Job order contracting
Job order contracting (JOC) is a procurement method (primarily used in the United States) for contracting construction services. JOC uses the key parameters of time or money in the vendor selection process. Contractors bidding on a JOC project know the job will be rewarded for a set period (or fixed term) or maximum budget (or fixed price) - whichever comes first.
JOC is frequently used for recurring jobs or renovation projects, in particular, when speed is a priority. It can also be applied to deferred maintenance work that has accumulated over time.
When budgets are firm, this method limits change orders. It also requires that service providers adhere to the original contract database of set prices associated with specific tasks or materials.
Clients such as publicly-owned organisations, academic institutions and government entities, use JOC more often than private businesses. It is seen as an alternative to the traditional procurement route (design bid build).
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
Featured articles and news
Apprenticeships and the responsibility we share
Perspectives from the CIOB President as National Apprentice Week comes to a close.
The first line of defence against rain, wind and snow.
Building Safety recap January, 2026
What we missed at the end of last year, and at the start of this...
National Apprenticeship Week 2026, 9-15 Feb
Shining a light on the positive impacts for businesses, their apprentices and the wider economy alike.
Applications and benefits of acoustic flooring
From commercial to retail.
From solid to sprung and ribbed to raised.
Strengthening industry collaboration in Hong Kong
Hong Kong Institute of Construction and The Chartered Institute of Building sign Memorandum of Understanding.
A detailed description from the experts at Cornish Lime.
IHBC planning for growth with corporate plan development
Grow with the Institute by volunteering and CP25 consultation.
Connecting ambition and action for designers and specifiers.
Electrical skills gap deepens as apprenticeship starts fall despite surging demand says ECA.
Built environment bodies deepen joint action on EDI
B.E.Inclusive initiative agree next phase of joint equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) action plan.
Recognising culture as key to sustainable economic growth
Creative UK Provocation paper: Culture as Growth Infrastructure.
Futurebuild and UK Construction Week London Unite
Creating the UK’s Built Environment Super Event and over 25 other key partnerships.
Welsh and Scottish 2026 elections
Manifestos for the built environment for upcoming same May day elections.
Advancing BIM education with a competency framework
“We don’t need people who can just draw in 3D. We need people who can think in data.”
Comments
If an organization would like to reflect and respect the concerns and values of its stakeholders via a Job Order Contract, it's critical to understand that not all JOC solutions are the same.
Agility, adaptability, and customer centricity are key aspects.
The 4BT JOC Solution was developed to address the many unforeseen risks and unanticipated costs associated with traditional JOC offerings. www.4bt.us