Technical - All

Question 1

Tender Analysis Process - considerations?

Answer 1

Quantitative - Price (lowest tender); Qualitative - client’s needs/priorities exc price. Most Economically Advantageous Tender (MEAT).
Price; experience; understanding requirements; past performance; technical skills; resource available; management skills/systems; methodology eg mobilisation, design proposalsk compliance with requirements.

Question 2

Pre-Start Meeting Process (Pre-Contract Meeting) Considerations?

Answer 2

Refer to document lists flashcards

Initial project team meeting:
Plan construction stage.
Exchange contact details.
Establish lines of communication.
Future meeting schedule:
Determine frequency and structure.
Discuss handover of outstanding documents.
Outstanding information:
Issue variations since contract award.
Discuss program adjustments.
Incorporation of other works:
Address works outside the contract.
Plan inspections and testing.
Project team roles:
Clarify responsibilities.
Establish information procedures.
Site access:
Agree on access procedures.
Review contractor’s procurement and mobilization schedules.

Question 3

Difference between Preliminaries and Preambles?

Answer 3

Preliminaries - description of a project allowing contractor to assess costs which whilst do not form a part of any work package are required by the method and circumstances of the works eg subcontracting; approvals; testing; completion procedures.

Preambles - Explanation of a document, specificaitons and BoQ. Helps with interpretation eg parties of the contract; background; objectives, etc (and the contract itself?).

Question 4

Normalisation of Tender Returns?

Answer 4

Better definition in other flash card.

Using average of submitted costs for each work item; Using highest/lowest price for each work item, and scaling prices accordingly (individual comparison).

Question 5

Measured Term Contracts?

Answer 5

Use by employers with regular flow of works; like to be carried out by single contractor over specified time (usually 12-36 months).
Features: works separated in ‘Orders’; properties listed; types of work; employer estimates work cost (whole, say, 36 month term); CA appointed by employer; price based on measurement and valuation of each order according to an agreed SoR.

Question 6

Partnering Framework?

Answer 6

Partnering:
Collaborative and open approach.
Suitable for large, long-term, or high-risk projects.
Pinsent Masons’ view:
Facilitates mutual value.
Flexible, behavior-based approach.
SHIFTS RELATIONSHIP DYNAMICS TOWARD EQUALITY.
Legal considerations:
Can be binding or non-binding.
Clear documentation essential to reflect intent accurately.

Question 7

Sourcing Potential Tenderers?

Answer 7

Recommended by Client/; Company knowledge of contractors from previous projects who may be capable; Other?

Question 8

Pre-Qualification Process?

Answer 8

Pre-Qualification Process:
Assesses experience, capacity, financial standing.
Focuses on simplicity and relevance.
Example Questions:
Company details, legal status.
Insurance, financial info.
Experience, technical ability.
Health & Safety, quality assurance policies.
Environmental, equal opportunities policies.
Relevant references.

Question 9

Effective Cost Management?

Answer 9

Considering unique characteristics of project

eg Many variations: weekly cost updates; risk; actions. Many properties: must be included all correspondences; pre-prepared variation documentation submitted so that expedited cost implications quickly and accurately inform the AFA.

Question 10

Economic Conditions Affecting Costs?

Answer 10

National and international eg interest rates; material shortages; import tariffs; national/internation crisis eg Covid, Ukraine; new laws/regulations, …

Question 11

Preliminaries?

Answer 11

list of items: staff; welfare provisions; site offices; plant; site waste clearance; water; electricity; furniture; ICT; consumables; rates; protection fo work; clothing; site transport; setting out; building control fees; …

Question 12

OHP, Overheads, Prelims?

Answer 12

OHP - items/factors - paid ongoing basis; fixed; rent; variable: delivery; utility charges.

Overheads - costs of running the company eg property costs; finance; insurances; staff; taxes; advisors; marketing; tendering;….

Prelims - overhead running the site eg site accommodation, insurance,…

Question 13

Elemental rates at high level?

Answer 13

NRM 1 - Elemental rates can be broken down further into sub-elements.

