Level 3 Competencies Flashcards

Question

An example of Whole-life Cost savings;

Answer 1

Over 30 years, the combined effects of a change from a steel-framed air-conditioned office to a building with in-situ concrete frame and floors are: Capital cost changes: +3.6% Energy cost changes: -4.1%

Answer 2

Capital costs. Operational costs. Maintenance costs. Replacement costs. Disposal costs.

Answer 3

Value Management are techniques concerned with defining and maximising value for money. VM provides a tool to explore a project’s objectives and aspirations from the client’s perspective.

Answer 4

Circular shaped buildings were the most expensive with highest average cost, U and L shaped were at the average while building Rectangular shaped buildings has the lowest average cost. Construction costs increase steadily with height, up until the point the methods of construction are required to change. However, $/m2 begin to reduce again after a certain height. Value/m2 within the location is a factor (New York and Hong Kong vs. Bradford). Functionality affects floor-height.

Answer 5

As detailed within NRM1 item 3.4, The first Formal Cost Plan is typically issued at RIBA Work Stage 2, Concept. I ensure that I have understood the client requirements and perform high-level checks to ensure the correct Stage 2 information has been provided, as per NRM 1 Appendix C: Information requirements for formal cost plans; Concept design drawings to suitable scale, General arrangements for all floors (GA’s) General elevations, general sections, external landscaping, Schedule of areas, Outline specification (schedule of finishes), Room data sheets. After establishing available quantities, I then acquired benchmarking from other similar schemes in the region and utilize indices to adjust them. Alternatively, I could use pricebooks such as BCIS and undertake soft market testing for any specialist items included. A Formal Cost Plan would typically include; Total construction cost, professional fees, project contingency, provisional sums, general and project specific assumptions and exclusions. Include potential value engineering options if necessary. An initial formal cost plan (formal cost plan 1), which takes into account initial design parameters established by the architectural concept and strategic engineering requirements, and which includes an elemental analysis of the significant elements of cost and initial bulk quantities of key items set out in the outline specification. I defined my basis of cost, area schedule and information used. My final report was peer reviewed by a senior and it was issue. Agree the cost limit with the client before proceeding to next Stage.

Answer 6

As detailed within NRM1 item 3.2, A detailed and accurate cost plan will provide a client with an early indication of probable costs and may identify value for money and cost savings, in both design & construction, through value engineering. Analysis by quantity surveyor in collaboration with the Architect , including early identification of high-cost elements, should enable decisions to be made earlier, resulting in smoother running of the pre and post contract procedure. A pre-tender estimate can also acts as comparison tool for the tender returns. Underestimating project costs will lead to serious problems down the road. Overestimating risks having a project denied.

Answer 7

VE is an organised approach aimed at providing the necessary functions of the building considering the clients objectives at the lowest cost, without detrimental effects to quality, reliability, performance or delivery. Value Engineering forms one of the processes under Value Management and is a reactive procedure to bring the anticipated cost of a project back in line with the budget when a potential overspend is identified. I was involved in pre-contract cost management of a high-rise within Qatar. During which, I provided a value engineering shopping list of items we could change without affecting the design intent/overall look and feel of the scheme. Suggestions included an omission of plasterboard in various back of house spaces (replaced with paint), changing decorative glazing partitions to a laminate finish, and reducing the specification of a number of back of house finishes generally. I advised value engineered alternatives which solved the material availability issue whilst also providing a saving to the project. This allowed the client to make an informed decision on whether to proceed with the proposed design or the value engineered alternative. The client was given sufficient time to select their value engineering options which were captured in the stage 4 design. This in turn reduced both the projected capital expenditure and the contractor tender returns, allowing the client to realise their cost objectives ensuring the project was not delayed.

Answer 8

Internal face of the perimeter wall at each floor level. Excludes external open sided balconies, fire escapes, canopies and fuel stores.

