Optimised contractor involvement
Optimised contractor involvement (OCI) is a variation of the ‘early contractor involvement’ (ECI) model that has been adopted widely in the infrastructure sector on large and complex projects.
Devised by Steve Rowsell, Procurement Director for Crossrail, OCI is intended to ensure contract packages are subject to effective competition and maximum output with the available resources.
The subtle difference between ECI and OCI is that in ECI, a contractor’s skills are introduced early into a project to bring design buildability and cost efficiencies to the pre-construction phase. In OCI, contractors are brought in at a stage that is late enough for the target price to be quite firm, but early enough for them to be able to influence buildability and value engineering.
ECI has been used on by many public sector construction clients, however, some clients have been reluctant to adopt the strategy because of concerns associated with appointing contractors before permissions such as planning have been granted, and issues to do with attracting accurate and competitive prices from contractors when the design is not yet well advanced.
The OCI approach optimises contractor involvement, rather than simply trying to make it as early as possible, waiting till a point when the contractor is more likely to be able to offer an accurate and competitive price.
The contractor input into the design under OCI generally takes place post contract award, whereas in ECI, it takes place pre-contract award, under an arrangement such as a Pre-Construction Services Agreement.
The OCI approach may adopt a two stage selection process. The first stage is based on an assessment of the contractor’s technical and quality competence. The second stage involves the shortlisted tenderers carrying out a review of the client’s design. The tenderers then submit their final proposals, including a target price.
[edit] Find out more
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
Featured articles and news
Homes England supports Greencore Homes
42 new build affordable sustainable homes in Oxfordshire.
Zero carbon social housing: unlocking brownfield potential
Seven ZEDpod strategies for brownfield housing success.
CIOB report; a blueprint for SDGs and the built environment
Pairing the Sustainable Development Goals with projects.
Types, tests, standards and fires relating to external cladding
Brief descriptions with an extensive list of fires for review.
Latest Build UK Building Safety Regime explainer published
Key elements in one short, now updated document.
UKGBC launch the UK Climate Resilience Roadmap
First guidance of its kind on direct climate impacts for the built environment and how it can adapt.
CLC Health, Safety and Wellbeing Strategy 2025
Launched by the Minister for Industry to look at fatalities on site, improving mental health and other issues.
One of the most impressive Victorian architects. Book review.
Common Assessment Standard now with building safety
New CAS update now includes mandatory building safety questions.
RTPI leader to become new CIOB Chief Executive Officer
Dr Victoria Hills MRTPI, FICE to take over after Caroline Gumble’s departure.
Social and affordable housing, a long term plan for delivery
The “Delivering a Decade of Renewal for Social and Affordable Housing” strategy sets out future path.
A change to adoptive architecture
Effects of global weather warming on architectural detailing, material choice and human interaction.
The proposed publicly owned and backed subsidiary of Homes England, to facilitate new homes.
How big is the problem and what can we do to mitigate the effects?
Overheating guidance and tools for building designers
A number of cool guides to help with the heat.
The UK's Modern Industrial Strategy: A 10 year plan
Previous consultation criticism, current key elements and general support with some persisting reservations.
Building Safety Regulator reforms
New roles, new staff and a new fast track service pave the way for a single construction regulator.