Experience Matters

Assisted with the development of a project management controls unit for a natural gas company. Prepared written findings and recommendations for establishing a project management controls unit and developing a project management methodology using a stage gate process.

Provided a claims prevention training seminar for Woodside Energy.

On behalf of an owner, analyzed delays and project management performance deficiencies in defense of a $40 million claim of an EPC contractor. The claim involved additional overhead and fee on a cost reimbursable contract for the management of the design and construction of an LNG terminal project that was delayed over 18 months. Analyzed deficiencies in the EPC contractor’s schedules and analyzed concurrent delays. Prepared the basis of a counterclaim by the owner against the EPC contractor.

On behalf of an owner, evaluated a piping module subcontractor’s delay claim associated with a GTL facility. Evaluated the integrity of the subcontractor’s schedules and verified the impact of changes to the subcontractor’s schedule. Participated with the EPC contractor and owner to achieve a settlement of the time extension and cost components of the subcontractor’s claim.

On behalf of an owner, performed a detailed schedule quality assurance review of the engineering, procurement, construction, commissioning and start-up activities of a central processing facility (CPF). The CPF consisted of utilities, inlet separation, two oil trains, associated gas compressors, natural gas liquids and injection gas units. Identified logic problems and overuse of constraints, which made the indicated critical and near-critical paths questionable.

On behalf of an owner, performed a comprehensive “cold eyes” contract risk analysis of the EPC contract documentation, including legal and non-legal exhibits and appendices, contained in the ITT. Provided a written list of recommendations with supporting justification of contractual provisions in the ITT that should be amended, deleted, and/or inserted so as to properly mitigate the client’s risk against spurious and/or undue claims/change orders. Also provided written recommendations as to what impact a project-wide incentive program would have on the contract contingency estimates.

On behalf of an owner, evaluated contract terms and conditions and contract procedures for an LNG facility EPC contract. Recommended clauses to resolve potential inconsistencies, ambiguities, and conflicts. Prepared clauses for cost and schedule control procedures.

Evaluated the merits of a schedule delay claim submitted by a pipe fabricator on a GTL project in Nigeria. Also assisted the owner in settlement negotiations.

The project involved the EPC of a greenfield LNG terminal including major berthing facilities and onshore storage, processing, and pumping services. Provided lead contract and claims support to the joint venture EPC contractor to ensure recovery of owner-caused impacts throughout the construction process. This involved managing and defending a major claim from the international earthworks subcontractor through litigation proceedings in both the U.S. and Mexico. The scope of work further involved detailed rebuttal of schedule, disruption, and damages analyses.

Retained by the owner of a natural gas liquids extraction and fractionation plant involved in arbitration with an electrical and instrumentation contractor. Analysis and opinions provided included contract review, determination of breach of contract, delay analysis, and calculation of cost reimbursements owed to the contractor and damages incurred by the owner.