Answer 9

Time/Cost/Quality: Steel is quicker but has longer lead-in time, concrete takes longer. Increased difficulty to achieve intricate shapes with concrete. Size of the site is a main consideration. Global prices of steel impacts. inherent fire and sound protection properties of concrete, the skillset of local labour market and availability of materials. A steel frame was considered quantity of steel required, both raw material and fire protection coating, the lack of in-country material and expertise, considerable lead times and the lack of confidence in the price.

Answer 10

Sleek, slender concrete structures, dead load of structure reduced, longer spans. Requires high-quality dense concrete, high tensile steel, tensioning equipment. This method is usually employed where stressing is to be carried out on site after casting an in situ component or where a series of pre-cast concrete units are to be joined together to form the required member. In post-tensioning, concrete is cast around ducts or sheathing in which the tendons are to be housed. Stressing is carried out after the concrete has cured by means of hydraulic jacks operating from one of both ends of the member.

Answer 11

Relationship of building elements; depending on the volume of glazing you have different cooling requirements. Depending on the weight of your cladding and the height you require a different sub/superstructure.

Answer 12

All Concealed Items/Pipe Sleeves in Verticals/Horizontals. Processes that are undertaken during construction works up to the point of applying internal surfaces – typically plaster.

Answer 13

Extensions of time adjust the completion date and relieves the contractor’s liability to pay liquidated damages for the period of the extension. FICID Clause 8.4 states; The Contractor shall be entitled to an extension of the Time for Completion if delayed by any of the following causes; Variation, Climate, Unforeseeable shortages or prevention caused by the Employer.

Answer 14

Delays to Completion: The Contractor shall be entitled to claim Relief for Delay if completion of a Key Stage, Section or the Works has been or will be delayed. FICID Clause 8.4 states; The Contractor shall be entitled to an extension of the Time for Completion if delayed by any of the following causes; Variation, Climate, Unforeseeable shortages or prevention caused by the Employer.

Answer 15

First, the Contractor should have given notice of the claim not later than 28 days after they became aware. The Contractor will follow up with a fully detailed claim which includes full supporting particulars. I will verify the quantities and value as per the Evaluation clause 12.3. Following my evaluation, I will have a preliminary negotiation with the Contractor to try to reach an agreement, before submitting my proposal to the Engineer. The Engineer responds with approval, or with disapproval and detailed comments. In making a determination of an extension, he must proceed in accordance with Clause 3.5. That requires him to consult with the Contractor, to try to reach agreement. If it is not possible to reach agreement, he must make a fair determination. The only realistic way of assessing delay is by comparison with the Clause 8.3 programme. If the programme is of sufficient quality, it should form a good basis for assessing delays

Answer 16

Submission of a bona fide tender and unequivocal acceptance. - Full Name, Address, and Signatures of Both Parties - Construction Agreement - General & Special Conditions - Scope of Work - Drawings - Specifications - Bill of Quantities - Insurance

Answer 17

A party should only consider suspension if there is an express contractual or statutory right to suspend, or if the parties are prepared to agree to a suspension. The contractor will be entitled to relief from its obligation to complete in the form of an extension of time. In the event of suspension due to non-payment, Parties are entitled to payment for the reasonable costs incurred in exercising their right to suspend performance, and to additional time involved in suspending and re-mobilizing. This statutory right expires on payment of the required sum.

Answer 18

Clause 8.8; The Engineer may instruct the Contractor to suspend. Clause 8.9; If the Contractor suffers incurs Cost, the Contractor shall give notice to the Engineer and shall be entitled subject to an extension of and payment of any such Cost. Clause 8.11; If the suspension continues for more than 84 days, the Contractor may request Engineer’s permission to proceed. If the Engineer does not give permission within 28 days, the Contractor may the Contractor may give notice of termination.

Answer 19

A change control process is important the flow of information when it comes to project changes. A successful process should define success metrics, organize your workflow, enable teams to communicate, and set your team up for future success. 1. Initiation 2. Assessment 3. Analysis 4. Implementation 5. Closure

Answer 20

Clause 8.6; If, at any time progress is too slow to complete within the Time for Completion or progress has fallen behind the current programme the Engineer may instruct the Contractor to submit a revised programme. The Contractor shall adopt revised methods, which may require increases in the working hours or in the numbers of Contractor’s Personnel.

