Risk management has become incredibly complex, especially for capital purchase which requires through-life contract. Any source of risks should be identified and closely managed from the specification stage.
There should be sufficient information in the specification to minimise risks later in the through-life contract.
Here is something to consider:
- Make sure the parties to the contract are clearly identified. This is particularly important if a prime contractor is being used. Allow them to subcontract elements of the specification.
- Clearly identify any testing and quality assurance procedures and who will perform them.
- Document every important aspect of the specification including a project plan
- Include a reasonable limitation of liability clause in the contract and reference it in the specifica-tion
- Identify any guarantees that are needed
- Be clear on what insurance will and will not cover
- Make sure there is clear audit trail of any changes to the specification together with approvals LO 3, AC 3.2