Beta Design Consultants would manage the contract between the client and the contractor. A contract administrator (sometimes also referred to as the employer’s agent in Design and Build contracts) is required to manage, negotiate, support and execute the contract process.
Contract administration formally starts when the building contractor is appointed following the tender evaluation and selection of a winning bid. The contract administration covers the following:
- Construction and building works and tasks related to site supervision, quality control and progress. It also covers the monitoring of the programme to ensure the schedule is being followed.
- Procurement and the selection of suppliers to comply with the specifications.
- Subcontracting and the selection of specialist sub-suppliers to deliver bespoke services.
- Installation of equipment, machinery, special inventory items.
- Engineering and any change of the design.
- Commissioning including testing and certification.
- Handovers following the closure of snag lists.
- Rectification to close comments raised by inspectors, testing agencies and warranty suppliers.
- Final financial close of the project.
As seen from the scope above, when we represent the Client as a Project Manager or as a Contract Administrator, we ensure that the Contractor adheres to the terms and conditions of the contract. While the role is quite broad, contract administration requires a high level of accountability and responsibility. The responsibilities and requirements vary depending on the type, size, location and complexity of the project. Our Clients appoint us to discharge this duty due to our knowledge and experience including:
- Having the knowledge and skills to apply all contractual obligations and provisions.
- Having the competence to make decisions in a fair, impartial and independent manner.
- Having effective communication skills to work with different personnel within an organisation.
- Having a working knowledge and experience in the construction processes.
- Having the consistency required to record the details of the building contract and the work involved.
- Having skills to coordinate actions with procurement/supplier and legal teams if needed.
- Tracking status of contract processes and progress measured against the schedule.
- Resolving conflicts and disputes related to the contract in a professional, ethical and impartial manner.
- Tracking contract progress and contractual agreements and actioning milestone payments.
- Analysing potential risks resulting from potential contract changes and advising on courses of action.