CCM Questions and Answers

In FIDIC contracts (2017 editions), meetings such as progress or management meetings are key tools for communication and coordination among parties. The contract provisions and practical use reflect flexibility regarding who can request or call for such meetings.

Option Ais correct: Both the Contractor and the Engineer can request or call meetings as needed to discuss project progress, issues, or coordination. This promotes proactive communication.

Option Bisincorrect(and therefore included in the answer): It is not only the Engineer who can call meetings. The Contractor can also request meetings.

Option Cis generally correct: Subcontractors may attend meetings only with the Engineer’s approval or if invited. This controls confidentiality and relevance of discussions.

Option Disincorrect: Only the Employer calling meetings is not correct. The Employer may do so but is not the only party authorized.

Option Eis correct: The Engineer typically keeps records (minutes) of progress meetings to document discussions, decisions, and agreed actions. This is essential for contract administration.

Hence, theincorrectstatements areBandD.

This statement is false. While FIDIC Contracts provide standardized contractual frameworks, procurement processes vary widely depending on local laws, employer requirements, contract editions, and project specifics. Definitions, timelines, and procurement steps may differ between models and jurisdictions, making the procurement process not universally identical.

The FIDIC contracts are adaptable tools, not rigid procurement procedures, so users must tailor procurement to local and project needs.

Option A is correct. Under Sub-Clause 11.9 (Performance Certificate) refusal or incorrect issuance by the Engineer, combined with disagreement by the Contractor, may cause a Dispute to arise.

Option B is correct. If a Party is dissatisfied with a determination, it must give a Notice of Dissatisfaction (NOD) within 28 days to escalate the matter to a Dispute, allowing either Party to refer it to the DAAB as per Sub-Clause 21.4.

Option C is incorrect. The contract does not specify a 42-day time limit for submission to DAAB after NOD; timelines vary by contract and stage.

Option D is incorrect. ‘Disagreement’ is not a formally defined term in FIDIC contracts, whereas ‘Dispute’ is.

The Commencement Date is a critical contractual milestone that triggers contractual obligations including the start of time for completion. For clarity and enforceability, it must be specified clearly in contract documents forming part of the formal contract. The Contract Agreement (Option B) and the Particular Conditions (Option C) are the standard places to unambiguously specify the Commencement Date.

Minutes of meetings (Option A) or emails (Option D), while useful for informal communication, do not have the legal certainty or binding contractual effect unless expressly incorporated into the contract documents. Therefore, specifying the Commencement Date solely in meeting minutes or emails is not advised for clarity and risk mitigation.

Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation:

Option B is correct: A Variation is a formal change to the Works instructed by the Engineer via a Notice (Sub-Clause 3.5). This includes changes to design or execution such as slopes on a road.

Option A is a proposal, not yet a Variation. Positive interest does not constitute a Variation.

Option C is partially correct but depends on formal instruction after proposal acceptance; the question specifies the Engineer instructs the Variation, but since it was a request for proposal first, the Variation instruction comes later. Without explicit instruction, this is not yet a Variation.

Option D is invalid as verbal instruction plus a Notice denying cost claims does not constitute a proper Variation.

Option A is correct: “Notice” is a defined term under FIDIC 2017 Red Book; “Other Communications” is a separate category, also defined but distinct.

Option D is correct: Notices, Notices of Dissatisfaction, and Certificates require delivery to all Parties and the Engineer, whereas other communications may not have such strict requirements.

Option B is incorrect as there are contractual differences.

Option C is partially correct but “Other Communications” and “Notice” are distinct terms, so A is more precise.

Option C is correct: The Contractor is entitled to financing charges (interest) on late payments, calculated as per the percentage specified in the Contract Data or corresponding Sub-Clause.

Option D is correct: The Contractor can suspend works or reduce progress after giving due notice, usually 21 days, if payments are not made on time.

Option A is incorrect; termination is not automatic right after the payment deadline expires.

Option B is incorrect; suspension requires prior notice rather than immediate action.

Option E is incorrect because the Contractor has additional remedies such as suspension, beyond just financing charges.

Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation:

Option A is NOT correct because the wording of the Letter of Tender is usually governed by the tender documents and contract terms; it is not solely at the Contractor's discretion to dictate when the Contract becomes effective. The standard process is that the Contract becomes effective upon the Employer’s issuance of the Letter of Acceptance.

Options B, C, and D correctly describe standard FIDIC practices.

Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation:

This statement is true. The Employer administers the contract unless an Employer’s Representative or Engineer is appointed to act on its behalf. The Employer (or its Representative) is responsible for reviewing and negotiating claims in good faith with the Contractor to reach agreement, in line with FIDIC procedures.

Under the FIDIC Red and Yellow Books 1999 editions, the Engineer acts as the Employer's representative with authority delegated under the contract. When an instruction requires the Employer’s prior approval, it is primarily the Engineer’s responsibility to obtain that approval before issuing the instruction to the Contractor.

