Contract Practice Flashcards
Could you please outline some fundamental aspects of the JCT document Deciding on the appropriate JCT contract 2016 ?
This document addresses procurement strategies, Differing types of contract, Design and Build contracts and Traditional contracts.
Could you please outline some key fundamental elements of the JCT tendering practise note 2017?
This document covers the tender process as a whole relevant to JCT contracts covering items such as:
- Initial Enquiries (PQQ)
- Invitation to Tender and Tender Process
- Assessment and Award.
What is a form of tender
It is a formal acknowledgement that the tenderer understands and accepts the terms of conditions of the tender documents and any other requirements that are stipulated.
What is included within a form of tender?
- Latest return time and date.
- Date, name and address.
- The period of time that is allocated for the works, or an actual completion date if required.
What is included within an invitation to Tender?
- A letter of invitation to tender.
- The form of tender.
Preliminaries. - The form of contract.
- Design Drawings (ER’s)
Could you please outline some of the sections with a JCT contract?
Contract Particulars, Conditions of contract, articles of agreement.
What are the common amendments within a JCT building contract?
- Retention amount (3 - 5%)
- Retention Period (6 months to 12 months)
How does the JCT tendering practise document assist you with tendering practise?
It provides me with the JCT’s expectations relevant to the documentation to form part of a tender process such as a PQQ.
What is the difference between a PQQ and an EOI?
EOI is a document about the tendering party that is prepared by themselves.
A PQQ is a questionnaire that the deign team compiles relevant to the project which the contractor is required to answer.
What other contract forms are you aware of?
NEC
Why do you only have working experience with the JCT form of contract?
The JCT contract is very standard within the construction industry and the particular sector I work within. I have never been involved with a complex engineering project and have not used the NEC contract.
What does NEC stand for?
New Engineering Contract
What does JCT stand for?
Joint Contract Tribunal.
Can you please outline the differences between minor works, Intermediate and Design and Build Contract?
Minor works - Generally used for up to a limit of £250k
Intermediate - Allows sectional completion, more detailed than a minor works contract.
Design and Build - Most detailed, transfer of design risk from client to contractor.
For what scope of work have you used a minor works contract?
A light touch toilet refurbishment.
What is the key difference between a minor work and intermediate contract?
The intermediate form of contract allows works to be complete in sections.
When are NEC contracts typically used?
Infrastructure projects, public work
Please name some key elements of an NEC contract?
- Defined role of a Project Manager.
- Programme included within the contract documents.
What process do you go through when selecting a contract?
I will review my clients key objectives relevant to cost, programme and quality and select the form of contract best suited to meet their requirements.
Which element of time, quality and cost are most important?
They are all important and I aim to manage all of these effectively in my role of project manager. My clients key objectives would dictate the “most” important of these.
How does the choice of contract influence cost , time and quality?
Different forms of contract have different provisions within them to best manage these elements. For example a D&B contract allows for a transfer of design risk thus minimising the likelihood of post contract change thus reducing cost risk.
What do you mean by nature of the works relevant to contract selection?
This would mean any specific client objectives which would dictate any pressures around areas such as programme for example.
What key elements of scope would you assess when choosing the correct form of contract?
Scope of work that would increase cost thus discounting the minor works or intermediate forms.
Also scope relevant to design and quality as this may dictate between D&B and traditional.
How do you know a type of contract is appropriate?
-Scope
- Complexity
- Clients risk appetite
- Value
- Level of design to be undertaken
Who’s responsibility is it to collate the contract documents?
The responsibility of collating the contract documents would sit with both the clients QS. These would then be reviewed and packaged into the contract by the clients legal advisor.
Where are LD’s included within a JCT construction contract?
- Clause 4.6.1 in the JCT D&B contract.
- LD amount is within the contract particulars
What are Liquidated Damages?
They are pre-determined damages set at the time that a contract is entered into, based on a calculation of the actual loss the client is likely to incur if the contractor fails to meet the completion date.
Why are LD’s important in a contract?
They provide importance to the contractor in order to achieve the practical completion date within the contract.
Why is it of benefit for the level of LD’s to be agreed prior to the tender documents being issued?
It allows the contractor to factor this into their tender return and provide comment if the LD’s are too high. Including them in the contract allows the client to keep the contractor in competition and factor their acceptance (or otherwise) into the tender analysis.
What would you have done if the LD’s were not agreed prior to the tender being issued?
I would include the LD level as a tender addendum or agree this as part of the contract negotiation with the contractor.
Are you aware of the process of claiming damages? Do you have experience in this?
I have never claimed damages against a contractor.
A certificate of non-completion must be issued at PC. The client is then to issue a pay less notice to the contractor.
How would damages typically be claimed in a construction project?
By a pay less notice.
How would you calculate actual loss?
Loss of rental income, leasing costs, marketing costs etc.
Would you calculate the LD’s on behalf of the client?
No, the clientwould.
Could any delay trigger LD’s?
No, this must be delay which the contractor is at fault for i.e. not a relevant event or matter.
What is a relevant event
A relevant event is a specific events or circumstances that may impact the progress, completion, or cost of a construction project. This may be a variation, adverse weather or national strikes.
What is a relevant matter?
A matter for which the client is responsible that materially affects the progress of the works. I.e. not allowing possession of the site.
What sort of delays to practical completion would trigger LD’s?
Failure in appropriately commissioning the M&E system so they need to re-commission.
What would you do if a contractor was not willing to agree to the proposed LD’s?
I would review the position with the client and ask the QS to negotiate with the contractor to agree a revised position as long as this wasn’t to the detriment of my client.
What do you typically do during the initial briefing stages?
Arrange meeting with the client and other key stakeholders in order to inform the project brief.
How did you review the differing contract options available to your client?
I understand my clients key objectives and then assess the contract options based on my knowledge and JCT deciding on appropriate contract document to choose a contract to best suite.
Why did you need sectional completions to take place in your Cat B fit out at 25 Golden Square?
To allow the comms room to complete early for the clients IT team to access.
What is the difference between partial possession and Early use?
Early use - risk remains with the contractor.
Partial Possession - risk passes to the client.
Do the other forms of contract not allow for sectional completion? Why else did you consider the intermediate form of contract?
They do, the intermediate was considered as the works were of a small size.