Case Study Intro/General

Question 1

1. What was the weighting of the priority of Time vs cost and quality? – discussed with the Client

Answer 1

a. Time was the highest priority at 70%, cost was 20% and quality was 10%. The project had to be finished on time to allow the veterinary practice in, but also the project could not go over budget. This was discussed pre tender with the client

Question 2

2. Who produced the budget of £638 & programme?

Answer 2

a. The client had the programme deadlines, an initial programme produced by the PM, then the contractor produced one which was vetted
b. Budget was based off cost plan previously.

Question 3

3. What were the unknown works? How did you assess the risk related to unknown risks? – Contingency

Answer 3

a. These would be existing works that may not have been on the existing layouts, or works left in a particular state by the landlords enabling works which was not envisaged. For example, there was a historic drainage connection which required a survey to deduce whether the new connections can be tapped into this, or whether they would have to form a new one.

Question 4

4. How did you ensure it was clear what the contractors CDP was?

Answer 4

a. It was detailed out in the pricing schedule and clearly separated out.

Question 5

5. Why was an intermediate contract chosen?

Answer 5

a. The client wanted to retain control of the architectural design, but pass risk of MEP design onto contractor to complete design as it was not finalised. There was still possible amendments to the design that the client was aware of, to do with finishes to ensure it tied into the wider programme of works for continuity.

Question 6

6. So the CDP portion in the intermediate contract passes on risk to the contractor?

Answer 6

a. Yes as in the ICD the contractor is responsible for the design element of works, therefore any changes to that design that he makes, he bares the cost for.

Question 7

7. What must the contractor supply before PC in a D&B or CDP contract?

Answer 7

a. Design documents relating to his designed portion, and O&M manuals

Question 8

8. Where is the CDP in the contract?

Answer 8

a. Section 2 of conditions, carrying out the works

Question 9

9. Of the 670k construction cost, how much of this was MEP works?

Answer 9

a. Circa 40% / 230k

Question 10

10. Why was a D&B not selected then?

Answer 10

a. As design was at stage 4 for the architectural design, but the MEP design was not finalised and there were still unknowns, there was also no set standard for MEP design for the client, unlike the architectural works. The client wanted to retain control over the architectural works, as there were still some slight design alterations the client was aware of.

Question 11

11. Why did you go down a negotiated route?

Answer 11

a. I originally advised the client that the project should be competitively tendered to at least 3 tenderers to ensure cost competition. b. Due to time constraints it was more beneficial to enter into negotiations with a single contractor and focus all time and energy to this, as well as getting them on board as early as possible to help advise on buildability of the scheme, rather than going through various analysis/reporting/approval processes which would be involved in a competitive tender.

Question 12

12. How was the Contractor selected?

Answer 12

a. Through prior experience working with the client where they proved themselves a trustworthy and successful contractor, as well as RLB endorsing this decision due to prior success on similar fast paced and risky schemes.

Question 13

13. Who did the MEP design?

Answer 13

a. Consultant carried out the MEP design pre contract and acted as an advisory post contract to the client on a retained basis. The contractor completed the design.

Question 14

14. Is intermediate contract with contractors design not associated with design and build procurement?

Answer 14

a. For some of the works yes, but not for the rest of works. In this case it could be argued it was traditional procurement, as the design was completed prior to entering the contract, and the control remained with the client.

Question 15

15. If you are Contract Administrator why didn’t you produce Payment Certificates?

Answer 15

a. During construction I produced valuation assessments and drafted and issued the Payment Certificates in line with the contractual dates and procedures. I should have made this more clear in my documents.

Question 16

16. How did you do payment cert?

Answer 16

a. The first interim valuation date (IVD) is 1 month after DoP. b. Due date is 7 days after this (QS has 7 days to agree with contractor). c. 5 days after due date CA must issue interim certificate. d. 14 days after due date is final date for payment

Question 17

17. What insurance option was chosen on Havant?

Answer 17

a. Option C as it is an existing building

Question 18

You mentioned that the M&E was CDP, what does this mean, and how is it done?

Answer 18

This is a CDP analysis which was included in the contract docs. a separate section was detailed in the contract as the CDP portion, and separated in the CSA.

Question 19

Do you require any documentation for CDP works?

Answer 19

Collateral warranties.

Question 20

What are Collateral Warranties?

Answer 20

They provide a way to sue the subcontractor for damages in the default of the contractor, due to works that they designed and constructed.

Question 21

How did you establish a procurement strategy for this project?

Answer 21

I discussed this with the client pre tender, advising to enter a competitive tender, but after consideration advising and choosing a negotiated tender purely due to timescales.

Question 22

What was in the tender documents?

Answer 22

ER’s, CSA template, FoT, prelims, design info, PCI

Question 23

How would tendering to other contractors increase cost certainty?

Answer 23

It would increase cost competition. Getting more favourable rates would also be beneficial for use on future potential change orders.

Question 24

Were there any contract amendments?

Answer 24

The rectification period was extended to 12 months

Question 25

Were there any lease requirements by the landlord for the works?

Answer 25

The only requirement was for the walls to be fire rated to 60 minutes.

Question 26

When producing the cost plan, and considering risks for the project, how did you factor in that the project was located in portsmouth?

Answer 26

I factored any rates i got and used BCIS indices to rebase for location. I considered risks such as scarcity of materials, more expensive labour costs down south generally than up north.

Question 27

If you had collateral warranties for the M&E works for the subcontractors, what else would you need?

Answer 27

I requested to see PI insurances for the subcontractror, to ensure they could insure the works for the required minimum value (£5m).