Division of responsibilities between the project owner and the design institute
Thread Content
During the construction of a new project, the owner represents the constructor, while the design institute acts as the designer and serves the owner. However, friction is inevitable during the project’s implementation. How is such friction typically handled? For example: 1. In terms of the procurement of instrumentation and electrical equipment, who should take the lead – the owner or the design institute? 2. What is the purpose of the quotation request sent by the design institute to the client? 3. When the owner has questions regarding the selection of equipment specified in the design, will the design team take the owner’s opinions and suggestions into consideration?
1. For the procurement of instrumentation and electrical-related equipment, is it the owner who takes the lead or the design institute? Strictly speaking, it is the owner who decides on the equipment procurement, provided that the owner has a thorough understanding of the equipment and relevant specifications and can clearly explain the reasons for their choice. 2. What is the purpose of the quotation request sent by the design institute to the client? We generally require the design institute to provide the order-specific data sheet directly; a technical specification sheet may or may not be provided. The quotation document is essentially equivalent to a technical specification sheet (as practices vary among different design institutes, it’s best to consult with the same design institute). 3. When the client has questions regarding the selection of equipment for the design, will the design team take the client’s opinions into consideration? It is normal for owners to express their opinions on the design and selection, but these opinions should be backed by clear reasons. It is better to communicate in a consultative manner, and generally, the owners’ views will be respected. (But social realities must be taken into account; it’s normal for design institutes to have certain biases.) For reference only
Who will take the lead in purchasing the equipment? Under an EPC contract, it is the EPC contractor who takes the lead; otherwise, it is the project owner who does so, with the design institute providing support.
Procurement is a lucrative opportunity – everyone’s salivating over it, right? :lol:lol:lol
The owner provided a shortlist; there are certain requirements regarding technical specifications, while the rest is to be purchased by the EPC contractor. However, the EPC contractor often communicates with the owner due to considerations related to the total cost.