Engineering Procurement and Construction Management Contract
Engineering Procurement and Construction Management contracts (EPCM contracts), like Engineering Procurement and Construction contracts (EPC contracts) are similar to design and build contracts, in that there is a single point of responsibility for the design and construction of the project, but generally, the client has less say over the design of the project than on a design and build project, and the contractor takes more risk.
However, unlike an EPC contract, on an EPCM contract the client employs the necessary trade contractors to construct the works. The 'contractor' designs the project, and then acts as a construction manager, co-ordinating the procurement process and then managing the trade contractors. Effectively they are performing the roll of a consultant during the construction phase.
This might be appropriate where the client wishes to retain a degree of control over the procurement process, for example if there is uncertainty about the exact scope or nature of the works required when the procurement process begins. This can be used to accelerate construction by enabling some parts of the works to begin (for example piling) whilst the design of other parts of the works continues.
As the client contracts the trade contractors themselves, they require greater expertise than they would on an EPC contract.
Generally, EPCM contracts are used on engineering and infrastructure projects, where the aesthetics of design might be considered less important to the client than performance and cost certainty.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
- Contract.
- Contract conditions.
- Construction management.
- EPC contract.
- Procurement route.
- What is an EPC contract?
[edit] External references
- Project Procurement Management Processes
- Skills Funding Agency: Procurement routes.
- CABE: Procurement routes.
- PACE Guidance on the Appointment of Contractors and Consultants for a detailed analysis of the pros and cons of various procurement routes.
- nbs: National Construction Contracts and Law Survey 2012.
- JCT: Deciding on the appropriate JCT contract.
Featured articles and news
ECA Industry Awards 2024 shortlist revealed
22 leading businesses from across the electrotechnical and engineering services sector.
Government unveils Skills England strategy
Skills England to transform opportunities and drive growth.
New Government Hub for York Given Planning Green Light
For up to 2,600 civil servants, due for completion by 2028.
Construction Skills Certification Scheme cards
July update on Professionally Qualified and Academically Qualified Person Cards.
BSRIA Briefing 2024, November 22
Sustainable Futures: Redefining Retrofit for Net Zero Living.
The CLC on driving competency in the retrofit sector
Previously published roadmap on skills for net zero.
The first labour government King's speech in fifteen years
Construction industry reactions, support and some concern.
CIOB Retrofit of Buildings Technical Information Sheet
What retrofit is, the approach to be taken and processes to be followed.
Adapting Historic Buildings for Energy and Carbon Efficiency
Historic England advice note 18, free download published.
10 retrofit projects revisited 10 years after completion.
Information orders, building liability orders and SPVs
Key BSA terms and how they impact special purpose vehicles.
Listed despite problems with its design.
Zen and the art of cycling exploration.
Design Council Homes Taskforce launched
To support government 1.5 million homes target within UK climate commitments.