The Specialist Contracting Services Department represents trade associations and mechanical and electrical contractors within the construction sector and implements the polices and directions set out by the Alliance of Specialist Contractors Associations (ASCA) – an umbrella group for 22 specialist sub-contracting associations within the CIF, and the Mechanical and Electrical Contractors Association (M&ECA) an umbrella group representing specialist engineering contractors of the Mechanical Engineering & Building Services Contractors Association (MEBSCA) and the Electrical Contractors Association (ECA).
The Department provides information and assistance on all contractual issues including Prequalification, Tendering, Contract issues and disputes, and it can provide detailed reviews of tender and contract documents and advice on the risks being presented.
The Department’s primary services include:
- Contracting and Tendering for Specialist Contractors – Advice on private and public sector procurement; assistance with drafting contractual notices, conditions of contract, collateral warranties and payment conditions.
- Dispute Resolution Services & The Payment Recovery Assistance Programme (PRAP).
- Lean Systems for Construction – Pilot programmes enabling a Lean Health Check for member companies to help identify the seven streams of waste and to assist in developing focussed company toolkits to address waste and stay competitive.
- Members are represented on national stakeholder fora dealing with procurement and Forms of Contract.
- Specialised Training Courses for Continuing Specialist Development (CPD) for management and post-apprenticeship staff.
Training services
In-house training programmes through the Specialist Contracting Services Department include:
- GCCC Public Works Procurement Process
- Named and Novated Sub-Contract
- Construction Contracts Act
- M&E Method of Measurement
- Building Control (amendment) Regulations
Payment Recovery Assistance Programme
The Specialist Contracting Department offers CIF members access to the Payment Recovery Assistance Programme (PRAP). This is offered in conjunction with solicitor firms who are CIF corporate members. In recent times demand for the scheme has increased, and a number of legal firms participate.
Lean for Construction
The Specialist Contracting Services Department oversees the roll out of Lean construction principles and practices for member firms. Lean is the term often referred to as ‘maximising value, while minimising waste’. The CIF provides a wide range of Lean construction programmes designed to provide additional support to construction professionals in implementing Lean programmes on their sites. The programmes are fully accredited by IOSH and QQI/FETAC, which provide learners with access to the European Educational Framework.
Building Information Modelling
Sean Downey provides a secretariat for the CIF’s BIM Sub-Committee. He is currently working with the sub committee to establish BIM implementation with the participation of 18 member-companies.
Construction Contracts Act 2013
In July 2016, Specialist Contracting Services welcomed the implementation of the Construction Contracts Act 2013 (CCA). It provides specific project support for members to ensure their operations are CCA compliant.
To avail of services, or enquire about membership of one of the associations, please a member of the Specialist Contracting Services team
