History of NEC: Summarised
07/10/24
Newsletter #27:
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As we celebrate 6 months of our newsletter, we are going to journey back into more NEC history. Giving an oversight of the progression of NEC across the last 30+ years! Enjoy.
History of NEC Summarised
The history of NEC contracts began in 1993 with the publication of the first New Engineering Contract (NEC) by the Institution of Civil Engineers. This emerged from the need to revolutionise procurement and contractual arrangements in the UK construction industry, as emphasised by the 1994 Latham Report titled "Constructing the Team." This report advocated for collaborative and efficient contractual frameworks, setting the stage for NEC to introduce simplicity, clarity, and flexibility in managing construction projects.
The early NEC contracts were characterised by their proactive approach to managing risks and uncertainties. They mandated clear communication, proactive management of change, and the day-to-day use of updated programmes. With the 1995 second edition, the NEC contracts incorporated more user feedback and recommendations, broadening their application both within the UK and internationally.
A significant revision came with NEC3 in 2005, which further embedded effective project management procedures within the contracts themselves. NEC3 introduced essential features like the compensation event mechanism and diverse pricing options tailored to suit varying risk allocations. The suite was praised for fostering collaborative risk management between the Client, Contractors, and Project Managers. This led to a considerable uptake in its use, reflecting the evolving needs of the industry.
NEC3's core strength lay in its ability to cater to both simple and highly complex projects through various contract forms. Its extensive suite included the Engineering and Construction Contract (ECC), Term Service Contract (TSC), and the Framework Contract (FC), to name a few. Each form provided clear guidance on contract management, focusing on timely execution and maintaining quality standards.
The transition to NEC4 in 2017 marked the next pivotal evolution in the contract series. Unlike its predecessors, NEC4 was developed with a mindset of 'evolution, not revolution.' It aimed to stimulate better contract management, support new procurement approaches, and inspire wider application across different markets and sectors.
NEC4 represents a dramatic shift in construction project management, encapsulating thirty years of industry feedback and advancements. Designed to support collaborative working and proactive risk management, NEC4 builds on the fundamental principles of its predecessors, which include trust, transparency, and flexibility. These principles are woven into the fabric of the contract, ensuring that Contractors, Project Managers, and Clients are aligned towards shared project goals.
One of the significant benefits of NEC4 is its incorporation of up-to-date management techniques such as Building Information Modelling (BIM) and supply chain engagement. The contract provides clear procedures for managing change and risk, promoting an environment where issues are addressed before they become disputes. Notably, NEC4 includes a party-led dispute avoidance process which encourages resolving conflicts through dialogue, thereby saving time and resources.
The modular approach of NEC4, with its various options and secondary clauses, allows Clients to tailor the contract to fit their specific project needs. This flexibility extends to the introduction of new forms of contract, such as the Design Build and Operate Contract (DBO) and the Alliance Contract, which offer innovative procurement solutions. Furthermore, the alignment of risk and reward through these contracts fosters a culture of cooperation, leading to enhanced project performance and better value for money.
In essence, NEC4 modernises contract management by integrating feedback and industry developments. Its focus on collaboration, risk management, and flexibility makes it an invaluable tool for driving successful, efficient, and dispute-free construction projects. This is why NEC4 is increasingly becoming the preferred choice for construction projects worldwide.
Thank you for your support as we reach our 6 month milestone!
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To understand more about how to prepare and manage an NEC contract, the following guidance documents are available.
NEC4 Preparing an Engineering and Construction Contract