The federal Miller Act requires government contractors on federal public works, construction, or improvement projects to obtain surety bonds. Similarly, Michigan’s Little Miller Act provides similar protection by requiring both payment and performance bonds from the principal contractor on government construction contracts.
A payment bond is a financial guarantee that if the principal contractor defaults on its contractual obligations, its subcontractors and suppliers will still be paid. Performance bonds protect the government by ensuring the public project is completed as specified in the contract.
Michigan’s Little Miller Act applies to government construction contracts that exceed $50,000 for a public building, work, or improvement.
If you are a subcontractor or material supplier who has not been paid, National Lien & Bond can help you file your claim in Michigan.
Who Can Make a Little Miller Act Claim in Michigan?
A Little Miller Act claimant can sue on the payment bond if they have provided labor or materials and have not been paid in full during the 90 days after their work was completed or the materials delivered.
A subcontractor or supplier without a direct contractual relationship with the principal contractor must take specific steps to file a claim against the payment bond.
In Michigan, a subcontractor or supplier must notify the principal contractor within 30 days of beginning work or providing the first materials to retain the right to make a claim against the payment bond. The notice must include information about where their work occurs or their materials are delivered.
Michigan’s Little Miller Act also requires the subcontractor or supplier to provide written notice to the principal contractor and the government unit. The notice must occur within 90 days of performing the last labor or furnishing the last materials. It should include the name of the party to whom the material was supplied or for whom the labor was performed, as well as the amount owed. The claimant must serve notice by prepaid, certified mail in an envelope addressed to the principal contractor and the governmental unit involved.
Enforcement Lawsuits in Michigan
An enforcement lawsuit must be filed at least 90 days after the last date of furnishing labor or materials but no later than within one year from the date of final payment made to the principal contractor.
National Lien & Bond Can Help
You did the work. You supplied the materials. You complied with the construction contract. Now, it’s time to be paid.
Let the experienced construction attorneys with National Lien & Bond file and manage your Little Miller Act claim in Michigan. We have secured over $9 billion in claims on over 25,000 projects across the United States.
Contact National Lien & Bond by phone at (800)432-7799 or online to schedule a consultation.