Procurement and Contract Selection is all about getting the right Contractor, at the right price with the right distribution of risk between the parties.
Procurement is all about the procedure by which a Contractor is selected for a project. It might be competitive or it might be negotiated, or it might be a combination of the two. It might be accomplished as one event – single stage tendering – or it might involve a number of separate event – multi-stage tendering. Whilst one procedure may be appropriate for one project and less so for another, very often the deciding factor is the amount of time available. In an ideal world, there would always be sufficient time to complete the design of a building or facility before inviting tenders from Contractors, with sufficient time being afforded to the latter such that the prices submitted are free from errors and any form of guesswork. Then again in an ideal world it would never rain whilst carrying out the groundworks, and nobody would ever hit their thumb with a hammer. Ultimately, the procurement route selected will inevitably represent a compromise between what the parties would probably like, and what the constraints of time will allow. Stable Construction Consulting is experienced in the assessment of the factors to be considered in the selection of appropriate pre-contract procedures, and would be happy to assist in the identification of the most suitable procurement route for any particular project.
The majority of construction contracts are let on the basis of one of the many standard forms currently available. Whilst the purpose of the written contract conditions is to set out the rights and the duties of the parties, the choice is nevertheless closely linked to the preferred procurement route. Thus the JCT and NEC provide different standard forms depending on whether, for example, the work is to be let on the basis of a firm price based on detailed Bills of Quantities, or is to be re-measured, or is to be let with no quantities having been produced at all. Aside from the question of quantities, it may be that a design and build route is preferred, or perhaps the Employer may wish to manage the entire project and appoint separate trade contractors as necessary, thereby dispensing entirely with the need for a main contractor. For each of these possibilities there is a standard form contract to suit. As with the choice of procurement route, Stable Construction Consulting is experienced in the assessment of factors to be considered in the selection of appropriate standard form contracts, and would be happy to assist in the identification of the most suitable set of conditions for any particular project.
For further information, or for an initial informal discussion, please call on 07752 253853 or send us a message via our contact form.