The fourth iteration of the New Engineering Contract, NEC4, was launched in June 2017. ‘Evolution rather than revolution’ was a strap line, but there are some changes. NEC has taken the opportunity to update and improve NEC3 Practical Solutions to be right for NEC4.
This is not a clause-by-clause explanation of NEC – go to the NEC’s guide notes for that. This book is a collection of more than 250 questions and excellent concise answers on a wide range of NEC issues, covering both contract preparation and contract management. Most of the examples are based on frequently occurring questions to the NEC Users’ Group helpline. As most members are using the Engineering and Construction Contract, most of the questions are based on that contract. But there are also some questions relating specifically to other contracts in the NEC family. Also, of course, as there is such similarity between contracts, many of the issues are common to more than one contract.
Both the authors are recognised NEC specialists, excellent trainers and passionate about sharing what they know and helping users of NEC contracts. They do that very well in this book.
You might have to be a dedicated NEC specialist or to have a very long flight to read it cover to cover, but it is an excellent resource as a reference to dip into when you have a query. It might, for example, be a good starting point when there is a disagreement about an issue in a contract. The book is very logically structured with sections as follows
sections 1–9 following the core clauses
the options (main options and secondary options)
the schedule of cost components
the contract data.
The contents list, over eight pages, sets out the 250+ queries, making it very easy to find examples that may fit the issue one is seeking advice on.
Some examples are as follows
can you confirm verbal instructions?
programme float and time risk allowances
what to include in the fee
the cost of internet charges.
In summary, if you are using NEC regularly, the book should be by your side or at least be accessible from your organisation’s library.
