Two contracts are awarded - an Early Contractor Involvement (ECI) Agreement and a Design and Construct Contract. Generally, the two contracts are awarded to one Contractor to undertake the design and construction under a lump sum contract. Refer to Figure 3. Main Roads assumes responsibility for the operation and maintenance upon Project completion. The successful implementation of the ECI relies on well scoped tender documents, performance criteria and realistic delivery timeframes. The unique characteristics of the ECI are resources are required in the planning phase to maximise benefits during construction, scope can be defined during ECI phase and greater client control.
Main Roads has developed template contract documentation using a Contract Deed and Scope of Works Technical Criteria (SWTC) documentation. All contractors must be pre-qualified prior to tendering, as described in Pre-qualification of Major Works Contractors. The project delivery method contract form is outlined in Table 13.