APC Mock Interview Questions of Case Study and Competencies Flashcards
What is WAC testing and what does it stand for?
Waste Acceptance Criteria testing. It determines which landfill a waste material can be safely disposed of in by determining it leachability. it does not classify the soils.
When did you decide that it was a legitimate variation?
It was a legitimate variation because the Contractor clearly clarified that they would not take the risk on adverse soil conditions if the classification provided within the documents was incorrect therefore the risk sat with the client.
WAC testing confirmed that despite the soil being non hazardous it was contaminated enough to not be accepted and your non haz landfill sites so the issue was the inadequate identification of the initial classification report.
In regard to your other issue procurement in a difficult market… How does D&B reduce preconstruction time… but there still needs to be a period for design.
The design and construction can overlap which means a faster start on site. There was still a period of design to begin initial works but this could be started under a PCSA while the demolition contract was on site and finishing up.
Who does the design, when does it get done.
Design team completed the design to RIBA design stage 3- spatial coordination it is then tendered and the chosen Contractor continues the design on from there. It began while demolition was still on site under a PCSA, other design would continue to be developed as the works progressed.
Why did you split the works and do Traditional for the Demolition and D&B for the main works.
- Splitting the works meant we could get on with Demolition and complete the tender process/ get the main contractor designing under a PCSA.
- The demolition was specific in that it needed to be demolished specifically and safely so having the design team fully specifying what is required felt the best option.
-By keeping them in the same contract it would add an extra dimension onto the Contractors skills and abilities. We would need not only a main contractor with strong D&B experience and high quality experience of completing new build care facilities but also demolishing a car site safely. Why not get a demolition contractor with lots of experience.
The design team was novated. What is novation and why do it.
Novation is the transfer of legal obligations, one point of responsibility to the Contractor. Contractor risk through novation agreement. Legal implications and responsibility of design sit with the Contractor.
The Contractor priced the hazardous cart away, what information did they have?
At tender stage they had a waste classification report which identified areas of contamination. Therefore they priced it for a hazardous landfill site with our provisional quantity.
How did they arrive at a rate for
hazardous at tender?
They would have assessed the type of transport required sealed roll on roll of trucks, typically more expensive and require a trained professional in handling haz material.
The location of the hazardous site typically further away.
Landfill tax is higher- for haz is £126 per tonne.
Where as for non haz its £4 per tonne.
What analysis on £52k for hazardous soil did you do at tender stage?
TBA-
Reviewed the rate via pricing data via BCIS.
Reviewed whether it was reasonable for the location of the landfill site, the landfill tax allowance, the quantity of trucks required can hold 15-30m3 of soil per truck so about 5 trucks required.
You mentioned about use of different piling options displacement piles would this be realistic?
In reality on this site perhaps not, displacement piling compacts the surrounding soil this was a confined site with lots of piles i suspect there is only so much compaction that can be done and it may cause issues to the neighbouring foundations.
How did you approach programme time for investigation on the different options?
With the Contractor we assessed the programme and established how much time there was to make a decision without it causing delay to excavation and piling and basement it was imperative to not cause delay. Ultimately finding a speaking with a specialist involved a few meetings so did not delay the programme but a solution for disposal was found.
Where did the risk sit on the ground condition what happened if it caused delay?
The risk sat with the client so ultimately that meant a relevant matter so they are would be entitled to L&E and and EOT.
What accounts must a small company have?
- Profit and loss account
-Balance Sheet
What is a balance sheet and Profit and loss account ?
A profit and loss account shows an companies revenue vs their running costs and the resultant profit or loss.
A balance sheet show a companies overall financial position - shows assets, liabilities and their equity.
How can you identify signs of insolvency in company accounts?
- A high gearing ratio - which is a equity vs debts which may show highly reliant on loans.
Also carry out Dun and Bradstreet reports to check credit score.
Low turnover.
What advise would you give a client about deposits or advance payments.
The client is not obliged to make advanced payments.
If the client is considering it to support cashflow they safest way to do so is through an advanced payment bond.
If not the money will be at risk if the contractor goes insolvent.
What is an advanced payment bond?
Protects the clients money, essentially if the Contractor defaults of goes insolvent the client can recover the money.
If you had a client who required quick work to be carried out due to an insurance claim what procurement route would you suggest.
Negotiation - This could be done swiftly
Do you know about public procurement act 2023? What is it trying to achieve?
I have not personally doen a public projects however i am aware of it. I understand it seeks to be fair, offer transparency in procurement, emphasis on value for money and also social value!
Change control procedure? What to be aware of?
- Under JCT there is not formal change control procedure identifying however i think its important to have one in place. Typically I would have a change identifying the contractor to provide a price and this then either instructed or not.
However, change control can slow things down, this can be sped up by not necessarily agreeing the cost works can proceed without being priced but ideally having a budget cost is beneficial.
Is the contractor obliged to offer a price for a variation ?
Yes if specifically instructed to offer a price than the contractor is obliged under schedule 2 quotation.
The contractor can object within 7 days of confirm and has 21 days to provide a price then the client has 7 days to confirm or deny.
What does the contract say or how would you review/ value change?
So the bill or CSA rate takes priority so I would review those. If not I would use fair and reasonable and appropriate rates, or then dayworks.
You have carried out CPD on Passivhaus can you identify the objective/ what are the five main principles.
- objective to achieve extreme energy efficiency.
1 – High quality insulation.
2 – Robust windows and doors.
3 – Airtight construction.
4 – Ventilation.
5 – Thermal bridge free design.
What is a thermal bridge?
A weak point in the insulation whereby the heat can easily escape or enter.
