​New Engineering Contracts (NEC) Advisory
At Alternative Logic, we specialize in providing expert assistance in the practical application of NEC contracts, offering tailored support to ensure clients achieve compliance, clarity, and control. With a deep understanding of NEC3, NEC4, and the NEC Hong Kong Edition, we help organizations navigate the complexities of these contracts to deliver successful project outcomes.
Our NEC Services
NEC3 / NEC4 Expertise:
Our team has extensive experience in both NEC3 and NEC4 contracts, ensuring a seamless transition between contract forms and effective implementation. We provide practical advice on using the contracts to manage projects efficiently, from early warnings and risk registers to payment schedules and accepted Programmes.
NEC HK Edition:
We understand the unique requirements of the NEC Hong Kong Edition, including its specific provisions for local compliance and practices. We assist clients in tailoring contract implementation to meet regional standards while ensuring alignment with NEC principles.
NEC Advisory
We offer strategic and practical advice on NEC contract compliance, covering the entire project lifecycle. This includes guidance on drafting and negotiating NEC contracts, establishing clear roles and responsibilities, and implementing effective risk and change management processes.
​NEC Programming:
Accurate and compliant programming is fundamental to NEC contracts. We develop and manage project schedules in accordance with NEC provisions, ensuring they are realistic, achievable, and fully integrated with the contract's compensation event mechanisms.
NEC Commercial:
We provide practical insights into the commercial aspects of NEC contracts, including pricing mechanisms, payment schedules, and risk-sharing arrangements. Our expertise ensures that the financial aspects of your project align with NEC principles and support effective cost management.
Compensation Events:
We assist clients in identifying, quantifying, and managing compensation events, a key component of NEC contracts. Our services include:
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Assessing the impact of events on time and cost.
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Preparing robust submissions with supporting evidence.
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Reviewing and responding to compensation event claims to ensure fairness and compliance.
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Practical Applications of NEC Contracts.​
​Collaboration and Early Warnings:
We help clients implement robust early warning systems, ensuring that potential risks are identified and addressed collaboratively before they escalate. This minimizes disputes and fosters proactive problem-solving.
Accepted Program:
We work with clients to prepare and maintain accepted programs that reflect the current status and future plans of the project. This ensures all parties have a clear understanding of progress and obligations, reducing misunderstandings and disputes.
Change Management:
Using the NEC framework, we establish clear procedures for managing changes, such as compensation events. This ensures that contractual changes are documented, assessed, and agreed upon efficiently, avoiding delays and cost overruns.
Risk Management:
We support the effective use of risk registers, helping clients identify, evaluate, and mitigate risks throughout the project lifecycle. This aligns with NEC’s emphasis on proactive risk management and shared accountability.
Dispute Avoidance:
By promoting open communication and adhering to NEC processes, we help clients avoid disputes. When disputes do arise, we assist in resolving them quickly and collaboratively using NEC's structured mechanisms for adjudication and early resolution.
Project Experience Utilizing NEC Framework
We have extensive experience delivering projects under the NEC contract framework in both the UK and Hong Kong, ensuring compliance, efficiency, and successful outcomes. Below are examples of our project experience:
Crossrail (Elizabeth Line) – Liverpool Street Station (NEC 4 Contract)
Scope: Provided contractual and planning advice to address delays caused by two key subcontractors impacting the delivery program.
Key Actions:
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Assessed delays and apportioned liability.
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Drafted correspondence on behalf of the Contractor to strengthen negotiation positions.
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Developed strategies to manage subcontractor disputes effectively.
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Provided advice on an adjudication case concerning a legal point under the Housing and Grants Act.
Outcome: Positioned the Contractor strongly in negotiations and supported adjudication proceedings effectively.
Coventry Train Station (NEC 3 Contract)
Scope: Supported the Contractor in resolving programme concurrency issues raised by the Employer.
Key Actions:
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Drafted correspondence addressing concurrency-related claims.
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Implemented a process to recover extensions of time after initial claim rejections.
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Demonstrated the cause and effect of claimable events to secure liability acknowledgment.
Outcome: The Employer acknowledged liability, resulting in compensation payments to the Contractor.
​Highway Project – (NEC 3 Contract)
Scope: Supported the Contractor in managing significant delays as the project neared completion.
Key Actions:
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Developed Cause and Effect claims to address delays.
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Provided forensic planning support to substantiate claims.
Outcome: Enabled the Contractor to navigate delay challenges effectively and strengthen their position for resolution.
At Alternative Logic, our goal is to ensure that NEC contracts are not just compliant but actively drive project success. Whether you need assistance with programming, compensation events, or contract administration, we provide practical solutions to help you maximize the benefits of NEC contracts.