Experience Matters

On behalf of an owner, performed an audit of the EPCM and general contractor’s cost records to identify potential billing discrepancies and problems on cost reimbursable contracts for a calciner expansion project.

Assisted a supplier of proprietary equipment in defending against a $20 million claim on a project involving the design, delivery and construction of a new cement production line from ore receiving to clinker storage and loadout. The general contractor claimed for increased costs allegedly due to delays, disruption and labor impact arising from late delivery of design data and proprietary equipment, and a defective design. The case was arbitrated in Texas. The client was found liable for only a portion of disputed extra work.

On behalf of an equipment manufacturer, analyzed a $7 million claim by a contractor regarding extra work involving the structural steel installations on a new cement manufacturing plant. The analysis also involved the contractor’s claim that it constructively accelerated its work to overcome delays.

Provided entitlement and damages analyses on an $11 million dispute arising from the construction of a semi-conductor fabrication facility. Prepared issue analyses related to mechanical and piping design changes and performed estimates on mechanical and piping work to analyze cost overruns.

On behalf of a construction manager, analyzed a mechanical contractor’s contract and quantum meruit claim for disputed changes in scope, delays, and loss of productivity on the installation of piping systems on a computer microchip manufacturing facility. Presented testimony in arbitration.

Performed an entitlement and schedule analysis on a $60 million dispute arising from a steel mill expansion project. Reviewed RFIs, drawing changes, and change orders to identify and apportion schedule impacts.

Prepared an electrical contractor’s claim involving engineering delay, errors and omissions resulting in workarounds and construction delays on the installation of life safety systems and instrumentation and control automation on a silicone chip plant and cleanroom facility in Colorado Springs. Performed a schedule analysis of delay impacts due to engineering rework and added change order work, causing schedule compression and acceleration with trade stacking, overmanning of crews with a shortage of qualified labor causing productivity loss due to overtime fatigue, lack of coordinated drawings, late material delivery, and substandard supervisory management and cost controls by the construction manager.

Analyzed a Swedish contractor’s delay and disruption claim involving the design and construction of a pulp and paper mill.

On behalf of an insurer, evaluated property damage claims associated with flood-damaged industrial buildings and manufacturing facilities following a flood. Prepared comparative cost estimates for the damaged equipment and facilities to test the reasonableness of the damage claims alleged by the owner.

Assisted an owner in the defense of a $12 million claim on a project involving the design, delivery and construction of a new cement production line from ore receiving to finish mill and product loadout. The EPC contractor claimed increased costs due to alleged owner-caused delays and disruption arising from late delivery of proprietary design information, materials, and equipment; and impacts to labor productivity due to numerous changes to the work and contractor’s alleged acceleration to overcome delays.