Answer 21

- Written by legal experts. - Rights and obligations of each party are clearly set out to the required level of detail. - Risks should have been allocated appropriately. - Parties should be familiar with the provisions and fewer unforeseen anomalies. - The time and expense of preparing a fresh document. - Case law is built up over time. o Apportionment of risks is rarely questioned. o May not be appropriate to the needs of a particular project or client. o Inappropriate form for the project will cancel out any advantages. o Bespoke specialist advisors can undertake the amendments.

Answer 22

I advised the client of the risks associated with tendering an incomplete design, including price ambiguity, higher than normal tender returns with additional risk priced, and limited certainty on a programme of works due to a potentially high number of unfixed items. We were instructed to proceed and issued the tender with a number of specific instructions to help guide contractors in their interpretation of certain items. Throughout the tender period we received a high volume of tender queries but worked in an efficient manner to ensure these were responded to in a timely manner, with as much detail as possible. Additionally, I organised weekly mid-tender workshops with prospective tenderers and design team to ensure maximum support both technically and commercially. I also advised the client there was insufficient information available for certain aspects of the work to be included within the bill of quantities and defined provisional sums would be required. Upon receipt of tender returns, we undertook extensive tender analysis which included full technical compliance check, normalisation of rates and clarifications, commercial bid tabulation and a request for BAFO (best and final offer). My commitment to solving these issues was realised when our client was able to appoint a reputable regional fit-out contractor on-time and in-line with our Pre-Tender Estimate. This was achieved through a proactive problem solving approach to the issues faced, ensuring the client’s objectives were at the forefront of our actions.

Answer 23

Responsibility Assignment Matrix is a tool that can support ensuring clarity on job roles and responsibilities. Responsible, Accountable, Consulted, Informed. A responsibility assignment matrix (RAM) that assists in alleviating role confusion.

Answer 24

The employer would have to pay the premium for taking out the bond. It may reduce the contractor’s incentive to complete making good defects promptly. It reduces the employer’s cashflow. The employer would not get the interest accruing on the amount of the retention bond

Answer 25

They create contractual relationships between the main parties of a contract with an external third party. The contractual relationship would not exist with the third party due to privity of contract.

Answer 26

Novation is where a new contract transfers the rights and obligations of one contractual party to a new third party. Assignment is the transfer of contractual rights or contractual benefits only as burdens cannot be assigned.

Answer 27

Whether the new party has the right to take action against the novated party for breaches that occurred before the novation.

Answer 28

They lose all contractual relations with the novated party and therefore the right to take action for a breach. It is therefore common for there to be a collateral warranty between the employer and novated party.

Answer 29

Latent defects are defects which are not readily identifiable upon inspection & only come to fruition some time after building completion and may take many years to become identifiable. A claim in contract can only be brought about within the limitation period of the contract, 6 or 12 years depending on whether the contract was executed as a deed or underhand.

Answer 30

A Non-Conformance Report (also known as a Non-Conformity Report or NCR) is a document that identifies and reports any discrepancies between the actual condition of a service or process and the requirements defined by quality standards.

Answer 31

Article 172 sets out good faith in the performance of agreements, employers and contractors to cooperate to avoid losses and delays. The contract must be performed in accordance with its contents and in a manner which is consistent with the requirements of good will. In circumstances where and Employer attempts to strictly apply the time bar provisions to the detriment of the Contractor, this would be a clear demonstration of bad faith Article 220 of the Qatar Civil Code also applies "Every person who enriches without a just cause on the account of another person is liable, within the limits of what he has enriched, to compensate the loss he has suffered.” Law No. 27 of 2006, the Commercial Code, sets out a 10-year limitation period. Article 418; It may not be agreed that the limitations period is different from the period specified in the law. Any attempt by the Contract to restrict recovery of damages through the imposition of a time bar exculpatory clause risk of breach.

