CPM Scheduling: The Contracting Officers' Guide for Risk Minimization and Claims Analysis

摘要

There are several hundred contract management related positions in the Navy's Civil Engineer Corps. Many junior and senior Contracting Officers and their representatives who serve in these positions have little to no experience with approving, monitoring and analyzing contractors' construction schedules. The current Naval Facilities Engineering Command (NAVFAC) guide specification provides basic guidance, however, it has proven to be an ineffective tool because of unclear and ambiguous directions and guidance. Further, many sections of this specification are obsolete or contradictory to industry standards and court rulings. Claims court journals are filled with case law examples involving suits against the Navy for schedule related issues. The American Arbitration Association has handled many arbitration and mediation cases involving these issues as well. The energy, effort, and intent demonstrated by Contracting Officers and their representatives have been sincere and noteworthy. However, their limited experience and knowledge with approving, monitoring, and analyzing construction schedules and lack of resources immediately available, have increased their risks and reduced their ability to effectively justify and defend their positions during litigation, arbitration or mediation.