Introduction

Let’s start by answering the most important question:

What are Integrated Project Delivery (IPD) contracts?

Integrated Project Delivery (”IPD”) contracts create the legal framework for the involvement of all stakeholders on an IPD construction project. As we’ve previously covered, the essence of IPD is to have everyone at the table from the start of a project. This includes construction owners, designer, and contractors (for example). Another key aspect is to most closely align the risk/reward balance for all involved parties. In this way, the construction owner feels confident they will get their project delivered on time & on budget, while external parties will be able to realize real profits.

IPD contracts outline all of this and more to align the interests of all parties involved in the construction process and create a more efficient and cost-effective project. In this article, we’ll discuss 5 key components that construction owners will see in an IPD contract.

1. Early involvement of all parties

IPD contracts mandate the early involvement of all parties in a construction project, including the owner, architect, contractor, and any other relevant parties. This approach fosters better communication and collaboration, ultimately leading to a more positive outcome for everyone. By having all parties involved at the outset of the project, the IPD contract will accurately reflect the mutual understanding and aligned interests for all.

It is not uncommon for there to be amendments or additional contracts throughout the lifetime of a project, but at the very least, the initial contract sets the foundation to build on (literally).

2. Shared responsibility

In IPD contracts, all parties involved are responsible for the success of the project. This means that while each party is responsible for their own scope of work, they also have a shared responsibility for the overall success of the project. This encourages collaboration and helps to prevent disputes and delays. IPD contracts will outline the responsibilities of each involved party, with clear lines of ownership and communication.

3. Transparency

For an IPD contract to work, all parties involved in the project must commit to a level of transparency and honesty about their work, costs, and any issues that arise during the project. This might be uncomfortable at first, and definitely a departure from previous construction management methodologies, but is a key piece to the success of IPD projects.

The added level of expected and operational transparency builds trust between parties and improves communication and collaboration. An IPD contract might outline when certain key information must be shared, to which parties, and what specific data points need to be shared.

4. Risk management

When working on a construction project with an IPD contract, everyone involved must work together to manage risks. Early identification of risks and development of strategies to mitigate them prevents delays and disputes, and leads to a better outcome for all parties.

An IPD contract might include risk mitigation strategies, including escalation points, and how to best resolve impactful risks in a timely manner.

5. Incentives for success

Lastly, and important to all parties, IPD contracts will include incentives for the successful completion of a project. These incentives can be financial, or they can be in the form of recognition, or other benefits, which encourages collaboration and can help to ensure that all parties are working towards a common goal.

One common incentive structure is for all parties to agree on a set cost for the project, and then set an overall project price that the owner will pay. In this way, all interested parties can clearly see their profit margin and the impact that delays or cost overruns will have on it throughout the life of the project.

In Summary

5 areas of Integrated Project Delivery contracts that every construction owner should be aware of and on the look out for are:

1. Early involvement of all parties
2. Shared responsibility
3. Transparency
4. Risk management
5. Incentives for success

Conclusion

In conclusion, IPD contracts are becoming increasingly popular in the construction industry, and for good reason. These contracts seek to bring together the interests of all parties involved in a construction project to create a more cost-effective and efficient outcome. They encourage collaboration, transparency, and shared responsibility, which can lead to a better outcome for all parties involved. Construction owners who understand these five key components about IPD contracts will be better equipped to successfully implement them on their projects.

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