Case study Flashcards
(29 cards)
What is the function of this building (ZCTC)
Research facility - into powering transport to accelerate disruptive propulsion solutions for heavy transport applications
What type of frame did the building have (what were the main components)
Steel Frame
Columns, Beams and connections
What were the main design influences on the frame
Materials used, complexity of design, site constraints, sustainability targets etc
How was the increased load accommodated in the design
Increased number of piles, and change from 2 pile caps to 3 pile caps in specific areas
Can you explain how the test cells were constructed
The test cells utilise a 100mm blockwork wall construction within the ground floor, no specific abnormal within this room (other than BMS)
What were the key considerations of advising your client on a D&B route
I first assessed my clients key requirements, which was time and cost - the D&B route allows for design overlap (reducing overall programme) which was imperative for the grant spend deadlines, and an element of cost certainty. They also have a lot of experience with D&B.
Why was two stage tendering not considered
Due to budget constraints, we needed to ensure competition was driven into the process, and two stage tendering has a higher risk with price competition.
What was your advice around competitive procurement
Single stage tender will drive greater competition into the process, ensuring that all packages were 3-quoted to ensure VFM
What was included in the tender docs?
Employer’s requirements, contract particulars, pricing documents, invitation to tender.
What was in the contract docs?
ER’s, CP’s, Contract, copy of ITT.
How did you advise your client on Open market contractor engagement?
I advised it would be opening-up for greater competition (at OH&P level which will be applied at an estimate level)
How can you approach procurement to alleviate clients concerns about deviating from a framework contractor?
Ultimately, I cannot advise my client to stray away from their own procurement requirements, but I always endeavour to provide advise on all the available procurement routes and tendering strategy to ensure they can make an educated decision.
You stated this was single sourced – how did you drive competition into this?
Ensuring that all packages were 3-quoted to ensure VFM, providing market testing where possible, and providing consultant level checks on all the package returns.
How did you analyse the tenders
Produce a tender report, which details the analysis undertaken, a comparison of the equalised submission, a rated score based on scoring mechanism defined in the ITT, and a recommendation for the preferred tenderer.
With hindsight, was there anything you would have changed about what you advised? With more time would you have done anything differently?
No, as the selected procurement route and strategy allowed for the project to start on site in time to drawdown against the first grant stream
You mentioned early contractor engagement. What is a PCSA agreement and why would it be used?
Pre-Construction Services Agreement – allows for design activity prior to entering into contract (no obligation to enter into a contract)
You have stated you advise your clients on value engineering. What is value engineering? Can costs increase when carrying out value engineering.
Systematic method to improve the value of something. Fundamentally, costs should not increase as the role of VE may be to improve the design, without detriment to the cost or vice-versa
Difference between VM & VE
VM is the overall process of delivering optimum value from inception to completion
VE is a process specific to improving the balance of value of a particular element of a project
Can you give me an example of the floor finishes you advised to be value engineered.
The test cells all had a polished screed, after further investigation, I suggested in a DTM that we collectively consider alternative solutions to improve costs; Painting straight to the concrete.
What are employer’s requirements?
A detailed document outlining the client’s expectations for the project, including design, scope, and performance criteria.
how did your approach to the Cost Plans differ from the early Order of Cost?
OfCE utilise higher level information, utilizing benchmark rates and GIFA’s to come to a measured works total, whereas a Cost Plan is broken down elementally with significant more design detail to build up a cost.
Briefly what was the substantial design development in the MEP services to the tune of £0.5m?
Process heating and cooling requirements (provision of chillers and compressors) not previously highlighted as a requirement, driven by the research equipment
How was the IT/AV budget reduced to achieve the saving?
VE Meeting, between client and key stakeholders – collectively rationalised the level of data points required
You note your cost plan had design development contingency. What other risk allowances were included in the cost plan?
Construction Risk – included at 5%
