Pass the FIDIC Contract Manager CCM Questions and answers with ExamsMirror

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).

Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation:

Under the FIDIC Silver Book (1999 edition), the Employer may appoint an Employer's Representative to act on their behalf, but this is discretionary and not mandatory (Option B). The Employer’s Representative acts within the authority delegated by the Employer but cannot amend the Contract unless expressly authorized.

Option A is partly correct but less complete than B.

Option C is incorrect; the appointment is not compulsory.

Option D is incorrect; the Employer is not contractually obliged to consult the Contractor for appointment approval.

A legally binding contract is typically formed when there is an offer, acceptance, and intention to create legal relations. Under FIDIC contracts:

Option B (signing the Contract Agreement) unequivocally forms a binding contract.

Option D (Letter of Acceptance issued after receiving the Contractor’s Letter of Tender) generally forms a binding contract unless otherwise specified, as the Letter of Acceptance is the formal acceptance of the tender.

Option A (Letter of Intent) is not necessarily a binding contract; it often serves as an interim arrangement signaling intent but may lack definitive terms to form a contract.

Option C (conditional Letter of Acceptance) may not form a binding contract unless the conditions are fulfilled.

Dayworksrefer to works executed on a time basis (e.g., labor and plant) with payment made according to predetermined rates rather than a lump sum or unit rate contract price.

Option Aisincorrect. Even if a Daywork Schedule is not initially included, the dayworks Sub-Clause (e.g., Sub-Clause 13.7 in Red and Yellow Books, 13.8 in Silver Book 1999) still applies to dayworks ordered during the contract execution. The schedule facilitates pricing, but the Sub-Clause governs the method and conditions for dayworks.

Option Biscorrect. The dayworks Sub-Clause is applicable not only to traditional construction works but can also be applied to other types of works, such as variations or additional works that cannot be precisely measured or foreseen and are charged on a time basis.

Option Cisincorrect. The dayworks Sub-Clause is used in all FIDIC standard forms (Red, Yellow, and Silver Books), not only for remeasurement in the Red Book. In the Yellow Book (plant and design-build) and Silver Book (EPC/turnkey), dayworks are similarly applicable for certain variations or unforeseen works.

Option Discorrect. The Engineer (in Red and Yellow Books) or the Employer (in the Silver Book, where the Engineer’s role is limited) may instruct that a variation be executed on a daywork basis. This instruction is typically used when the scope or quantity cannot be reasonably pre-determined.

Local procurement laws, regulations, and internal governance rules often apply in addition to or alongside FIDIC contract provisions. Employers, whether public or private, must comply with applicable national or sector-specific rules, which may affect procurement procedures, documentation, and contract award processes.

Option C is correct because procurement requirements depend on local legal systems, the nature of the Employer, and applicable governance.

Option A is incorrect as FIDIC contracts provide contractual frameworks but do not override local legal obligations.

Option B is incorrect because many Employers have procurement policies.

Option D is incorrect since private entities may also be subject to procurement laws or internal policies.

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.

Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation:

Under FIDIC Red Book 1999, the Performance Security (or Performance Guarantee) is held to ensure the Contractor’s performance during the defects liability period. The security is typically released only after the Employer issues the Performance Certificate, which confirms the completion of defects liability obligations and that the Contractor has fulfilled the contract.

The contract commonly specifies a fixed period (often 21 days) within which the Employer must return the Performance Security after issuance of the Performance Certificate (Option D). The Taking-Over Certificate (Options A and C) marks substantial completion but does not end the Contractor’s obligations for defects.

Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation:

Option A is correct: Continuing effect claims (claims where the event’s impact continues over time) require notices like other claims, typically within 28 days of awareness.

Option D is correct: The fully detailed claim submission generally must be within 84 days of becoming aware of the event, allowing the Claiming Party to elaborate on the claim.

Option B is incorrect; Employer claims also require timely notification.

Option C is incorrect; missing a single interim claim does not necessarily result in losing entitlement if the contract allows for correction or continued claims.

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.

According to FIDIC Red and Yellow Books (both 1999 and 2017 editions), the advance payment guarantee amount may be progressively reduced as the Contractor repays the advance payment through deductions from interim payment certificates. This means the guarantee is reduced as per amounts repaid, not only upon full repayment.

Option D is correct: The guarantee reduces as partial repayments are certified in Payment Certificates.

Option C is incorrect because the reduction happens gradually, not only after full repayment.

Options A and B do not directly relate to the reduction mechanism of the advance payment guarantee.