Main Tech Questions Flashcards
1
Q
How is a road or pavement constructed?
A
- First removal of topsoil, scraping and grading an area called the formation level.
- Lowest level is the subgrade or ‘soil’ CBR testing
- Drainage and services should be laid along gully
- Layer of sand or gravel on top of subgrade (sublayer)
- Base layers above this then;
- Flexible (asphalt) or rigid (concrete) paving can be layered on top to form the base layers.
- On top of the base layers the surface layer is laid
2
Q
What are the sustainable environmental assessments to certify a project?
A
- Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method. (BREAM)
- Leadership in energy and Environmental design (LEED)
- Both - Assessing, rating, and certifying the sustainability of buildings.
3
Q
What is the difference between rigid and flexible paving?
A
- Flexible paving has multiple base layers whereas rigid usually has a concrete slab.
- Rigid layer costs more but more durable, flexible layer isn’t as strong but reacts better to temp changes.
4
Q
Difference between green roof and blue roof?
A
- Green roof – absorbs rain water, insulation, habitats wildlife, aesthetics, helps lower urban air
- Blue roof – collects water and releases it slowly when rain has stopped – e.g attenuation tank
5
Q
What is the difference between artificial stone paving and York stone paving?
A
- ASP: Pros Convenient to source, lots of choice, widely available, cost effective
- ASP: Cons: Quicker to fade, easily damaged, very large carbon footprint.
- York stone: Pros: Lasts a long time, lots of choice, easy to install.
- York stone: Cons: Expensive Natural so can be varied or inconsistent between batches
6
Q
How did you estimate the cost of the HVM’s?
A
I spoke to a specialist supplier who provided the associated costs of the different mitigation methods, this included installation costs.
7
Q
How do you install palisade fencing?
A
Dig a hole for each fence post, add gravel and pour concrete in the hole, insert the post and ensure level and let it set at least a day.
8
Q
How do you install Heras fencing?
A
Poles are fitted securely into concrete bracing blocks and connected using anti-tamper couplers.
9
Q
What was the design and cost of the proprietary mat system?
A
- Heavy Duty Ground Protection mat is manufactured from 100% recycled high density polyethylene (HDPE)
- Weight tested to maximum load of 80* tons on both flat and somewhat uneven grounds. Connected together with couplers
- £60 per matt, £5 connector - £70k About 1000 mats
10
Q
What things does a contractor need to consider when excavating?
A
- Nature of soil
- Moisture Content
- Method of excavation
- How Deep you are going
- Proximity of other buildings
11
Q
What is a retaining wall?
A
A retaining wall is a structure designed and constructed to resist the lateral pressure of soil, when there is a desired change in ground elevation that exceeds the angle of repose of the soil.
12
Q
Name some types of foundation?
A
- Strip
- Raft
- Pad
- Piled
13
Q
What are the different types of construction methods for bridges?
A
- Balanced Cantilever Method of Bridge Construction - this method is used for constructing bridges with span 50 to 250m.
- Cast insitu – construct from ground – complex shapes
- Suspension Bridge
- Arch Method for Bridge Construction – economical- concrete or pre cast
14
Q
What are the different types of construction methods for tunnels?
A
- Cut and cover tunnel – constructed in a shallow and covered over
- Bored Tunnel – constructed in situ without removing the ground above
- Immersed tube tunnel – sunk in water and buried.
15
Q
What sort of temp drainage solutions are there?
A
- Surface water drainage – Sustainable urban drainage systems (SUDS), permeable pavements Soak ways (disperses water gradually).
- Foul water drainage – Connection to mains drainage or collection in a sceptic tank.
16
Q
What types of fencing are there? Why did you advise heras?
A
- Mesh palisade - more labour intensive, more expensive
- Chain-link – more labour intensive, need excavation
- Wooden hoarding - used more in construction rather, longer to install
- Heras – Lightweight, anti-climb, secure interlocking, weather resistant, can be altered easily
17
Q
What are typical surveys that would be required for a construction project?
Services
A
- Services
- Topography
- Asbestos - what has the land been used for previously?
- Ground investigation - ground bearing suitability for requirements
- Ecology - are there protected species preventing works
- Transport - are there restrictions on access.
- UXO discovery - is it an area where explosives might be present
18
Q
What are the main suites of construction contract?
A
- JCT 2016 Standard, Mnior works, design and build, framework
- NEC3 (New Engineering Contact)
- NEC3 (New Engineering Short Contract)
- NEC3 Professional Services Contract)
- FIDIC - Lump Sum, Cost plus, Turnkey
- ICE (Institution of Civil Engineers)
19
Q
Advantages of FIDIC contract?
A
Internationally recognized
4 main options, Lump sum, design and build, short form and turnkey which NEC3 doesn’t offer
20
Q
Please talk me through an example from your experience of a situation where you have prepared a report which recommends the appropriate form of contract to be adopted?
A
- On Beckton Depot Enabling works package 2:
- TfL standard form of Contract is NEC3 ECC
- Considered option A & C
- Client being risk averse
- Looking for a set price
- Detailed scope of works
- Work was not complex in nature
• Option A – Fixed price with activity schedule
Lowest risk
more price certainty
pay a premium for risk
• Option B – Fixed price with Bill of quantities –
Weren’t defined quantities in scope
defined scope but not defined quantities
Design and build so incentivize over design
- Option C – Target Price with activity schedule – Scope wasn’t likely to change, weren’t expecting many changes.