Answer 32

Disclaimer: Although the information found on this report has been produced from sources believed to be reliable, no warranty, express or implied, is made regarding accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of any information. Contractor risk is an occurrence or delay the contractor would be required to mitigate. The Contractor is responsible for the accuracy and completeness of the data and for any liability resulting from the reliance on inaccurate or incomplete data. Tendering for work a contractor must understand the obligations on pricing the information, clarifying and requesting further information, and understand the risk of unwarranted information is deemed to be included in their price. Any unwarranted information submitted in the tender form/ bids may be discarded.

Answer 33

Management contract –works are constructed by different works contractors who are contracted to and managed by a management contractor. A management contract structure is similar to a traditional contract, however, instead of taking the risk associated with a fixed price, the management contractor is reimbursed the amounts paid to works contractors. Construction Management – works are constructed by different trade contractors. These contractors are contracted to the client but managed by a construction manager. The construction manager acts as an agent for the client, administering and co-ordinating the works contracts.

Answer 34

Two-stage design and build – used to allow early appointment of a contractor, prior to the completion of all the information required to enable a fixed price. In the first stage, a limited appointment is agreed allowing the contractor to begin work and in the second stage, when more detail is available, a fixed price is negotiated for the rest of the contract. If the project is large and complex Management contracting may be considered – Client employs a Management Contractor to contribute from a very early stage and engage with its other Consultants. The Management Contractor provides advice and expertise with a construction angle to positively influence the design and manage the construction. Time savings can be achieved by tendering some of the work packages early (such as groundworks) and overlapping the design and construction activities. This allows for a quick start on site. As oppose to Design and Build, with Management Contracting a Client gains the Contractor’s expertise in Management Contracting without the Architect relinquishing any real power contractually or in terms of design responsibility.

Answer 35

-Form of tender -Date and time for return -Conditions of contract -Pricing documentation -Drawings, Specifications & Employers requirements -Pre-construction H&S info

Answer 36

Single-stage design and build – used when the information necessary to calculate a realistic price is available when tendering commences. Two-stage design and build – used to allow early appointment of a contractor, prior to the completion of all the information required to enable a fixed price. In the first stage, a limited appointment is agreed allowing the contractor to begin work and in the second stage, when more detail is available, a fixed price is negotiated for the rest of the contract. Management contract –works are constructed by different works contractors who are contracted to and managed by a management contractor. A management contract structure is similar to a traditional contract, however, instead of taking the risk associated with a fixed price, the management contractor is reimbursed the amounts paid to works contractors. Construction Management – works are constructed by different trade contractors. These contractors are contracted to the client but managed by a construction manager. The construction manager acts as an agent for the client, administering and co-ordinating the works contracts. Private Finance Initiative (PFI) – a single integrated supply team is appointed with design, construction and facilities management expertise to design and build a development and then to operate it for a period of time.

Answer 37

Selective tendering only allows suitable contractors to submit tenders by invitation. Negotiating with a single source may be appropriate for highly specialist contracts, or for extending the scope of an existing contract. Costs are reduced and allows early contractor involvement. Single-stage tendering is used when all the information necessary to calculate a realistic price is available when tendering commences. An invitation to tender is issued to prospective tenderers, a preferred tenderer is selected and following negotiations they may be appointed. Two-stage tendering is used to allow early appointment, prior to the completion of all the information required to enable them to offer a fixed price. In the first stage, a limited appointment is agreed to allow work to begin and in the second stage a fixed price is negotiated for the contract. Framework tendering invite tenders from suppliers of services to be carried out on a call-off basis when required.

Answer 38

PQQ sets out a series of questions for potential tenderers to answer regarding their level of experience, capacity and financial standing. The answers to these questions enable the client to produce a short list of suppliers that are likely to be most appropriate for their project. Short-listed suppliers may then be invited to tender for the contract. ITT pack key documentation such as the form of/appendix to tender, pricing and measurement preambles, general instructions to tenderers, drawings and specifications, pre-construction health and safety information etc.

