dr Hanna Drynkorn
FIDIC: In what situations can the contract engineer issue a determination?
20.10.2022
public procurement, contract
One of the participants in the construction process carried out under FIDIC contract terms is the engineer, acting as the contract administrator. The engineer’s task is to take the necessary steps to ensure that the contract is performed correctly and on time. Among other things, the engineer can issue a determination on how to handle a matter. When can the engineer do this?
Prohibited provisions in subcontracts in public procurement
25.03.2021
public procurement
Contractors often take advantage of their stronger negotiating position by imposing terms in subcontracts. The new Public Procurement Law includes Art. 463 to protect subcontractors from unfairly framed contractual obligations. Will subcontractors benefit from the new regulation?
Securing the payment of taxes may protect against exclusion
15.10.2020
tax, public procurement
If tax arrears are a ground for exclusion under the procurement documentation, exclusion can be prevented by making payment or entering into an agreement with the tax authority. It is worth considering whether providing voluntary security would be an effective way to prevent exclusion.
Retention not the same as a security deposit
01.10.2020
public procurement
Despite its similar function, the general contractor’s retention of a portion of a subcontractor’s fee to secure its own claims cannot be equated with a security deposit. Consequently, the investor is jointly and severally liable for payment of such amounts to the subcontractor.
Modification of contracts and contractual penalties in public contracts under Shield 4.0
06.08.2020
coronavirus, public procurement
As a result of the pandemic, many planned and existing contracts have been paralysed. The uncertain situation forces the parties to cease performing contracts or at least poses barriers to performance. In this situation, can they change the contract? Will they have to pay contractual penalties and damages? The situation now looks somewhat different than it did at the start of the pandemic.
Modification of contracts and contractual penalties in public contracts in the face of the pandemic
06.04.2020
coronavirus, public procurement
As a result of the pandemic, many planned and existing contracts have been paralysed. The uncertain situation forces the parties to cease performing contracts or at least poses barriers to performance. In this situation, can they change the contract? Will they have to pay contractual penalties and damages? The Anti-Crisis Act comes to their aid.
Settlements with subcontractors in public procurement
25.04.2019
real estate, contract, public procurement
The Public Procurement Law provides for rules autonomous from the Civil Code for settlements with subcontractors. The regulations apply independently of each other, but they are applied in parallel to contracts concluded under the public procurement regime.
A revolution in the required content of public contracts
31.01.2019
new provisions, changes in law
The draft of the new Public Procurement Law can be called a revolution, if only because the law has never before addressed to such a degree the content of the contract. Although the draft needs to be fine-tuned, it already provides a number of appropriate solutions.
When notice has to be given of a claim for adjustment of pay under clause 20.1 FIDIC
29.11.2018
public procurement
Not all claims relating to performance of a contract are subject to clause 20.1. This clause provides for a severe penalty of expiry of a claim for not giving notice of a claim within 28 days. Above all, most claims for adjustment of pay are not covered by this clause.
Many parties responsible on the construction site
04.10.2018
litigation
When the investor suffers damage, it is not necessary to find out who contributed to it and to what extent. The damage can be redressed by all entities responsible for its creation, even if they took part in the construction process in different roles and on a different basis.
Public procurement contracts under the new framework: A clear step toward balancing the parties’ positions
12.07.2018
contract, public procurement
The unique characteristics of public procurements should not impede a balanced allocation of risks between the parties. However, despite efforts by various groups this goal has remained unattainable. The drafters of the new Public Procurement Law have recognised the problems related to the parties’ unequal positions and proposed several remedies.
FIDIC: A claim is not the start of a dispute
12.04.2018
public procurement
Notice of a claim is not a sign of hostility towards the other party to a contract. The major changes made in the FIDIC New Contract Conditions published in December 2017 include a clear distinction between claims and dispute resolution.