The Contractor isnot contractually required to verifywhether the Engineer has obtained the Employer’s approval. The Contractor is generally entitled to rely on the Engineer’s instructions as valid and binding unless there is clear evidence to the contrary.

This principle avoids placing an undue administrative burden on the Contractor and maintains the hierarchical contract administration structure, where the Engineer is the primary point of contact and decision-maker.

FIDIC’s Golden Principles (GPs) guide good contract management and administration.Golden Principle 1 (GP1)emphasizes“Clear communication and documentation”to avoid misunderstandings and disputes. It specifically promotes thorough documentation of all agreements and clarifications reached during the tender process. The use of a memorandum of understanding or similar record ensures transparency and mutual understanding. Furthermore, the formal award of the contract by a signed letter of acceptance aligns with the principle of clear and formal contract formation.

GP1ensures that all key matters, changes, and agreements are properly documented during the tender phase and contract award to form an unambiguous contractual basis.

GP2 and GP3relate more to ongoing contract administration, risk management, and dispute resolution rather than the contract formation process.

GPA(Golden Principle A) is not a standard FIDIC term associated with contract formation or tender stage documentation.

Therefore, the described process aligns best withGolden Principle 1 (GP1).

Under the FIDIC Red Book 1999, the Performance Certificate marks the end of the Contractor’s obligations under the contract (Sub-Clause 11.9). The Engineer must issue this certificate once the Defects Notification Period has ended, all Contractor's Documents are submitted, and all works including defect rectification have been completed and tested.

Option C is correct because the Engineer is required to issue the Performance Certificate within 28 days after these conditions are met.

Option D is correct as the certificate is conditional upon fulfilling specific contract requirements (e.g., completion of works, submission of documents).

Option A is incorrect because acceptance of works usually happens earlier (e.g., taking-over certificate); the Performance Certificate represents completion of all contractual obligations, not just acceptance.

Option B is incorrect as the Performance Certificate confirms contractual completion but does not necessarily imply full mutual performance beyond contract terms.

According to FIDIC Red Book 1999, Sub-Clause 14.2, the Advance Payment Guarantee must be a bank guarantee issued by a reputable bank acceptable to the Employer. This bank guarantee serves as security to ensure that the advance payment made by the Employer will be repaid if the Contractor fails to fulfill contractual obligations. The bank guarantee is a commonly used, reliable instrument providing direct financial assurance to the Employer.

Other instruments like surety bonds or parent company guarantees may be acceptable only if explicitly agreed, but the standard requirement is a bank guarantee.

Declaration of joint and several liability is not a typical form of guarantee for advance payments.

Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation:

According to the FIDIC 2017 editions (Red, Yellow, and Silver Books), when the Contractor submits a revised programme, the Engineer or Employer has a limited time (typically 14 days) to review and raise any Notice of Non-Compliance if the programme does not meet contract requirements (Sub-Clause 8.3 or equivalent). If no notice is issued within this period, the Engineer or Employer is deemed to have no objection to the revised programme.

This does not imply formal approval or consent, but the programme can be used for the execution and administration of the works in the absence of objections. This avoids unnecessary delay due to inaction.

Option D is correct as it captures this deemed “no objection” position.

Option B is incorrect as “deemed consent” is stronger than FIDIC provisions state; it is more correct to say “no objection”.

Option A is incorrect since the Contractor does not have to remind the Engineer or Employer for consent within this period.

Option C is incorrect because the Contractor may proceed if no non-compliance is notified.

FIDIC’s Golden Principles emphasize clarity, fairness, and completeness in contract drafting and administration. Incorrect applications often create risks, ambiguities, and disputes.

Option Aiscorrectand reflects a good application of Golden Principles. When deleting clauses from the General Conditions, these must be replaced adequately in the Particular Conditions so that no essential contractual scope or responsibilities are lost or left undefined.

Option Bisincorrectand reflects an improper deviation from the standard. The standard Commencement Date notification period is42 daysafter the Contractor receives the Letter of Acceptance (per Sub-Clause 8.1). Extending it to 60 days without valid reason or clear agreement introduces uncertainty and potential delay.

Option Ccan be a legitimate contractual modification, provided it is agreed by the parties. Extending the Contractor’s notice period for suspension from 21 days to 3 months is a significant change but not inherently contrary to Golden Principles if done transparently and fairly.

Option Disincorrectand reflects a poor application of Golden Principles. Deleting all clauses referring to the DAAB/DAB (Dispute Adjudication Board) removes a critical dispute avoidance and resolution mechanism, undermining contract fairness and efficiency.

Therefore,Options B and Drepresent incorrect applications of the Golden Principles.