Answer 39

I would explore the option of requesting a performance bond that my client could call on if they Main Contractor failed to perform. I would also review the tender submission to ensure this is not excessively front loaded. When reviewing interim valuations, I would ensure that these are accurate and not over claimed. A project bank account may also provide an additional level of assurance and should be considered.

Answer 40

Contractor's Design will generally be set out in the tender documents as ‘Employer’s Requirements’ in response to which the contractor will submit ‘Contractor’s Proposals’.

Answer 41

Contractor’s design may be used with a Pre-Construction Services Agreement to provide early consultancy services. Often, the portion of design left to the contractor is the detailing work undertaken by specialist manufactures and installers. The main contractor has responsibility for managing the procurement of its specialist sub-contractor’s design. The main contractor has to ensure various specialist sub-contractors under its control co-ordinate their emerging designs with each other. For instance the services sub-contractors need to know both the grid system and position of fixings for a suspended ceiling and likewise the ceiling sub-contractor needs to know details of plant above ceilings which require maintenance access. To carry out this management function 'design managers' have become a regular addition to the main contractor’s project staff.

Answer 42

Cost reporting. Cash flow forecasting. Change control.

Answer 43

There is a problem with progress. Firstly, I would check the interim application to verify that the contractor is not unintentionally under-claiming. If not, the Contractor themselves could be struggling financially; they may not have enough resource on-site and materials may not be being brought to site either due to non-payment of suppliers of lack of procurement resource. I would have a conversation with the contractor to inform them and have a discussion regarding the rate of progress and suggest that an increase is necessary. There’s also the possibility that it may be employer-led delay or perhaps the supervision consultant has inadequate resource. The SC may not be returning the shop-drawings on-time which could lead to a claim. An alternate scenario could be that the client has given a high volume of instructions within the month. Both scenarios are early indications that the project costs or duration are going to increase. This could lead to a delay in the client receiving the asset, which could impact the clients future plans. I would have a meeting with my client and explain all the potential outcomes to ensure they undertake the risks and potential mitigation measures.

Answer 44

Advice would be provided to the client so that they understand and prepare financially short-term and long-term expenditure. The detail will vary depending on the type of contract, employer’s requirements and agreed in our scope of services. The format of the cost report should be discussed and agreed with the client at the outset. As a minimum level of service, I would typically look to include reference to: Contract sum total. The value of Instructed variations. The value of potential future variations. Ongoing claims. Provisional Sum and Risk Allowance Adjustments. The anticipated final account total. The total of certified payments. If required, reports may things such as; professional fees, third-party costs, finance costs, cashflow.

Answer 45

As per the RICS Interim Valuations guidance • work executed • variations/changes • expenditure of provisional sums • adjustment of prime cost sums / provisional quantities • materials on site • materials off-site • overheads and profit (contractor’s design fees / loss and expense) Adjustments: • advanced payments • retention • amounts previously paid.

Answer 46

A project execution plan sets out the strategy for managing a project. It describes who does what and how procedures will be adopted. - Project definition and a summary of the strategic brief - Drawings - Project programme - Cost plan, cost management and accounting procedures - Procurement strategy - Roles, responsibilities and authorities - Monitoring and reporting strategies - Potential consultations / stakeholder management - Communications strategy - Risk assessment and risk allocation - Health and safety strategy

Answer 47

It is the summary of the actual or anticipated ingoing and outgoing of cash in a firm over the accounting period. It measures the short-term ability of a firm to pay off its bills. A cash flow forecast summarises the amount of cash or equivalents entering and leaving a project entity.