High-level elemental rates estimate costs in construction projects broadly, covering labor, materials, equipment, and overheads, offering initial project cost estimates.

Question 14

Difference between Facilitating Works and Enabling Works?

Answer 14

Facilitating works” and “enabling works” both refer to preliminary activities conducted before main construction begins, but they serve slightly different purposes.

Enabling works typically involve preparing the site for construction by clearing vegetation, demolishing existing structures, installing temporary access roads or utilities, and establishing site boundaries. These actions create the necessary infrastructure and conditions for the construction process to commence smoothly.

Facilitating works, on the other hand, encompass activities that directly support the construction process, such as setting up temporary facilities, installing hoardings, establishing site offices, or providing temporary services like electricity or water.

While enabling works focus on site preparation, facilitating works aim to optimize the operational aspects of the construction site, ensuring efficient workflow and safety during the construction phase.

Question 15

The JCT Tender Practice Note 2017?

Answer 15

Guidance Scope: Covers pre-tender to contract award phases.
Key Considerations: Pre-qualification, invitation, submission, evaluation, and award.
Emphasized Principles: Clarity, transparency, fairness, competitive bidding.
Topics Covered: Pre-qualification, documentation, evaluation, negotiations.
Objective: Achieve value, efficiency, collaboration, successful project delivery under JCT contracts.

Question 16

Examples of CDP works?

Answer 16

Specialized design elements not fully specified in the employer’s requirements, such as

• bespoke finishes,
• structural modifications,
• mechanical and electrical systems design, and
• temporary works.

Question 17

Examples of Defined Provisional Sums?

Answer 17

Defined Provisional Sums in a JCT contract typically cover anticipated costs for items with uncertain quantities or specifications at the contract stage.

Examples include
- groundworks for unforeseen conditions,
- allowances for client-selected items yet to be finalized, or
- provisional quantities for variations expected during construction.

Question 18

Planning conditions and Building Regulations approval?

Answer 18

Planning Conditions:
Imposed by local planning authorities.
Mitigate development impact.
Include landscaping, noise, and archaeological surveys.

Building Regulations Approval:
Ensures national standards compliance.
Covers health, safety, and sustainability.
Obtained from building control authority or approved inspector.

Question 19

What is Subsidence?

Answer 19

Subsidence refers to the gradual sinking or settling of the ground beneath a building, leading to structural damage such as cracks in walls and foundations. It can result from factors like soil shrinkage, water movement, or nearby tree roots.

Question 20

Difference between Employer’s Agent and Contract Administrator?

Answer 20

Employer’s Agent acts on behalf of the employer to administer the works, manage contracts, and oversee project delivery. Their role is akin to a project manager, coordinating between the employer, contractor, and design team.

This differs from the Contract Administrator in the JCT Standard Contract, who primarily administers the contract between the employer and contractor, certifies payments, and issues instructions and certificates related to variations and completion.

Question 21

Monte Carlo Simulation?

Answer 21

Monte Carlo Simulation:
Assesses risk in construction projects.
Generates scenarios based on uncertain variables.
Calculates probability distribution of outcomes.
Construction Cost Uncertainty:
Input material prices, labor rates, project duration.
Predicts range of project costs.
Helps allocate contingency budgets.
Other Considered Variables:
Project duration, resource availability, productivity.
Weather, regulations, market conditions.
Incorporates delays, disruptions for comprehensive risk management.

Question 22

Typical items within a building that usually come with a warranty after installation include?

Answer 22

Roofing Materials:
Cover defects, leaks, damage.
Specified period.
HVAC Systems:
Warranties cover parts, labor.
Ensure functionality, performance.
Windows and Doors:
Warranties for defects, functionality.
Energy efficiency guarantees.
Plumbing Fixtures:
Cover defects, malfunctions.
Ensure functionality, water-tightness.
Electrical Systems:
Cover defects, safety compliance.
Include wiring, outlets, switches.
Flooring Materials:
Warranties cover defects, wear, damage.
Include carpet, hardwood, laminate, tile.
Appliances:
Warranties for parts, labor.
Ensure proper functionality.

Question 23

Tpical duration periods, by range, for warranties?