- Option D – Target Contract with bill of quantities – quantities might be difficult to define
• Option E – Cost Reimbursable
low cost certainty - usually used when scope isn’t clear
21
Q
Explain how you have advised on the appropriateness and implications of proposed contractual mechanisms?
A
Whilst on Beckton depot enabling works package 2 I advised the use of the additional clauses
• X4 - Parent company guarantee
• X7 - Delay damages
• X16 - Retention
i also considered inflation but project not long enough
I was aware that the contractor was a subsidiary of a larger company so I advised that a parent company guarantee would offer insurance against insolvency of the contractor we were in contract with.
22
Q
What is a Parent Company Guarantee?
A
An arrangement where the contractual performance of one company in a corporate group is underwritten by the other members of that corporate group.
23
Q
What are the contractual benefits of a Framework over other procurement options?
A
- Pre agreed rates for suppliers
- Terms and conditions already set
- Supplier relationship already exists
- Simpler to run a call off contract to make individual contract amendments for the specified works.
24
Q
Explain how you have managed a compensation event in a project you worked on?
A
Beckton depot enabling works:
Early Warning Notification – protected species
Risk reduction meeting – discuss mitigation
NCE raised – assessed for entitlement – Within 8 weeks
Detailed as employers’ risk in contract data 2
Gained necessary internal approvals
Accepted NCE – Employer reply’s in 1 week
No reply Contractor notifies after 1 week
If no decision is made 2 weeks after reminder then treated as accepted
Awaited quotation - 3 weeks to submit a quotation
Assessed Quotation - 2 weeks to reply to quotation
If no reply contractor notifies, if PM does not reply then after 2 weeks after reminder quote accepted
25
How do you assess Cost when assessing a CE?
Managing assessments under NEC3 contracts
On Beckton depot I managed an option A contract:
Cost is assessed as
• Defined Cost of work already done to date
• Forecasted Defined Cost of work not yet done
Second is forecasting the defined cost of work not yet done.
• Adjustment of Fee applied to defined cost
Quotation built up from the principles stated in the SCC or
Defined costs - costs incurred using the costs based on rates and percentages
stated in the Contract Data
Option C discounts disallowed costs as pre agreed
26
What is the timeframe for payments under NEC3?
Contractor to submit application not less than 7 days before due date
Certificate issued 5 days after due date
Final Payment issued within 14 days after due date
Pay less notice 7 days before final date for payment
Payment cycle = 21 days (7 days for before due date (assessment date) + 14 days from due date to final date for payment)
27
How did you implement the 5% retention within the contract?
* I advised the client to use retention, to provide some security that the contractor will return to correct any defects during the defects correction period. If they do not return then the retention can be held.
* I advised that each payment period 5% would be withheld as retention and recorded.
* Under the NEC3 contract there is not a suggested retention figure under option clause X16. Half on completion (within 4 weeks of completion certificate) and the remaining amount when the defects period has ended. The figure needs to be specified in contract data part 1.
28
What is retention?
It is a percentage of each interim certificate deducted and retained by the employer from each interim payment to the contractor
29
On Beckton Depot how did you implement the change procedure to descope the temporary access road to the accommodation?
* Clause 14.3 allows the project manager to instruct a change to the works information,
* Contractor to put such instruction into effect immediately.
* Compensation events are assessed assuming that the contractor acts promptly and competently.
• The quotation will be then valued on the defined cost up to the point they were informed of the PM instruction. Including any forecasted costs they are likely to still incur regardless of the instruction.
30
How did you advise and calculate delay damages on Beckton Depot Enabling works? How did you calculate them?
* I advised the client that if option X7 clause is selected, and the contractor does not achieve the completion date then delay damages will be due from the contractor.
* They are not a penalty and are based on a genuine calculation of damages. Calculation of the cost of the actual costs to the employer of delay.
* Costs calculated on project team costs, wages, facilities - £2500 a day
* Key dates and completion date reflected in contract data part 1
31
Explain the NEC Contract Risk Register.
* The risk register is maintained throughout the contract period.
* The Employer and Contractor contribute the first entries in the risk register, only risks identified in separately via Contract Data parts 2 are employers risk.
* The Project Manager then adds any further risks newly identified and notified through the Early Warning process to the risk register as the projects proceeds.
* The Project Manager may revise the risk register to record the decisions made at 'risk reduction meetings' and issue the revised risk register to the Contractor.
32
Why was the Housing Grants Construction and Regeneration Act introduced?
* Fairer payment conditions
* Improve the cashflow of the industry
* Introduce quicker, easier and more efficient method of dispute resolution
33
Differences between NEC3 and NEC4?
* Risk Register' re-named the 'Early Warning Register'
* Treated acceptance of the contractor's programme in situations where the project manager does not respond to submission or notification
* Employer becomes 'Client', and 'Works Information' becomes 'Scope'. Partnering becomes collaboration.