Answer 48

What advice would you provide if there was an issue with a variation that caused a significant difference in the variation valuation between the contractor position and the client’s representatives

Answer 49

Firstly, I would make my Client aware that I am not a competent person or professionally insured to provide financial advice. I would recommended the Employer seek further financial advice so it may consider its exposure. A financial advisor may look into the possibility of loans for options on lending and associated interests. Acting within the contract I would advise; Clause 8.8; The Engineer may instruct the Contractor to suspend. Clause 8.9; If the Contractor incurs Cost, the Contractor shall give notice to the Engineer and shall be entitled subject to an extension of and payment of any such Cost. Clause 8.11; If the suspension continues for more than 84 days, the Contractor may request Engineer’s permission to proceed. If the Engineer does not give permission within 28 days, the Contractor may the Contractor may give notice of termination. Clause 8.14; If the Contractor does not receive payment they shall be entitled to receive financing charges compounded monthly on the amount unpaid during the delay. Clause 15.5; The Employer shall be entitled to terminate the Contract for the Employer’s convenience by giving notice of such termination. The termination shall take effect 28 days after the later of the dates on which the Contractor receives this notice or the Employer returns the Performance Security. The Employer shall not terminate in order for the Works to be executed by another contractor.

Answer 50

NRM became operative in 2013 and replaced the Standard Method of Measurement. SMM7 should no longer be adopted. The rules provide a standard set of measurement rules that are understandable by anyone involved in a construction project. NRM I: provides guidance on the quantification of building works for the purpose of preparing cost estimates and cost plans - enabling more effective and accurate cost advice NRM 2: provides guidance on the detailed measurement and description of building works for the purpose of obtaining a tender price.

Answer 51

Succinct bill rates, adjusted bill rates, market-tested rates or demonstrable costs; build-up of rates/3-quotations. 12.3 Evaluation; Each new rate or price shall be derived from any relevant rates or prices in the Contract, with reasonable adjustments to take account the matters as applicable. If no rates or prices are relevant for the derivation of a new rate or price, it shall be derived from the reasonable Cost of executing the work, together with reasonable profit, taking account of any other relevant matters. Until such time as an appropriate rate or price is agreed or determined, the Engineer shall determine a provisional rate or price for the purposes of Interim Payment Certificates.

Answer 52

I wouldn’t recommend QSMM as it is based on the SMM5 from 1973, even though it is incredibly out of date, it is still used within Qatar. If you've got a project which is fairly evenly split between civils and buildings, dependant on the size of the project, it may be appropriate to split the works between NRM2 and CESSM3. The Bill could be segregated into 2 sections, in doing so it would utilize the benefits from both methods of measurement in the post-contract function.

Answer 53

Three popular international standard MOMs important are the Civil Engineering Standard Method of Measurement, the New Rules of Measurement, the Principles of Measurement International and Qatar has Standard Method of Measurement for Building Works issued by the Ministry of Public Works. CESMM is suitable civil engineering since it covers the civil works in a detailed and organized way which is useful because civil works are hard to be fully gathered at tendering. It allows pricing of all the works that are temporary but to be included in the BOQ. The use of the coding system is helpful when integrating the CESMM in computerized software. CESMM gives opportunity to include extra work items not mentioned in a certain category by making coding iterations. Also, CESMM is flexible which is useful in the case of dealing with variations that result in civil engineering projects since the works are very detailed so as to mark the exact items affected by variations. NRM2 is easy to understand since it breaks down the work items to detail which gives clear information. NRM2 is flexible when there is variation since it identifies what items are affected by the variations. NRM details preliminaries while other standard methods consider some preliminaries to be included. NRM allows inclusion of composite descriptions for work items that consist of materials with different types. NRM includes a list of risks and transfers them to the contractor to be given a specific price in the BOQ. Preparing a BOQ using the NRM2 takes time since most of the items otherwise deemed included would need to be priced and given a separate quantity. Some contractors would prefer not to price details of a certain category of works, e.g. preliminaries as this is in favour of the contractors when any variation order is issued involving time extension. POMI can be used for a wide range of construction projects which makes it suitable for a variety of work types. Some responses to a BCIS survey mentioned the simplicity of POMI is what makes it suitable in some projects. The simplicity of POMI can make it easy for the user in producing the bill of quantities. More detail is needed and so it can’t be used in complex projects and the preliminaries section needs to be detailed. POMI is generally considered abstract compared to other methods. POMI may need more guidance regarding how the BOQ should be prepared. POMI and CESMM are well recognized in the Middle East when it comes to civil projects, more so CESMM. NRM is still not well recognized in the Middle East for the building projects since it more recently issued. With the different perceptions regarding the implications of using a MOM, there are some project parameters that govern the choice including project type, client’s experience, contractor’s experience, contract value, and the contract type. Each combination of parameters guide the choice of specific MOM. In the case is different for civil projects, CESMM have been used in the Middle East and so firms are familiar with its usage and they rely on it in the civil projects when it suits the project conditions. Procurement strategy is also a factor, for multiple packages of work, there is potential to split the packages. It may be advisable to use both NRM and CESMM. Typically, the approach on infrastructure works would be CESMM, even if it's a single package of work such as; ground remediation, horizontal infrastructure. The likelihood is the contractor is will be utilising a specialist subcontractor for the infrastructure works or ground remediation. I would look to split the bills of quantities where applicable for specialist subcontractors and probably over there lay them with a set of preambles.

