Contract Admin Flashcards
How does the role of a CA differ from that of an EA?
The CA administers the contract, while the EA is responsible for all duties the employer would usually perform.
The CA is impartial.
What happens at practical completion regarding retention?
50% retention is released and the 12 months defects period starts.
The ability to impose Liquidated Damages ceases.
What is a performance bond?
A performance bond is issued as a guarantee against the failure of one party to meet obligations in the contract.
When may a performance bond be required?
- To reduce the risk of non-performance of the contractor
- When the contractor doesn’t have a parent company
- If the contractor is new to working with this client
- During an ongoing economic crisis
What types of performance bond are there?
- On demand – payable immediately on beneficiary’s demand
- Conditional – requires certain conditions to be met.
What is time at large?
There is no current fixed date for completing works.
What is loss and expense in contract terms?
Contractor can claim loss and expense due to Employers’ error.
What are relevant matters in contract claims?
They entitle the contractor to claim loss and expense.
Examples include variations, instructions, and impediment by the Employer.
What is a Relevant Event?
Entitles the Contractor to an Extension of Time (EoT).
What are some examples of Relevant Events?
- Deferment of Possession
- Variations
- Impediment by the Employer
- Exceptionally adverse weather conditions
- Covid-19/global pandemics in the new JCT suite
- Force majeure
What is force majeure?
Act of God.
If there are concurrent delays, is there an entitlement?
There are no clear rules; each case must be judged separately.
How is the construction Act relevant?
It contains statutory provisions relating to all projects over 45 days.
What is the purpose of retention?
An amount deducted from payment to the contractor, retained until practical completion and end of Making Good Defects (EoMGD).
What is an alternative to retention?
Retention bond, provided by the contractor for the same value.
What happens when practical completion (PC) is granted?
- Half of retention is released
- Rectification period begins
- Employer must insure building
- Liability for Liquidated Damages (LADs) ends
What happens at the end of the rectification period?
A statement is issued for any defects, and a Certificate of Making Good is issued, triggering final valuation and release of retention.
What does the final certificate represent?
Agreement that all contractor works are complete, contract sum is agreed, and any EOTs and L&E has been closed out.
What’s the difference between termination and suspension?
Termination is lawful stopping of contract works; suspension is where the contractor stops works.
What are the advantages of using a JCT Design & Build (D&B)?
- Contractor is responsible for design and construction
- Considered quicker than traditional contracts
- Provision for quotations to be requested.
What are the disadvantages of using a JCT D&B?
- Client loses control of design
- Risk priced into costs due to contractor responsibility.
What is the vesting process?
Pre-contract, a vesting certificate is drawn up, signed by both parties, and materials are itemized and documented post-contract signing.
How can payment be made under the rugby utilities work?
- Alternative A – Stage payments
- Alternative B – Periodic Payments
What is the form of contract used on the rugby utilities work?
JCT MW 2016 with milestone-based payment terms.
How do you review an Extension of Time?
Assess the cause of the claim, progress of works, and how the critical path has been affected.
What must occur for Practical Completion?
Architect must confirm completion, a snagging list completed, and a practical completion certificate issued.
How are LADs deducted under JCT D&B?
Issue a non-completion certificate and a notice that monies are going to be withheld.
What if the Employer suffered no loss regarding LADs?
Doesn’t matter; LADs can still be deducted.
What would you do if the contractor claims for paint in his first valuation?
Assess the claim on site to see if any painting had been done.
You mention that you issued the Practical Completion Certificate on the UoB Building Demolition project, What if the contractor had not completed by PC date?
A Non-Completion Notice should be issued. The Employer then has the right to deduct Liquidated Damages through a Pay Less Notice. The Employer deducts, we must only advise them of their right to do so.
What are liquidated damages?
Pre-agreed remedy for contractor failing to achieve PC by the date within the contract. Not a penalty – genuine pre-estimate of loss – i.e. loss of rent/ loss of income/ fees and fines imposed by third parties etc. I.e. on MLP we had LD’s of Nil per week for four weeks, rising to £130,000 or part thereof in week 5- this was back to back with the Agreement for Lease costs the client would incur.
What if LAD’s inserted as nil in the contract?
Then they will not be able to claim liquidated damages but may still claim for Unliquidated damages (payable for a breach), however I would advise that they use Liquidated Damages if a loss is expected.
What did you include within a Contract Instruction?
I would include:
-Issue Date
-Contract Instruction Number
-Address Contractor/ EA/ Employer
-Contract condition relevant to instruction
-Description of change
-Cost of change – Add and Omit
-Distribution list
-Signatory Box for EA to sign once approved
-Plus and drawing references etc.
What is nomination?
- Selection of a particular subcontractor to carry out works, manufacture or supply of materials
- This provides the architect and client with greater control of material choice and thereby quality
- It is often used when there are long lead in times with the employer placing orders prior to the Main contract award which reduces potential delays on site
- The Main contractor is relieved of liability of design and compliance with the performance spec in addition to subcontractor delays in respect of the works that have been nominated
Do nominated subcontractors get paid separately?
Nominated contractors are normally paid via the Main contract with sums identified separately
Can the contractor object to a nominated subcontractor?
- Any objections must be made during the tender period
- There are specific exclusions and grounds for an objection
If there are problems with the design, after Novation of the architects, who would be responsible?
- At the point of novation, the client would agree the level of design was satisfactory and would be signed off by all parties
- The contractor would then become responsible for the Architect and his design should any problems arise during construction
- Disputes may arise where it becomes unclear when problems have arisen, either prior to the transfer of services of afterwards
What is the difference between Novation and Assignment?
Novation is a mechanism whereby one party can transfer all its obligations under a contract and all benefits arising from the contract to a third party
Assignment is where contractual benefits are assigned however contractual burdens cannot be transferred under assignment.
What is set-off?
Set-off are any monies owed to the employer by the contractor which are deducted against any payments due to the contractor
Describe differences between statutory provisions and contract provisions?
Statutory provisions are set out by law and must be complied with whereas contract provisions relate to the contract in question and therefore only apply to a specific project