Project Management and Contract Administration
Contract administration tests whether you can run a project to time, cost and quality using the contract's own machinery rather than goodwill.
The architect's two hats
The architect designs and administers; the architect does not arbitrate. Under most standard forms the architect issues instructions, values work and issues certificates, and must do so in accordance with the contract and, where the contract says so, fairly and impartially. Certify only what you have measured or inspected.
Instruments you must know
Interim payment certificates with retention; variations valued first at contract rates, then by fair valuation; extension of time; liquidated damages; practical completion and the defects liability period; performance security; the final certificate; payment and notice time-bars.
Standard forms
Sri Lankan public works use the CIDA standard bidding documents and conditions, which succeeded ICTAD's, with FIDIC forms on donor-funded projects. Know which form applies before you advise on a notice period.
Worked example
The contractor claims 21 days because structural drawings arrived late. Reasoning: check the information schedule and the date the drawings were promised; decide whether the late information caused critical delay; check whether notice was given in time. If the architect's late information caused critical delay, the contractor gets time but, unless the contract says otherwise, no money - a neutral cost event. If the delay came from the contractor's own sequencing, reject it with reasons. State the date the delay began, not the date of the claim.
Traps
Valuing a variation at market rates without applying contract rates; verbal instructions; confusing practical completion with the end of the defects period; accepting the contractor's programme as proof of delay.