Experience Matters

On behalf of the owner of a large petrochemical complex in Louisiana, assessed a scaffolding subcontractor's claim for increased costs on a unit price subcontract where it installed more scaffolding quantities than originally planned and during a longer period due to project delays. Prepared an expert report.

Provided construction claims consulting services, claims analysis, and change order reviews related to a methanol plant construction project. Reviewed the EPC contractor’s contract and the EPC contractor’s unresolved claims and change order requests to develop more complete descriptions of the claim issues, evaluate the merits of the claims, and prepare a summary of the claim documentation to support the client’s settlement discussions with the EPC contractor.

On behalf of the operator of a chemical storage facility, evaluated a claim associated with delays and cost overruns caused by scope changes and hurricane impacts. Operator alleged that the cost of the facility significantly increased as a result of owner-caused changes and impacts from Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, and that the owner agreed to compensate the operator for the hurricane impacts. The owner alleged that the operator mismanaged the project and that the delays and cost increases were primarily caused by other problems not related to the hurricanes.

Reviewed an owner’s contracting strategy and risks associated with the engineering, procurement, and construction of several major chemical plant projects.

Reviewed contracts, policies, and procedures related to project controls, change order management, and scheduling requirements for a major U.S. chemical company. Recommended clauses to resolve potential inconsistencies, ambiguities, and conflicts. Prepared clauses for cost and schedule control procedures.

Analyzed allegedly defective installations of fiberglass linings in flue gas desulfurization scrubbers in several power plants in the U.S.

On behalf of an owner, analyzed delays, acceleration, change orders, unit rate, and loss of productivity claims totaling $20 million by a major U.S. engineering contractor. Also analyzed counterclaims by a major U.S. chemical company on an ethylene plant project.

On behalf of an owner, analyzed a claim for delays and cost overruns against the engineering, procurement, and construction contractor of a polyol chemical plant project.

On behalf of an EPC contractor, analyzed delay and acceleration claims on the EPC of an ammonia plant project.

An EPC contractor installed a wet type fuel gas desulphurization unit to an existing power facility utilizing combustion turbine scrubbers. The project involved coordination or works around an existing operating plant and a tight site with regard to construction and storage space facilities. Prepared defense for the main contractor from subcontractor and critical vendor supplier claims involving delay and disruption impacts and the application of liquidated damages. The project also suffered from prime contract delays caused by owner interference and local labor regulations and rules instigated by the owner post contract execution that severely impacted the main contractor’s ability to manage the subcontract craft workers. Provided CPM schedule, cost, and change order analyses to support the main contractor’s claims against the owner.