News | NEC Contracts

The NEC Asia Pacific Users’ Group held a ‘frequently asked questions’ (FAQ) session on 20 March 2019 at the Hong Kong Contractor’s Association (HKCA). Over 50 members and guests from employers, contractors and consultancies attended the interactive evening event.

NEC Users’ Group secretary Robert Gerrard and myself facilitated the discussion and answered queries on topical issues concerning local practice. These included assessing payment for equipment and people under NEC3/4 Engineering and Construction Contract Options C and D (target contracts), competitive tenders for subcontracting, contractors’ cost-saving designs and project managers’ power to change works information.

Participants also raised questions leading to a discussion on suggested areas of improvement for the Z clauses commonly used by Hong Kong government clients. The discussions also reflected that some of the existing innovative Z clauses in NEC3 contracts are seen as good practice and have been incorporated into NEC4 contracts.

Following positive feedback received from participants, we plan to hold more interactive FAQ sessions in the future to meet members’ needs and interests. My special thanks go to HKCA for providing their venue and facilities.