Contract administration: Interesting and Practical Learnings from the Profession

Enhance your skills in managing RIAI and PWC contracts, avoid disputes, and improve project outcomes.

Course Aim

This CPD event is designed to provide members working in small and medium-sized practices with essential skills and knowledge in contract administration. The focus will be on managing common issues in both PWC and RIAI contracts, minimizing disputes, and enhancing project outcomes in terms of quality, time, and cost.

Course Overview

The course will cover key areas of contract administration through practical insights and real-world examples from the ADR community.

1. Effective Contract Administration [LO1]
   1. Introduction to Contract Administration: Overview of RIAI and Public Works Contracts (PWC).
   2. Construction Contracts Act 2013: Application and implications in practice.
   3. Common Contract Issues: Identifying and addressing frequent challenges.
2. RIAI Contract Specifics [LO1]
   1. Managing client relationships and expectations.
   2. Handling certification issues.
   3. Addressing works outside the contract scope.
   4. Contractor design obligations.
   5. Understanding liquidated damages.
   6. Architect’s authority in quality and cost assessments.
3. Public Works Contract (PWC) Focus [LO1]
   1. Role and responsibilities of the Employer Representative.
   2. Navigating contract administration as an Employer Representative.
   3. Key issues and best practices.
4. Monitoring Quality and Site inspections [LO2]
   1. Building Control Amendment Regulations (BCAR) compliance.
   2. Conducting effective site inspections.
   3. Utilizing modern tools: cameras, drones, and inspection software.
5. Time Management and Delays [LO3]
   1. Techniques for programme tracking and pacing.
   2. Managing delay claims and extension of time requests.
   3. Dealing with late information requests.
   4. Architect’s liability and risk management.
   5. Contractor tactics and countermeasures.
6. Cost Management and Claims [LO3]
   1. Addressing cashflow and resource challenges.
   2. Managing site abandonment and termination.
   3. Handling scoping issues and variations.
   4. Preparing and managing claims effectively.
7. Dispute Avoidance and Resolution [LO4]
   1. Principles of dispute avoidance and mitigation.
   2. Implementing effective dispute management systems and software.
   3. Recognizing early signs of potential disputes.
   4. Establishing “soft precedence” for PWC disputes.
   5. Preparing for ADR: advantages of being the referring or responding party.
   6. Selecting the appropriate ADR professional.
   7. Current trends in dispute resolution.
   8. Proving your case under time constraints.
   9. Exploring termination as a last resort for non-performance.
8. Insights from the RIAI Professional Conduct Committee [LO4]

Preparatory reading

Construction Contracts Act 2013

Information Booklet on the Construction Contracts Act 2013

Learning Outcomes

LO1: Understanding Contract Administration Techniques

Participants will demonstrate a practical understanding of effective contract administration for both RIAI and Public Works Contracts (PWC), including the application of the Construction Contracts Act 2013 and addressing common issues that arise in contract management.

LO2: Monitoring Quality and Site Inspection Skills

Participants will develop the ability to integrate thorough and effective site inspection techniques, demonstrating compliance with Building Control Amendment Regulations (BCAR), and utilize modern inspection tools and software to ensure high-quality project outcomes.

LO3: Proficiency in Time and Cost Management

Participants will acquire skills to manage project timelines and costs effectively, including tracking programmes, handling delay claims and extension of time requests, and addressing cashflow, resource challenges, scoping issues, and variations.

LO4: Knowledge in Dispute Avoidance and Resolution

Participants will gain practical knowledge in dispute avoidance and resolution, including the implementation of negotiation techniques, dispute management systems, and recognizing early signs of potential disputes.

Assessment for Learning

Formative assessment: discussion (Q&A) and reflection (survey)

Teaching and Learning

Lecture (presentation of information)

Q&A (learner participation)

On-line (remote learning)