The new NEC4 contracts, due out this summer, will include a number of entirely new options. Whilst we’re yet to see the new contracts, it’s clear that some of the NEC Panel’s efforts have been focused towards areas that are commonly the subject of changes to the standard form through Z clauses. In terms of dispute resolution, two new concepts have been introduced; Dispute Avoidance Boards and a period for escalation and negotiation. Dispute boards have been deployed for some years on larger projects and particularly those in cross-border transactions. To accommodate dispute boards into an NEC contract, Z clauses.

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        The new NEC4 suite promises much and at this stage promises are all we have in advance of seeing the new documents.  NEC has trailed the major changes and we will be looking at each of these over the next few days and weeks. The new NEC4 Design Build Operate (DBO) Contract is aimed at situations which require an “integrated whole life delivery solution”.  NEC has said that the “F” word won’t be used here in that this new contract is not designed to be used where the provision of finance sits alongside the wider engineering.

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NEC today announced the forthcoming publication of the 4th edition of NEC contracts, to be known as NEC4.  Publication is expected in June and Bowdon Consulting is already preparing for this development.  You can be sure that all of our training courses will reflect the new documents and that we will be ready to advise on all contractual issues.  Don’t worry if you don’t understand all of the jargon below, we can explain everything! Initial impressions of these changes are favourable, updating the suite that dates back to 2005 and also reflecting the needs of users.  The treated acceptance of.

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