Providing value for money for our clients ...

Civil Engineering Procedure 7th Edition, published by the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE), suggests that Early Contractor Involvement (ECI) denotes "…a non-traditional procurement route, where a contractor’s skills are introduced early into a project to bring design ‘buildability’ and cost efficiencies to the pre-construction phase".

Early contractor involvement (ECI) can also be described as a process where the contractor is included at the stage where most value can be extracted. ECI improves value for money for the client by integrating design development and construction planning at an early stage. It reduces the cost of tendering as only one design process is undertaken, therefore, avoiding inherent duplication of effort. It also enables risk to be identified, mitigated and / or properly allocated (and priced). There are various mechanisms / contracts that can be used to procure ECI works - either formally, under a one, or two-stage ECC contract, or informally whilst employed under a framework contact.

CRL sincerely believes that ECI benefits all parties in the process and is keen to bring their 65 years’ experience to projects and works collaboratively with clients to add value. Frequently, this will involve working with the Centura Group in-house design or survey companies and other specialist partners to provide a one-stop shop for the client.

Our works on the Highways England and Water industry frameworks have frequently led to significant positive results for the client in terms of improvements to methodologies which have realised considerable cost and time savings on projects.

Examples of where CRL can add value include:

CRL also works in conjunction with our Survey division to carry out condition surveys and investigations and provides advice on repair strategies based around its client’s requirements for their assets. From the condition survey, CRL can propose costed options for the client depending upon the lifespan requirements of the structure. CRL can then work with the client to develop a methodology for the repair project, with assistance on schedule of quantities and specification if required.

The undertaking of up-front trials can often be crucial to confirm proposals and materials - for example, the laying of a car park membrane where bond may be a concern. Assistance with planning and being able to make a decision upfront before the project commences on colours and appearance can also save on valuable time being lost later in the project.

Different materials may have significant impact on programmes, for example, with the necessary cure of materials in a DWI water reservoir or on turning circles of a car park.

Related Projects

"It is genearaly accepted that contractors are more experienced than the client and the designer when it comes to buildability, construction methods, materials and local practice."