* An additional procedure includes the identification of opportunities by either party
34
Differences between NEC and JCT
* 6 main options and secondary options (mix and match approach to distribute risks) JCT uses separate contracts e.g. JCT SBC D&B, SBW W/Q, X/Q etc…
* No QS mentioned in NEC only Project Manager
* Tries a more collaborative approach to working “Mutual trust and understanding”
* Variation (JCT)= Compensation Event (CE) (NEC)
35
What is the structure of the NEC3 ECC?
```
• Core Clauses:
• 1 - General
• 2 - The Contractors main responsibilities
• 3 - Time
• 4 - Testing and defects
• 5 - Payment
• 6 - Compensation Events
• 7 - Title
• 8 - Risks and insurance
• 9 - Termination
• Main Option Clauses:
• Dispute Resolution Clauses:
• Option W1 - If UK HGCRA applies then not used
• Option W2 - If UK HGCRA applies then used
• Secondary Option Clauses: X1 - X20
Y(UK)1 - project Bank Account
• Y (UK) 2 - HGCRA 1996
• Y (UK) 3 - The Contracts (Rights of Third Parties) Act 1999
• Z - Additional Conditions of Contract
• Schedule of Cost Components
• Contract Data
```
36
What are the ECC Secondary Option Clauses (X Clauses)?
* X1 - Price Adjustment for inflation (used if longer than 2 years)
* X2 - Changes in the law (what constitutes change?)
* X3 - Multiple currencies
* X4 - Parent company guarantee (used with a JV)
* X5 - Sectional completion (different from key dates)
* X6 - Bonus for early completion
* X7 - Delay damages
* X12 - Partnering
* X13 - Performance bond
* X14 - Advanced payment to contractor
* X15 - Limitation of contractors liability for his design to reasonable skill/care
* X16 - Retention
* X17 - Low performance damages
* X18 - Limitation of liability
* X20 - KPI's
37
What are the RIBA Stages?
```
0 - Strategic Definition
1 - Preparation & Brief
2 - Concept Design
3 - Spatial Co-ordination
4 - Technical Design
5 - Manufacturing + Construction
6 - Handover 7 - Use
```
38
What is NRM 1?
* Rules for Order of Cost estimating + Cost planning for Capital Building Works
* Best Practice Guidance Note
39
How is the NRM1 set out?
NRM1 comprises four parts:
• Part 1 sets out the Context and definitions.
• Part 2 explains how to prepare an Order of cost estimate.
• Part 3 explains how to prepare an Elemental cost plan.
• Part 4 provides tabulated rules of measurement for the preparation of cost plans.
40
Give me an example of where you have given advice about the predicted costs of a construction project?
Silvertown - Staff resourcing. I worked with the programme manager to establish the ongoing project requirements and how these will change going forward.
Using previous project information:
• I identified the key positions
• Then I calculated the number of hours per role
• Factored in project details specification, inflation,
• I inserted this into a spreadsheet that fed into the overall programme cost plan
41
On Beckton Depot how did you carry out the value engineering exercise? how did you conclude the site accommodation should be moved from one project to the other?
* Explored the cost of purchasing through main contractor or directly from supplier
* Implement accommodation sooner, meant starting construction sooner
* Did not have to pay contractors fees for purchasing and 2 month reduction in programme time
* Over the 3 years life of the works saved estimated £50k in fees.
* Due to covid-19 and cash flow it wasn’t implemented
42
How did the VE process occur?
1. We had a meeting as a project team to discuss
Ideas were suggested to improve time or costs saving without effecting quality
2. Went away and researched if time could be saved and if it was worthwhile
3. Follow up meeting to propose findings.
4. Presented findings to PM
5. Agreed changes
43
What is the purpose of a cost plan?
It is used by the cost consultant to control the development of the design - It identifies the client’s agreed cost limit and how the money is to be allocated to the different parts of the building.
44
On cycle Quietway project how did you produce the cost plan?
Produced cost plan at RIBA stage 2 - Concept design
```
Elemental cost plan for Cycle highway on surface transport
Developed cost information from order of cost estimate
Updated cost information
• Specification
• Location
• inflation
• utilities
Cost plan split down into elements within direct and indirect costs measured in m2 or %
Direct costs - Main works
• Site clearance
• Earthworks
• Drainage
• Pavements
Indirect costs – Project costs
• Design
• Staff costs
• Traffic management
Total is the base cost estimate
Apply risks and inflation to the base cost figure
Assumptions and Exclusions
```
45
Difference between a budget and a cost plan
A budget is how much money you have to spend.
A cost plan details how much it will cost to achieve the desired result
The cost plan will help stay within the budget
46
What Exclusions I have made on the cost estimate?
* Abnormal ground conditions
* Compensation to property owners
* No use of retaining walls
47
What assumptions were made?
* Uplift figure for night working applied
* Carriageway build up in line with existing materials
* No removed old kerbs are reused
48
What is an order of cost estimate report?
* Project Title
* Project Description
* Cost summary
* Risks
* Inflation
* Assumptions
* Exclusions
49
Give me an example where you have given advice about the development options /sensitivity analysis/risk analysis/VE options in relation to a development design.
Quietway cycle scheme in south east London
Advised the client that consideration should be given to the trees located on a cycle route and the design of the cycle way as the removal of trees incurred £15k fee per tree
50
What is typically included in an order of cost estimate?
