Procurement is a term which describes the activities undertaken by a client or employer who is seeking to bring about the construction or refurbishment of a building.
It is a mechanism which provides a solution to the question: “how do I get my project built?”
On most projects, clients (usually through their advisers or in-house teams) will start the procurement process by devising a project strategy. The strategy entails weighing up the benefits, risks and budget constraints of a project to determine what the most appropriate procurement method is, and what contractual arrangements will be required.
With every project, the client’s concerns focus on time, cost and quality (or performance) in relation to both the design and construction of the building.
The client’s policies, resources, organisational structure, and preferred contractual arrangements will all need to be taken into account in choosing the right procurement method for their project.
Understanding risk is essential, as although each procurement method follows a well-established set of rules and procedures, there are risks associated with choosing any particular route.
Successful procurement relies on all parties involved in the project complying with their respective obligations, and identifying and dealing with risk appropriately from the outset.
JCT’s contracts are designed specifically for the different procurement methods used by the construction industry.
Procurement Methods
There are four main procurement methods. Click on one of the options below to view in more detail: