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
Professional practical experience for Architects in training
The long process to transform the nature of education and professional practical experience in the Architecture profession following recent reports.
A people-first approach to retrofit
Moving away from the destructive paradigm of fabric-first.
International Electrician Day, 10 June 2025
Celebrating the role of electrical engineers from André-Marie Amperè, today and for the future.
New guide for clients launched at Houses of Parliament
'There has never been a more important time for clients to step up and ...ask the right questions'
The impact of recycled slate tiles
Innovation across the decades.
EPC changes for existing buildings
Changes and their context as the new RdSAP methodology comes into use from 15 June.
Skills England publishes Sector skills needs assessments
Priority areas relating to the built environment highlighted and described in brief.
BSRIA HVAC Market Watch - May 2025 Edition
Heat Pump Market Outlook: Policy, Performance & Refrigerant Trends for 2025–2028.
Committing to EDI in construction with CIOB
Built Environment professional bodies deepen commitment to EDI with two new signatories: CIAT and CICES.
Government Grenfell progress report at a glance
Line by line recomendation overview, with links to more details.
An engaging and lively review of his professional life.
Sustainable heating for listed buildings
A problem that needs to be approached intelligently.
50th Golden anniversary ECA Edmundson apprentice award
Deadline for entries has been extended to Friday 27 June, so don't miss out!
CIAT at the London Festival of Architecture
Designing for Everyone: Breaking Barriers in Inclusive Architecture.
Mixed reactions to apprenticeship and skills reform 2025
A 'welcome shift' for some and a 'backwards step' for others.