```
Direct costs
• Facilitating Works
• Building Works
• Main Contractor Overhead
Indirect Costs
• Profit Project/Design Team Fees
• Risk Allowance
• Inflation
```
51
On Beckton depot what further cost analysis did you do to substantiate the Project Managers quote?
Factor the below into historic projects to make up to date with current project
* Use internal cost indices to update
* Specification
* Location
* inflation
* utilities
* Speak to suppliers bespoke items
52
What can you do to adjust costs for time and location?
Indices can be used which set a base for project data. Indices that can be used are cost and time.
53
What do you understand by the term VE?
- Value Engineering - An organised approach aimed at providing the necessary functions at the lowest cost, without detrimental effect to Quality, reliability, performance or delivery
54
What are the 3 NRM books?
* NRM 1 Order of cost estimating and cost planning
* NRM 2 Detailed measurement for building works
* NRM 3 Building Maintenance Works
55
What is the purpose of an elemental Cost plan?
An elemental cost plan is a detailed cost plan which is broken down into a series of elements. Initially, the elemental cost plan will simply be the total construction cost for the project divided into elements on a percentage basis.
56
What is GEA?
Gross External Area - This is the area of the building measured externally at each floor level
57
What is GIA?
- Gross Internal Area - This is the area of the building measured to the internal face of the perimeter wall at each floor level
58
What are the different procurement routes?
* Traditional – design and build procured separately
* Design and build – Supplier designs and builds the project
* Construction Management – Act as Main contractor
59
Level 3 - On Elephant and Castle ID Survey what were the stages of the procurement process?
* I wrote a procurement strategy
* Created and issued tender documentation to suppliers
* Evaluated tender returns
* Awarded a contract to the winning bidder.
60
What is a procurement strategy? What are the main elements of a procurement strategy?
Detailed roadmap of how you will deliver the goods or services
* Background
* Tender strategy
* Supplier selection
* Type of contract
* Estimate
* Approvals
* Timeframe
61
Level 3 - On Elephant and Castle ID Survey what were the stages of the tender process? What timeframes did you recommend for each stage?
* Shortlisted suppliers were issued an expression of interest – 1 week
* Prepared and issued ITT docs – 4 weeks
* Managed Tender clarifications – 2 weeks (included in above)
* Evaluated Tender returns – 2 weeks
* Managed consensus meeting – 1 week
* Awarded contract – 1 week
3 months total
62
What is early market engagement?
At the early stages of the project engagement with suppliers in an open or private forum to gauge their input on the project ideas and if it is something they might be interested in bidding for.
63
What documents did you include in the ITT?
* Form of agreement/tender
* Letter of information
* Site information
* Technical specification
* Works information
* Contract data part 1 and 2
* Contract conditions
* Drawings
* Pricing document
* Evaluation criteria
64
Level 3 - When writing the procurement strategy for Beckton Depot enabling works why did you advise design and build would be best?
* I advised the client that as they needed to make an early start on site that there was opportunity to overlap design and construction.
* The client was risk averse so this option meant the design and build risk all sits with the contractor.
* The design was not overly complex and the employer had a list of requirements that would give the desired outcome regardless of methodology.
* Client wanted price certainty
65
What are the advantages and disadvantage of design and build?
Advantages: Single point responsibility, more efficient and quicker, better buildability.
Disadvantages: Client has lets control on design, less emphasis on quality, harder to compare tenders with differing designs
66
What are the advantages/disadvantages of single stage tender on D and B contracts?
Advantage - Most competitive price
Disadvantage - Contractor not fully understanding may lead to a 'higher risk allowance' - Programme implication to include tender period
67
What are the advantages/disadvantages of 2 stage tender on D and B contracts?
* Advantages - Contractor involvement may reduce outstanding design/ construction risk - Ability to overlap tendering and design
* Disadvantages - Lack of price certainty until the end of the second stage. Potential for a Contractor not to retain a focused commitment through the second stage of the tendering process
68
Level 3 - What are the main elements of the contract award paper on Beckton Depot and what did you advise? (Similar to tender report)
```
• Summary of works
• Contract choice
• Any issues/risks
• Tender process and results
• My recommendation
• Approvals
I recommended the contract be awarded to the Most Economically advantageous Tender.
```
69
What is MEAT?
Most Economically Advantageous Tender.
A contractor selection process which does not just use price as a means of winning the contract. Price and quality determine the recommended contractor.
70
What price quality ratio did you chose for Beckton depot tender?
* Price 60%
* Quality 40%
• I advised that although quality was important the lower complexity of the works meant a higher weighting should be given to the price.
71
Level 3 – Why did you advise on procuring through a pre-qualified list of suppliers and how did you do it?
The project manager had a focus on minimizing time and risk.
I advised that selective tendering is faster than open tendering as pre-qualified suppliers can be used to shortlist potential tenderers.
Searched for an internal framework. This included their level of experience, capacity for the size of the works and financial standing. This then narrows the search to suppliers who are capable and able to do the work.
72
How did you evaluate the commercial proposals on Beckton depot?
* Record on tender opening
* Check for errors and conflicts
* Raise tender queries
* Normalisation
* Recommendation
* Notify tenderers of result
73
What publications does RICS publish on Procurement and tendering?
* Developing a procurements strategy
* Tendering strategies
* E - Tendering
74
What is a 2 stage tender?