The Contractor’s obligation to submit progress reports continues until all outstanding work identified in the Taking-Over Certificate has been completed. The Taking-Over Certificate signals substantial completion but may allow for outstanding minor works. Reporting is essential to monitor progress on these outstanding works.

The Performance Certificate relates to final contract completion but reporting usually ends earlier only after all works are completed.

Therefore, Option D is correct.

According to the FIDIC Yellow Book 2017, the Commencement Date is the date notified by the Engineer as the date on which the Contractor shall start the execution of the Works (Sub-Clause 8.1). In this case, although the Engineer notified 15 July 2022 as the Commencement Date, it was subject to the issuance of the construction permit. Since the construction permit was only obtained on 1 August 2022, work could not legally commence before that date.

FIDIC recognizes that the Contractor cannot be expected to start before all necessary permissions are granted. Hence, the effective Commencement Date must be the earliest date on which the Contractor can legally commence work, i.e., the date when the permit was issued (1 August 2022). The contract’s requirement that the Commencement Date notification occur no later than 14 days after signing is subject to actual readiness conditions (permit availability).

Therefore, for purposes of delay and completion, the Commencement Date is 1 August 2022. This affects the calculation of the Time for Completion and any delay claims accordingly.

The timetable for meetings is usually set out in the Special Conditions (Particular Conditions) and/or the Employer’s Requirements, which define project-specific administrative and management arrangements.

Special Conditions customize the General Conditions to the project and often specify meeting schedules.

Employer’s Requirements detail the Employer’s expectations, including communication protocols and meeting timetables.

The General Conditions (Option A) are standard and do not include project-specific meeting schedules.

The Specification (Option B) mainly covers technical requirements, not administrative matters like meetings.

The FIDIC Red Book (2017 edition) is traditionally used for construction contracts where the Employer provides the design, and the Contractor primarily executes the construction works. This form is suitable for Employers who have detailed and well-defined design and engineering requirements and want to retain control over the design.

TheRed Bookis ideal for experienced Employers who have a clear and fixed design and require the Contractor to build accordingly.

TheYellow Bookis typically used where the Contractor is responsible for both design and construction (design & build). It suits Employers who want to delegate design responsibility to the Contractor.

TheSilver Bookis used for turnkey or EPC contracts where the Contractor takes full responsibility for design, procurement, construction, and commissioning, suitable for Employers seeking minimal involvement in design and execution details.

Hence, for an Employer whoknows exactly what they wantfrom a design and engineering perspective and wants to maintain control, theRed Bookis the first and most appropriate choice.

Discharge under FIDIC Red Book 1999 confirms full and final settlement of all money due to the Contractor. It signifies the Contractor's acceptance of the Final Payment Certificate and releases the Employer from further financial obligations related to the contract.

Options A and C misrepresent the nature of discharge.

Discharge is not a unilateral immediate termination but a financial closure.

Option A best describes the Time for Completion as the Contractor’s fundamental obligation to complete the entire Works within the contractual Time for Completion, calculated from the Commencement Date.

Options B, C, and D incorrectly limit the scope to "most" of the Works or confuse the reference date.

The Time for Completion sets the critical timeline for contract performance and triggering of delay damages or extensions.

Option C is correct: The Contractor is obligated to rectify any non-compliance with prevailing standards promptly.

Option D is correct: The Contractor carries responsibility for design fitness and correctness, even if the Engineer has approved or not objected to the design.

Option A is incorrect; Engineer approval does not absolve the Contractor from responsibility for defective design or works.

Option B is not necessarily required; only non-compliant parts need correction, not entire varied works.

According to the FIDIC Red Book 1999,Sub-Clause 14.10 – Application for Final Payment Certificateand related procedures allow the Contractor to submit the Final Statement, which includes the final account of all sums due.

If after submission the Contractor identifies errors or omissions in the Final Statement, the Contractor is generally entitled tosubmit corrections or adjustmentsto that statement before the issuance of the Final Payment Certificate. This ensures that the final account accurately reflects all amounts due.

The Engineer reviews the Final Statement and may seek clarifications or adjustments. The contract typically allows the Contractor to correct or revise the Final Statement as part of this review process.

However, once the Final Payment Certificate is issued and accepted by the parties, it becomes more difficult for the Contractor to amend the Final Statement without formal agreement or dispute resolution.

Hence, prior to certification, the Contractor can correct the Final Statement.

Option A provides the clearest and most unambiguous notice because:

It explicitly references the relevant Sub-Clause (8.1) that governs Commencement Date notification.

It uses precise language “I hereby give notice” indicating formal notification.

It clearly states the Commencement Date with a specific date (17 April 2023).

Options B and C are less formal or ambiguous and do not refer to the proper contract clause, which could lead to disputes. Option D incorrectly refers to the Time for Completion start rather than the Commencement Date specifically.

Clear and formal notices help prevent contractual disputes by explicitly identifying the contractual clause and key date.