Answer 23

Roofing Materials:
Asphalt shingles: 10-30 years.

Metal roofing: 20-50 years.
Premium materials: Longer.

HVAC Systems:
Parts: 5-10 years.
Labor: 1-2 years.
Some offer extended coverage.

Windows and Doors:
5-20 years.
Material-dependent.
Cover defects, workmanship.

Plumbing Fixtures:
1-10 years.
Brand, type dependent.
Cover defects, malfunctions.

Electrical Systems:
1-5 years.
Cover materials, workmanship.

Flooring Materials:
5-25 years.
Residential applications.
Cover defects, wear, damage.

Appliances:
1-5 years.
Cover parts, labor.
Some offer extended coverage.

Question 24

Design Development Risks?

Answer 24

Unclear project brief.
Ambiguous team responsibilities.
Unrealistic design schedule.
Poor quality control.
Insufficient site investigation.
Planning constraints.
Data reliability.
Design appropriateness.
Novelty degree.
Coordination issues.
Area schedule reliability.
Estimating data accuracy.
Provisional sums uncertainty.

Question 25

Construction risks?

Answer 25

Construction site risks include inadequate investigation, archaeological finds, underground obstacles, contamination, adjacent structures, geotechnical issues, hazardous materials, environmental concerns, access limitations, ecological impact, service disruptions, weather impact, health and safety, quality management, program changes, and accidents.

Question 26

Employer change risks?

Answer 26

Changes in construction projects encompass alterations in scope, quality, time, employer-driven variations, impact on completion dates, and cumulative effects.

Question 27

Employer other risks?

Answer 27

Project brief
Timescales
Financial
Management
Third Party
Other

Question 28

L&E Overheads Claim - demonstration of costs?

Answer 28

Identify overhead costs.
Allocate costs to the event.
Determine allocation basis.
Maintain detailed records.
Apportion costs to affected period.
Quantify additional costs.
Document event impact comprehensively.
Ensure accuracy and support.
Substantiate claim for loss and expense.
Enhance chances of successful resolution.

Question 29

Demonstrate “loss of profit”?

Answer 29

Document baseline profit.
Assess event impact on profitability.
Quantify profit loss.
Document causation.
Demonstrate mitigation efforts.
Consider expert analysis.
Ensure comprehensive documentation.
Increase claim resolution likelihood.

Question 30

Another tenderer now the lowest cost tenderer after scope reduction?

Answer 30

Emphasize fairness and transparency.
Re-evaluate tenders for scope changes.
Allow negotiation within limits.
Ensure legal compliance.
Consult regulations and legal advice.

Question 31

PC issue without H&S File, or O&M manuals?

Answer 31

Can technically be issued without the updated Health and Safety (H&S) File or the Operation & Maintenance (O&M) manual being in place, but it’s generally not advisable. While these documents may not be strictly required for the issuance of Practical Completion, they are important components of the project closeout process and may have contractual implications.

Question 32

What is the National Housing Federation Schedule of Rates?

Answer 32

The NHF Schedule of Rates standardizes pricing for social housing construction and maintenance, aiding budgeting, procurement, and consistency in the sector.

Question 33

Is it based on the NRM?

Answer 33

While there may be some overlap in terms of the types of construction works covered by both the NHF Schedule of Rates and the NRM, they are separate tools with different objectives. The NHF Schedule of Rates focuses on pricing, while the NRM focuses on measurement and quantification methodologies.

Question 34

Does the NHF SoR have rates for Dayworks?

Answer 34

Yes. Daywork rates in the NHF Schedule of Rates are typically provided for various trades and activities commonly encountered in construction and maintenance works within the social housing sector. These rates are intended to reflect the typical costs associated with labor, equipment, and overheads for carrying out work on a daywork basis.

Question 35

Need to take back control of part of the site, insurance implications?

Answer 35

The responsibility for ensuring public safety ultimately lies with the client, especially if they choose to take back control of part of the site.

If the client chooses to take back control of part of the site, they assume responsibility for public safety and must implement appropriate safety measures and insurance coverage accordingly.