Contract administration - Level 1

Question 1

Tell me about the differences between JCT and NEC contracts?

Answer 1

JCT provides separate contracts for employer-design or contractor-design. NEC allows for employer- design, contractor-design or part and part, simply by expressing in the works information what design the contractor is obliged to carry out.

Question 2

What are the duties of a contract administrator?

Answer 2

The role of the contract administrator (CA) was officially introduced in 1987, following amendment 4 to the JCT 1980 form of contract. It relates to the management or administration of the building contract between the employer and the contractor. The role technically begins when the contract is signed.

Question 3

How are they different from those of an Employer’s Agent?

Answer 3

The only differences is that an Employers Agent performs the contract administration role within design and build contracts whereas the Contract Administrator performs the same contract administration role in traditional forms of contract.

Question 4

Who undertakes a Contract administration role under NEC forms?

Answer 4

The project manager. Their role is broader than that of a CA and, as the name suggests, includes project management.