Answer 54

As detailed within NRM2 item 2.2, The Bill of Quantities can be the basis of the success of a project with accuracy and a clear description of works, but at the same time however, it can also lead. So, in the absence of a BOQ a lot of claims can occur that involve discrepancies and misinterpretation of the items. During a Tender comparison, BoQs enable interrogation on an elemental or item level allowing cost consultants to generate best value for the Client. Valuable usage of a BoQ also includes; assisting interim payments, providing rates for valuing variations, utilising MOMs to settle value disputes, creating clear allocation of costs to avoid disputes, cashflow analysis and earned value studies. Including a BoQ is not a necessity however within certain forms of contracts. Within the UK, it is common to issue a Tender “without quants” most notably with JCT Contracts. Tender Documents including drawings and specifications are sent within the tender pack in order to obtain prices. Including bills of quantities, utilizing a Standard MOM would give the best opportunity to assist the Client in obtaining a price in line with the budget. Whilst also mitigating over and/or under-priced items. Elemental pricing allows us to critical tender analysis. The procurement method and the method of payment is also a factor, for instance; design and build lump sum contract with stage payments, there may by no requirement of a BoQ. procurement method then the payment mechanism.

Answer 55

NRM 2 classifications such as sloping, vertical, horizontal, sundries in in-situ m³; Mass concrete, Horizontal work, Sloping work, Vertical work Thickness >/< 300mm

Answer 56

Preambles give a detailed description of the work involved and of the conditions under which and the manner in which the work is to be done and measured, for each item of the Bill of Quantities. Preamble assists the reader to interpret the entire contract document.

Answer 57

The actual cost and time exceeds that allowed for in the provisional sum because the nature of the item changes between tender and instruction

Answer 58

A Prime Cost Sum is intended to make allowance for specialist work that is detailed and which the developer wishes the main contractor to include in his tender return. The works described in the pricing document as a Prime Cost Sum may then be carried out by a Works Contractor or nominated subcontractor.

Answer 59

The BCIS all-in TPI (Tender Price Index) is a trusted measure of price. This is based on a well-developed method of calculation and a reliance exclusively on tendered rates on construction projects as the source of data. BCIS figures show an 8.5% increase in tender prices from Q2 2021 to Q2 2022.

Answer 60

A pre-qualification questionnaire sets out a series of questions for potential tenderers to answer regarding their level of experience, capacity and financial standing.

Answer 61

Low-E glass windows have a microscopically thin coating that is transparent and reflects heat.

Answer 62

It is important to understand design and construction processes commonly used in the industry and solutions relevant to projects. This should include liaison with specialists and consultants to develop a project specific design and construction solutions. Working with the team to ensure the most cost-effective design solution is achieved.