* Employer's requirements are not sufficiently developed for the contractor to price.
* The initial tender stage might include rates, profit percentage and contract conditions
* the Second stage will be when the design is more developed and be for the construction
75
How would you deal with errors and omissions in a tender?
* Outlined in the instruction to tenderers.
| * Either to allow the contractors to correct their error or for the contractors to stand by their price.
76
What should you first examine on return tenders?
* Signed form of tender
* Arithmetical Errors
* Pricing errors Pricing methods i.e. front loading
* Qualifications Check proposal against employers requirements
77
What is the effect of OJEU on tendering?
OJEU publishes tendering opportunities subject to public procurement rules set out by the EU. The threshold which dictate the rules change every 2 years. This is £4.7m for works contracts and £122k for 2020/2021.
78
What are frameworks?
A procurement framework is an agreement put in place with a provider or range of providers that enables buyers to place orders for services without running lengthy full tendering exercises. Frameworks are based on large volume buying.
79
What are the advantages of frameworks?
* Preferential costs and rates pre-determined.
* Repeat work
* Collaborative
* Build up a relationship
* Speed to implement
80
What are the disadvantages of frameworks?
Costly to set up if not then utilized Contractors performance may drop
81
What are the public contract regulations?
The Public Contracts Regulations 2015 implement EU Directive on public procurement.
82
What are the utilities contract regulations?
The Utilities Contracts Regulations 2016 implement the EU Procurement Directive on Utilities Contracts.
83
How did you chair the tender evaluation consensus meeting on Elephant and Castle?
* Invite all the tender evaluators to a meeting
* Go through each evaluator score for each bidder and question.
* Confirm the requirements of each question
* Invite the evaluators to discuss why they scored the score they did.
* Mediate the discussion to reach an agreed score to settle on for each question.
* Record the results
84
If you discovered an arithmetical error in a tender what would you do?
* I would need to follow the correcting errors procedure set out in the ITT
* Clear and obvious then can update but otherwise cant accept
85
What do you understand by OJEU? What are the regulations and do what do they apply?
Official journal of the European Union. Public projects must comply with the regulations if the value of contracts is above specified thresholds.
86
Explain the OJEU process?
Where a project is over a certain value it must be advertised in the OJEU:
• A PIN is placed in OJEU at start of year to indicate what projects coming up.
• Once the project is let a Contract Notice is placed in OJEU providing further details
• Once the contract has been awarded a Contract Award Notice must be published in the OJEU within 48 days of award.
87
What is the difference between a public and private procurement?
* Transparency in contract opportunity, contract award, pricing
* Equal opportunity to suppliers
• Private entities do not need to provide equal opportunities, and will often withhold information that is not necessary to the bidding suppliers. Maximize profit.
88
How is the RICS cost reporting guidance note structured?
* Best practice on cost reporting
* Purpose of cost reporting
* Reporting models – Construction, project, programme
* Frequency – how often to report
* Establishing a budget
* Advising the client on the above
89
What is the purpose of cost reporting?
* To inform the client of the likely outturn costs.
* Record all known costs which can be accurately valued
* Record forecast costs
* Record Risk allowances
90
You mentioned you are responsible for cost reporting to the client. Please talk me through how you would produce a cost report and how this would be presented to the client?
On Beckton depot I advised the client on construction costs under a lump sum contract:
I advised the cost report should include:
* Contract sum
* Agreed changes
* Unagreed changes
* Construction risk allowance.
This would be reported in an in house web based excel format so it could feed into the project cost report which feeds into programme cost report.
I advised reporting on costs each period – 1-13 – 4 weekly.
I would have a 1-1 with the client to talk through the cost plan and any changes, then I would support them when reporting to his senior management.
• Regularly review risk allowance
91
What costs were excluded?
* Legal costs
* Land costs
* Staff costs
These would form part of the project cost report
92
How did you advise on risk in the cost report?
* No allowance made for contingency –
* The general risk allowance included a provision for costs that maybe be incurred
* This was released going through the works as the risks didn’t occur
93
On Beckton depot how did you advise and implement a change control procedure?
* Contractor raises CE
* Employer assesses it is a change
* Change control form
* Change board approval
* Once approved initiate change in contract with contractor
94
What is included on a change control form?
* Name and addresses of the client, EA and contractor
* Description of change
* Dates of when CRF was raised
* Reason for change
* Cost of change
* Source of funding
* Package
95
How do you ensure effective control of costs in a project?
* Reporting on value of work done in cost report
* Reporting on cash flow forecast
* Proactive risk management
* Implement change control process
* Helps final account
96
On Colindale Project why did you advice the client that an S curve should be used for the construction costs?
* Takes the shape of the letter ‘S’ when shown on a graph .
* This represents the lower level of periodic expenditure at the beginning of a contact (due to site set up and relatively inexpensive enabling works)
* Then an increase in costs due to the main construction work being delivered and most likely costing the highest proportion of the project. More staff, more plant, welfare.
* Costs level off as work decreases and resources decrease to close project out.
97
What is cost value reconciliation?
It gives you an ongoing account of a contract's profitability by measuring cost against value at different points in a contract's lifecycle, right through to completion
98
If a client suggests there is an error in the Cost Report – how would you go about resolving the problem?
