Role of the Contract Administrator (CA) Flashcards
What is the Contract Administrator (CA)?
A person appointed by the Employer to administer the contract. They issue instructions, monitor progress, assess claims, and ensure both parties follow the contract (JCT SBC/Q)
JCT stands for Joint Contracts Tribunal, a body that produces standard forms of contracts for the construction industry.
What are the main responsibilities of the CA?
Issuing instructions and variations, certifying interim payments, granting extensions of time, issuing certificates (PC, NCC, etc.), monitoring progress and compliance, keeping records and communications, valuing loss & expense (with QS), facilitating dispute resolution
PC stands for Practical Completion, NCC stands for Non-Completion Certificate, and QS stands for Quantity Surveyor.
Under JCT, which clause governs the contractor’s obligation to comply with CA instructions?
Clause 3.10 — Contractor must comply with CA/Architect instructions unless exempted (see 5.1.2, 2.23.2, CDM etc.)
CDM refers to the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations.
What are the three hats worn by a Contract Administrator?
Agent for the Employer (issuing instructions), Certifier (interim payments, completion), Quasi-arbitrator (impartial decision-making on extensions/time/loss claims)
What certificates does the CA issue under JCT?
Interim Certificate (Clause 4.14/4.15), Non-Completion Certificate (Clause 2.31), Practical Completion Certificate, Certificate of Making Good Defects, Final Certificate (Clause 4.23)
How does the CA handle delay or non-completion?
Reviews contractor’s EoT application, issues Non-Completion Certificate if no EoT is justified, can recommend LADs be deducted (Clause 2.31 & 2.32)
EoT stands for Extension of Time, and LADs stands for Liquidated and Ascertained Damages.
What are the CA’s duties in relation to time?
Give access to site (Date of Possession – Clause 2.4), monitor progress against Completion Date, grant Extension of Time for Relevant Events (Clause 2.28/2.29), issue revised Completion Dates if delay is valid
How does the CA interact with the Quantity Surveyor (QS)?
QS supports the CA in valuing variations, interim payments, and loss/expense; QS does the numbers; CA does the admin, instructions, and certification
What makes the CA role potentially difficult or controversial?
Balancing loyalty to the Employer with impartiality in certifying, pressure from both parties, high workload during variations, delay, and disputes
Can the CA delegate their powers?
Only if the contract allows it — the appointment letter or contract may allow specific tasks to be delegated (e.g. to Architect or Clerk of Works), but overall accountability remains