Answer 63

Relatively short lead-in times. Inherent fire and sound protection properties as well at strength and versatility. Skillset of local labour market and availability of materials. Confidence in the price.

Answer 64

Client Goals such as; Cost, design responsibility, early appointment, project complexity, overlapping the design and construction activities or potential to design, build and then operate.

Answer 65

If the employer ignores the application for retention release, you are entitled to receive your retention regardless of their intentions. They must pay first and argue later as they can file a claim against you after paying if they have valid evidence of defects. However, this does not change the fact that you are entitled to recover retention if they do not issue a formal notice. In short, you’ll need to follow these steps: Calculate the contract due dates and final payment dates for the retention payments Follow the contract or statutory payment notice procedures If the Contractor does not receive a notice to pay less, the may seek legal advice. The initial works contract specifies the due dates for payment and the final payment date for payment of the retention. A certificate of taking over should be issued if all of the defects raised in the liability period have been dealt with, at that point an employer should make full payment of the second half of the retention. The Employer should to respond in a limited timeframe if they wish to serve a withholding notice – this specifies the sum withheld and the sum payable is calculated. The Employers may withholding retention because of: The job performance under another contract A decision by an employer or third party that obligations under another contract affect the payment of your retention The employer has not received payment from a separate party (pay when paid clauses or justifications). If unfairly refusing to release retentions. The Contractor may refer payment disputes to an adjudicator. The employer may not unreasonably delay or withhold issuing that certificate. If the Contractor does not make good then the employer would be entitled to retain the retention to put towards the cost of remedying the defects, subject to the service of appropriate notices,

Answer 66

In short, the Client is asking me to be complicit in intentionally misleading others, which of course I cannot do. As an RICS regulated member I must produce a reliable prediction of costs based upon the information provided. Additionally, I have a duty keep proper records of work and decisions in enough detail to allow them to be audited for quality assurance or regulatory purposes. Lastly, I would ensure that my Client understands that what they are describing is illegal under the local Civil Code. If funding is an issue, I would work with my Client to propose alternate solutions.

Answer 67

Interlocking Sheet piles. - Shaped sections of steel that are used to create an earthworks retaining solution and providing water retention for excavations to take place. Can be extracted and reused. Secant piles. - Interlocking piles (male and female, often different diameters and hardness) are bored to provide a combination of foundations and basement walls. - They support in providing a waterproof structure and are often seen when a top down construction method is used. Bored Piles. - An auger is used to excavate the soil and then concrete is poured in once complete. Pre-cast piles. - Piles are and hammered into the ground. This is not often favoured due to the high noise levels associated with installation and the lack of flexibility in terms of depth required.

Answer 68

A specific, detailed and transparent process to facilitate timely approval and authorisation of the Contractor’s Variation Orders. Sections; - Change Proposal Issued by the Employer Representative - Change Proposal Issued by the Contractor - Change Request & Site Instruction Preparation - Issuance of Site Instruction to the Contractor The Employer Representative shall keep an updated Tracker of all issued Site Instructions and Variation Orders. Flowcharts. Sample Change Request Form

Answer 69

The Contractor submits payment application supporting documents to the Engineer. Following which, I would go to site and inspect the works to form a view on the percentage of works undertaken. Check for materials on site and materials off site. Value time related and fixed preliminaries items undertaken. Value any agreed variations and claims. The valuation amount is presented as the gross valuation, less previous payment made and retention. Finally, I send my recommendation to the Engineer for them to prepare the payment certificate. The Engineer then verifies and receives any additional information and he will issue the payment certificate within 28 days from the date of the Contractor’s statement. The Employer makes payment in accordance with the agreed payment terms.

Answer 70

I would take the construction programme and contract sum analysis, taking any contingency below the line. Separate out the values associated with each element forecasted within the programme, splitting the works into the different packages. Potentially include schedules from specialist subcontractors. I adjust for advanced payment, retentions, recovery advanced payment. The outcome should give you an ‘S-curve’ which would be your barometer as to whether the exercise is done properly.