The objective of contract procurement is broadly to identify an appropriately skilled contractor and to secure an appointment on the basis of the right team, agreed costs, programme and appropriate transfer of risk. This seemingly innocuous objective has become increasingly more difficult to achieve as programmes have accelerated and as both employers and contractors seek, in particular, to strengthen their position with regard to the apportionment of risk.
Historically, clients have mostly chosen contractors on the basis of lowest cost. Although many commentators now recommend the adoption of negotiation and partnering-based arrangements, many clients continue to seek ...