I would clarify what the error is with the client and then do an inspection of the error. If i find that the client is correct, I will apologize and rectify the error. I will also let the client know of my complaints handling procedure.
99
How did you prepare the final account on Silvertown Tunnel project?
Check the contract procedures for final account including the timescales.
NEC3 does not have a defined final account,
but final payment is produced within 4 weeks of defects certificate being issued by supervisor.
* Summary
* Periodic payments
* Compensation events
* Adjustments
* End figure
* Provide evidence to other party
* Presented to designer
* Discussed any discrepancies
* Once in agreement both parties sign and keep a record
Send all documentation to other party for agreement
Any issues not agreeing on arrange a meeting to discuss and try to find resolution
100
How did you normalize bids on Beckton depot enabling works?
* Bidders did not all offer the same solution
* Requested 2 bidders to submit a mains foul connection solution.
* Only one bidder submitted a price so had 2 bidders with mains connection price and one with sceptic tank.
* I decided that the highest figure would be applied to the missing tenderer
* That then enabled each bidder to have comparative solutions to the mains connection.
101
How did you create the tender documentation for the bidders to value?
* I created an activity schedule for the bidders to price.
* This detailed out the preliminaries so they would all be priced in the same way.
* As well as the main works descriptions
* The bidders could then apply assumptions
102
How have you negotiated and agreed the valuation of construction works at various stages of a project such as contract sum, construction and final account?
On Beckton depot enabling works it was decided by the client that the mains foul water connection was no longer needed.
The contractor priced the work in the activity schedule at £110k as part of the tender.
The PM assumed they would receive back the value from the activity schedule price.
I advised the PM it would not be a case of removing the activity and returning the cost.
I advised that we Issue a PMI for the contractor to provide a quotation for the descope based on:
Under NEC3 ECC option A the cost would should be calculated
(i) the Defined Cost of the work already done
(ii) the forecast Defined Cost of the work not yet
done
(iii) the resulting fee
103
What is the Civil Engineering Standard Method of Measurement?
CESMM – has been well established for over 20 years as the standard for the preparation of bills of quantities in civil engineering work
104
When was the latest edition of the CESMM?
Volume 4 revised in 2019 published by ICE
105
How is the CESMM categorised?
26 classes - A-Z – Ground investigation, site clearance, earthworks, pipework, roads..etc
106
What are the Benefits of CESMM?
* Incorporates the newest technologies so it is completely up to date with current practices
* Is contract neutral – so you can use it in more places
* Retains the established structure of previous CESMM
* Includes a completely updated Rail section
107
What are the different methods of measurement for a Cost Estimate?
1) Functional Unit
2) Floor Area
3) Elemental
4) Approximate Quantities
5) Bill of Quantities
108
What are bottom-up estimates?
Use the lowest level of detail to build up prices
109
What are first principal estimates?
Pricing up using labour plant and material
110
What is parametric estimates?
Use statistical data including historic, can apply different factors such as location, date to give estimate
111
What is top down estimates?
Start with overall cost of project - The main benefit of top-down is the chance to use more holistic data from previous projects or products, including unmitigated and unforeseen risks, and scope creep
112
What are the Advantages and disadvantages of value engineering?
Adv
• Enhance service
• Add value
• No additional costs
Disadvantages
• Not researched effectively
• Not done early enough
113
On Beckton depot enabling works how did the concrete pad get paid for if risk was not used?
For unknown risks projects do not keep contingency funds but there is programme level risk that is held that can be used.
114
Why hold risk at programme level?
Managed more effectively – each individual project keeping contingency is harder to manage by not being able to see overall programme.
115
What assumptions were made on the cost plan?
* Weekday working normal working hours
* The proposed route won’t change
* Allowance for surveys but not mitigation actions
116
What is covered in the e-tendering (guidance note)?
* Technology
* Security
* Tendering Procedure
117
Advantages and disadvantages of e-tendering?
```
Adv
• Reduce costs
• Quicker
• Audit trail
• More information can be sent
```
Disad
• Technology errors
• May restrict availability
118
When is e -tendering mandatory?
Under the PCR 2015 (regulation 22) and UCR 2016 (regulation 40)
119
What are the exclusions under PCR and UCR?
* The contract is awarded to in house public bodies – 80% owned by contracting body
* Between Public contracting authorities
120
What are the restrictions for frameworks under UCR?
Max 8 year term for frameworks
121
What are the benefits of the BCIS?
```
BCIS is the Building Cost Information Service of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS).
• Cost data
• Location data
• Indices
• infrastructure costs
• Public sector costs
```
122
What are the three types of tendering strategies detailed in RICS guidance?
* Single Stage
* Two Stage
* Negotiated
123
What are the tendering supplier selection options?
* Open - anyone
* Selective - framework or shortlist
* Single Contractor
124
What are the different tendering processes under ojeu?
* Open procedure
* Restricted procedure
* Competitive dialog - alternative proposals to scope
* Competitive Negotiated Procedure - Clarify bids maybe if new information released
125
What are the thresholds for UCR 2016 & PCR 2015?
* UCR – £380k for services and £4.7m works
* PCR – £120k for services and £4.7m works
* Next change Jan 2022
126
What is a standstill period?
10 days to allow challenges
127
How else can you identify suppliers for a tender?
