the purposes of this section, the following definitions shall apply, unless the context indicates otherwise:

(1) "Community college" has the same meaning as in G.S. 115D-2(2).

(2) "Contract for construction or repair work" has the same meaning as in G.S. 143-135.3(a).

(3) "Contractor" means any person, firm, association, or corporation which has contracted for architectural, engineering, or other professional services in connection with construction or repair work, as well as those persons who have contracted to perform the construction or repair work.

(f) The provisions of this section are applicable only to community college buildings subject to G.S. 143-341(3).