Publisher's Synopsis
This code of practice is one of a series of documents from the CIB1-5, designed to improve the quality, effectiveness and efficiency of the construction industry. It should be used in conjunction with the other documents in the series. This code refers to the party employing the contractor as the client, and to the employed party as the contractor. The good practice recommended should be observed in commercial relationships throughout the contractual chain and for the duration of a construction project. Main contractors contract with clients to construct (and sometimes design) a project. Main contractors can be selected by competitive tendering, by negotiation or as a result of partnering or a joint venture arrangement. Whatever method is used, selection should be carried out in the spirit of good practice, although specific procedures will vary. This code focuses on the procedures appropriate for competitive tendering. In competition for small or simple works some of the steps described may take place informally.;For competitive tendering to be effective in providing best value for money, it must be seen to be fair and the processes by which decisions are reached must be as open as possible. This applies to all forms of selection. The key principles of good practice to be adopted when appointing contractors are that: clear procedures should be followed that ensure fair and transparent competition in a single round of tendering consisting of one or more stages; the tender process should ensure receipt of compliant, competitive tenders; tender lists should be compiled systematically from a number of qualified contractors; tender lists should be as short as possibles; conditions should be the same for all tenderers; confidentiality should be respected by all parties; sufficient time should be given for the preparation and evaluation of tenders; sufficient information should be provided to enable the preparation of tenders; and tenders should be assessed and accepted on quality as well as price.;The other practices to be adopted are: practices that avoid or discourage collusion should be followed; tender prices should not change on an unaltered scope of works; suites of contracts and standard unamended forms of contract from recognised bodies should be used where they are available; and there should be a commitment to teamwork from all parties. All construction projects involve risk in a variety of areas. The appropriate assessment and apportionment of these risks is essential to the success of any project. While risk can be transferred to others, this will be reflected in their prices. Selection forms only part of the whole process of construction; the overall success of projects depends on other parts of the process being carried out in the same co-operative spirit. This code stresses the need for clarity and certainty at all times, whatever procurement system is chosen. Compliance with this code will preclude practices such as multiple round tendering or 'Dutch auctioning'.