* RIQS
* Frameworks
* Pro contract supplier portal
128
How can third party rights be included under NEC contracts?
Secondary Option Clause Y(UK)3
129
Why might third party rights be used instead of collateral warranties?
Third party rights can be used to allow another party to have rights to contract conditions ie tenant to designer. Collateral warranty is a separate contract enforcing the same
130
What are the types of Parent Company Guarantee?
* Contract of Guarantee – is a secondary obligation where the guarantor fulfils the contract’s obligations. Employer must first deal with original contractor.
* Primary obligation- allows the beneficiary to claim directly against the guarantor without first having to pursue the contractor.
131
Difference between Parent Company Guarantee & Performance Bond?
* PB is from a third party
* PCG is related to the other contractor
* Cost/Availability – PCG is free which PB is not – if company does not have a parent
* Cover – PB does not guarantee completion of project, just recovery of loss up to a certain amount whereas a PCG does guarantee continuance but is of little use if the parent is insolvent.
* Duration – PB expires at PC – PCG lasts for 6/12 years
132
How did you engage with suppliers at the early market engagement on elephant and castle?
* PM presentation about project
* Got feedback
* Anonymous feedback form also
* Expression of interest
133
What are the reasons to raise an early warning?
• Both parties must give early warning of anything that could affect the cost, completion, progress or quality of the project.
134
Why did you make bids anonymous from project team?
• Bias of people’s opinions of suppliers effecting their decision
135
How did you assess project risks every month on Colindale station?
* Project risk register
* Used previous project risks template
* Brainstorming
* Lessons learned
Evaluate the risks every month to see if they were still relevant – any changes, any new risks and mitigation and record it.
136
What do you understand by the term VM?
- Value Management: - Assesses the broader concept of value for the whole project and ensures it meets the client’s objectives.
137
What if in the consensus meeting a score could not be agreed?
I would mediate – read each evaluators comments – read the criteria and urge them to find an agreeable score
138
How did you forecast costs on the Silverton cost reimbursable contract? How did you keep within the budget?
Regular meetings with PM to understand scope
139
How did you plot the S curve on Colindale?
* Took similar projects data to plot expenditure
* Made adjustment for known costs where available
* Made adjustments for project specific details
* Align to the project programme
140
Why did you chose the s curve approach?
* Can show best and worst case
| * Simple to demonstrate
141
What is the purpose of cost estimating?
• Used to predict the quantity, cost, and price of the resources required to complete a job within the project scope
142
What does the RICS code of measuring proactive cover?
Core definitions of measurement only
• Gross external area
• Gross internal area
• Net internal area
143
What are the sections of the valuing change RICS guidance note?
• How change occurs and how it is valued across NEC and JCT contracts
144
How are bills of quantities used?
• Detailed breakdown of quantities and costs itemised to form a total sum
145
Why are bills of quantities used less?
* Design must be known in detail
* Changes are employers risk
* Time consuming
* Good chance of errors
146
What are the different methods of normalising tenders?
* use an average of the submitted costs
* use the highest price from the tender returns; or
* use the cost plan allowance for that particular element.
147
What is prefabrication and its benefits?
• Manufacture and construction off site. Better planning, eliminates weather conditions, more uniform in design, less delays as all in one place.
148
What is a substructure?
All structure below the superstructure i.e. all structure below ground level including the ground floor bed
149
What is a superstructure?
All internal and external structure above the substructure Made up of primary (ext walls, stairs, roof, structural walls) and secondary (suspended ceilings / raised floors,
150
What are the building regulations? Name some
General guidance on the performance expected of materials and building work in order to comply with the building regulations Approved Doc A – Q – Structure, fire safety, Protection from falling
151
Steel frames pros and cons?
* Pros - quick to assemble, does not warp, strong, lasts a long time, set standards provide consistent quality.
* Cons - Does need fire protection, price of steel can vary
152
Concrete frames pros and cons?
* Pros - Marginally cheaper than steel frame buildings. Provides good sound and heat insulation. Can do complex geometry.
* Cons - Slower construction, more effected by weather and temp than steel. Heavier so requires larger foundations.
153
How is a railway built up?
• On embankments or cuttings
154
What is formwork?
• Anything that holds fresh in-situ concrete in place until it hardens, such as plywood shutters, steel pan forms, fiberglass moulds.
155
How would you install a HVM?
• Specialist contractors – strong foundations, heavy weight to stop vehicles.
156
What are the significant elements of the Housing Grants Construction and Regeneration act 1996?
a) Payment
b) Adjudication
c) Set off
d) Suspension
157
Give details of the payment provisions of the HGCRA
- Pay when paid and pay if paid clauses are banned (except in insolvency)
- Contracts over 45 days must contain provisions for interim payments
- Contracts must state a date for final payment
- The amount and basis of each payment must be notified to the contractor after it becomes due
- Withholding notices must be issued before final date for payment
158
Give details of the adjudication provisions of the HGCRA
* Statutory right for the parties to use adjudication
* An adjudicator must be appointed within 7 days of referral
* They have a further 28 days to make their decision
159
Give details of the suspension provisions of the HGCRA
- The Contractor has the right to suspend carrying out the Works if the Employer fails to pay the sums due in full in accordance with the contract conditions
160
What are the Effects of Y(UK) 2 – Housing Grants, Construction & Regeneration Act 1996 on Payment Terms?
