Plain-language explanations of key terms — for engineers and project managers, not lawyers.
A formal written communication required by the contract to trigger a right, obligation, or procedure. Notice requirements under FIDIC are strict: for example, Sub-Clause 20.1 requires the contractor to give notice of a claim within 28 days of becoming aware of the event, failing which the contractor loses its entitlement. Courts and tribunals in many jurisdictions will enforce time bars strictly, so notice must be given promptly and in accordance with the contract's specified form.
A family of standard form contracts published by the Institution of Civil Engineers, designed to promote collaborative working and proactive project management. The NEC uses an Early Warning mechanism to identify and manage risks, and requires both parties to act in a spirit of mutual trust. The NEC4 Engineering and Construction Contract (ECC) is the main contract used in the UK public sector. It is structured very differently from FIDIC and uses simpler language.