This course is accredited and approved by the Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA). On Completion professionals will earn 2 ECSA CPD Points, as well as PMI Certificate holders will be eligible to claim 14 PDUs from the Project Management Institute (PMI). This online live course will cover the GCC 2015 contract, including the new GCC Subcontract and Simplified Form, and provide an overview of how the subcontract relates to the main contract and what the Simplified Form excludes. The pros and cons of the SAICE suite will be discussed with participants to provide a critical appreciation of the forms. SAICE, the South African Institution of Civil Engineers, is the author of the CIDB-approved GCC 2015 (General Condition of Contract for Civil Engineering Works 3rd Edition). GCC forms of contract, commonly used for civil work such as the construction of roads, bridges, and aqueducts, are prepared with the employer taking responsibility for the design of the works and the work being carried out on a re-measurable basis, although the contractual arrangement may vary. Poor contract administration and management is the leading cause of disputes, making it essential for users of GCC contracts to gain a thorough understanding of its terms to avoid mistakes when administering the contract.

 

By learning about GCC contracts, you can improve your understanding of the legal and financial aspects of construction projects and better protect your interests as a contractor or employer. In addition, understanding GCC contracts can help you to more effectively negotiate and manage construction projects, reducing the risk of disputes and ensuring successful project outcomes. With the increasing importance of effective contract management in the construction industry, understanding GCC contracts is a valuable skill that can enhance your career prospects and improve your ability to successfully navigate complex construction projects. GCC contracts are likely to continue to be widely used in the construction industry, although they may evolve over time as the industry changes and new forms of contracts are developed. It is important for professionals in the construction industry to stay up-to-date with developments in contract law and to be open to new forms of contracts as they emerge.

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Obtain your certificate and differentiate yourself from others

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Additionally, earning a certificate in GCC 2015 Contracts can help you advance your career and potentially open up new job opportunities. Many employers prioritize hiring candidates with advanced training and certifications, and having a certificate in GCC 2015 Contracts can make you a more attractive candidate for these positions. Overall, earning a certificate in GCC 2015 Contracts can be a valuable investment in your career and can help you stand out to prospective employers.

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A detailed look at the course contents that will be covered:

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• Introduction to the GCC family of contracts. The similarities and differences between the various GCC contracts (e.g. GCC Main Contract, Subcontract, Simplified Form, and Short form of Contract) will be highlighted and demonstrated, as well as criteria to consider when selecting the appropriate contract type.

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• Putting the contract together. The correct way to draft, prepare, and complete the various documents forming the contract will be discussed and demonstrated, as well as the preparation and use of the program.

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• Role of the Employer's Agent in administering the contract. An in-depth look will be taken at the role and responsibilities of the Employer's Agent and the Employer's Agent's Representative, including the making of determinations, issuing of certificates, issuing of instructions, etc.

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• Preparation and use of the program. The provisions of the contract relating to the preparation and revision of the Contractor's program will be discussed.

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• Payment provisions. The procedure for submitting applications for interim and final payments, the applicable payment procedures, and payment terms will be discussed.

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• Variations. The reasons for and extent of variations that may be ordered will be discussed, as well as the procedures to follow in dealing with the time and cost implications of variations. The clauses applicable to the valuation of work that has been executed due to variations will be investigated.

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• Contractor's claims for a revision of the Due Completion Date and/or for the payment of additional cost. The procedures for notification and submission of claims for additional time and cost will be discussed, with a focus on reasons for the prevalence and high incidence of claims and how to avoid disputes about claims. The manner in which claims must be quantified and the use and value of contemporary and other records will be covered. Issues relevant to claims (e.g. current delays, the Delay and Disruption Protocol, various Heads of claims, etc.) will be touched upon, as well as events giving the Contractor a right to claim, including delays attributable to the employer and excepted risks. Attention will also be given to claims that may arise due to COVID-19 and lockdowns. Tips and guidance on how to prepare and submit claims correctly to reduce the risk of rejection or dismissal will be provided, as well as information on how the Employer's Agent must respond to, treat, and assess claims submitted by contractors.

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• Quality control. Provisions relating to quality control, defective workmanship, liability for errors in design, tests, taking-over of the Works, etc. will be discussed.

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• Termination & dispute resolution and claims. The grounds for termination as well as termination procedures will be discussed. The dispute resolution mechanisms and forums responsible for the hearing and resolution of disputes will also be covered during this session.

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What are the learning objectives of this course and how can they be applied to your job. 

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This course aims to teach participants how to prepare the various contract documents that make up the GCC 2015 contract and understand the role and responsibilities of the Employer's Representative. Participants will learn about the provisions relating to giving instructions and notices, as well as the requirements for preparing and revising the program. The course will cover how to deal effectively with variations, understand the procedures for bringing and submitting claims, and deal with defective work and the certification process leading up to the taking-over of the works. Participants will also learn about the payment provisions and how to quantify the value of work executed using the Bill of Quantities or Schedule of Payments. The course will also cover how to handle and notify disputes, and understand the grounds for and procedures applicable to the termination of the contract. By attending this course, participants will become more proficient in their role as the employer's representative and gain practical knowledge and know-how to avoid common mistakes in procuring, administering, and managing GCC forms of contracts

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The future GCC Contracts in the Construction Industry and why this is an important skill to have
 

It is likely that GCC contracts will continue to be widely used in the construction industry in South Africa and potentially other regions as well. These contracts have a long history and have been regularly updated to reflect changing industry standards and best practices. As such, they have become a well-established and widely accepted form of contract in the industry.

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However, it is also possible that GCC contracts may evolve over time as the industry continues to change and new forms of contracts are developed. For example, the use of technology in construction, such as building information modeling (BIM) and project management software, may lead to the development of new forms of contracts that better reflect the changing nature of the industry. It is important for professionals in the construction industry to stay up-to-date with developments in contract law and to be open to new forms of contracts as they emerge

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Accreditation earned on completion of this course:
 

Earning ECSA CPD points is valuable for professionals in the construction industry as it demonstrates their commitment to staying current and continuing their professional development. By completing this course and earning ECSA CPD points, professionals can showcase their dedication to best practices and expertise in Lean and Agile Principles.

 

Upon completing this course, professionals will earn 2 ECSA Continuing Professional Development (CPD) point and 14 Project Management Institute (PMI) Professional Development Units (PDUs) for PMP certificate holders. 

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Recordings of the live sessions will be made available for attending delegates who miss a session due to load shedding. Please note that the course live sessions must be attended in order to qualify for your certificate. Recordings are only for review purposes.