* Payment becomes due within 7 days after the assessment date and the Project Manager certifies the payment on the payment due date, such certificate being the notice of payment to the contractor;
* the final date for payment is 14 days from the payment due or such other time stated in the contract data;
161
Do instructions outside of Asite count?
Yes if given by the supervisor or PM – that is why even if they are instructed outside of Asite they should be followed up in Asite for a proper audit trail.
162
What if the ecology survey was removed from the activity schedule on Beckton depot?
Then there would not have been a defined price for the activity but it was still required within the works information.
163
What initiatives do TfL carry out to be environmentally friendly?
...
164
What is the format of the Appropriate Contract Selection Guidance Note?
...
165
How would you calculate the cost of excavating soil?
...
166
What benchmark analysis did you carry out to evaluate the pre tender estimate on Beckton depot?
Apply internal cost data to estimate.
Take baseline figure and apply inflation/location indices to correct specification elements
167
What type of insurance should be in place on a contract?
Employers Liability Insurance - death or injury or persons
Professional Indemnity Insurance - fault in design or works.
In contract data 2
168
What is NRM 3?
Order of cost estimating and cost planning for building maintenance
169
How would you prepare an order of cost estimate?
Order of cost estimating - Cycle pathway measured in m2 based on previous project information to work out is the project affordable?
Need Specification of cycle way, location, site conditions, ground conditions, when its needed, life span
Estimate broken down below using FLOOR AREA METHOD
Buildings works estimate
Facilitating works
Prelims
OH and P
= Base cost estimate
then apply risk and inflation to this figure
other methods would be functional unit = ie per parking space and
Elemental cost estimate - grouped elements
0- facilitating Works
1- Superstructure
2- Superstructure
3- internal finishes
170
What is included in a cost plan report?
* Project Title
* Project Description
* Cost summary
* Risks
* Inflation
* Assumptions
* Exclusions
171
What are the various stages of cost planning? How does the method of estimating change over the design phase?
Initial order of cost estimate - establish budget
Initial cost plan - Use estimate and further design info to create initial cost plan
More detailed cost plan as design develops
RIBA stages
0 - Strategic Definition
1 - Preparation and brief
Prepare an order of cost estimate to help set the clients budget
2 - Concept design
3- Spatial Co-ordination
4- Detail Design
Form cost plan using estimate and design information, this cost plan helps to manage design to keep within the client budget. Cost plan develops with more design information.
Final check to ensure the design is being achieved in line with the cost plan. if over budget then value engineer.
172
What are the 3 types of letter of intent
Comfort Letter - intention at some point in future
Instruction to proceed - creating legally binding contract
letter recognizing existence of a binding contract
173
What are the five main elements that are required for a contract to exist ?
```
Offer
Acceptance
Consideration – a promise to do something
Intention
Legality
```
174
On Silvertown Tunnel, what did you do to keep track of costs on a cost reimbursable contract?
Reimbursable contracts
• contract sum/target cost
• adjustment of reimbursable costs incurred
• forecast of reimbursable costs to be incurred; and
• adjustment of risk allowances.
175
What is EVM?
Earned Value Management (EVM) helps project managers to measure project performance
Find variances in projects based on the comparison of worked performed and work planned
176
What’s the dispute procedure used in your project?
W1 option in NEC3
First stage - Senior management
Second Stage - Adjudication
Third stage - Litigation
177
Give an example of good reporting protocol on your project?
VOWD
Cash flow forecast
Regular reporting
178
What advice did you recommend to the client to undertake in controlling risk/contingency budget to ensure robust financial control and reporting?
Regular reviewing of risks
Any unused risk allowance reported back to the business
Contingency held at programme level for unknown risks
179
How are risks managed on a project?
```
On Colindale -
Stakeholders come together produce project risk register
• Identify risks
• Analyze risks
• Manage risks
• Monitor risks
```
180
What actions can you take to manage risk?
Avoidance – don’t do activity
Transfer – Insurance – PCG, warranties, procurement routes
Reduction – alternative methods to reduce risk
Absorption – reduce them though monitoring and reporting
181
What elements make up a risk register?
* Risk description
* Probability
* Impact
* Risk owner
* Cost
* Timeframe
* Regular reporting and updating
182
Difference between provisional Sum and prime cost?
Provisional Sum is an estimate for an item that is not know yet
Prime sum is a cost for supply only of goods where specification isn't known
183
What is the communication clause in NEC3?
clause 13 - communication is in a form that is in a form which can be read, copied and recorded
184
How would you install permanent service trenches?
- Electricity and water laid in separate trenches
- Excavate to required depth
- Water depth minimum 750mm
- Electricity minimum depth 600mm
- Underground warning tape for safety
- Armoured cable for electricity
- 150mm Shingle or sand bottom of trench then backfilled
185
How did you instruct evaluators to evaluate in tender?
Read each submission separately – don’t compare
Use the criteria to guide and score
Any information missing ask me
Ask for clarifications.
186
In using a framework supplier for Ardleigh green bridge what were the implication?
PC would be allowed a risk allowance for managing contractor on site
Were allowed on site due to having to allow others on in contract.
