SCHEDULE VALIDATIONS AND AUDITS – Timing, Methodology and Conclusions – (Part 3 )

WHEN SHOULD VALIDATION AND AUDITS BE DONE?

Validation occurs when the initial or revised baseline schedule is submitted prior to the start of any construction field-site work, with the possible exception of mobilization, site preparation, ordering of long-lead time equipment or materials, permits, excavation, and installation of in-ground site utilities.

Validation is an extensive process and can be time consuming both initially and after each re-submittal of the proposed baseline ‘planned’ construction schedule until a valid baseline schedule is accepted by all significant stakeholders: Owner, Contractor, Subcontractors, Suppliers, Financing entities, and Permitting agencies.

Before a complete Validation process is performed an Appraisal is done to determine if the requirements for Validation are in place. [Read more…]

SCHEDULE VALIDATIONS AND AUDITS – Validation and Audit (Part 2)

WHAT IS SCHEDULE VALIDATION?

Schedule Validation is a process by means of which Owner and Contractor resort to the expertise of a third party to validate the schedule of a certain project in all its features and components.

The Validation is thus an external evaluation to ensure that a foremost contract instrument — the schedule — is correct in scope and assumptions, as well as free from all sorts of pitfalls and booby traps. The validated schedule should represent the model of how the Contractor intends to carry out the work plan’s activities, and how the Owner is supposed to get the project delivered.

It is routine to find investors resorting to second and third evaluations, e.g. due-diligence appraisals by mortgage investors, to gain a level of confidence in the outcome and the return on their investment. This typical validation process, however, is not a common practice in the construction area, but Owners and Contractors can have solid benefits by adopting scheduling validation procedures and periodic audits. [Read more…]