6th June 2006, 01:45 PM
Posted by Invisible Man:
There are lots of examples in construction where the contractor shoulders a substantial share of the risk - look at ECI contracts on highways schemes, for instance. The point is that the risk should be shared according to who has control of an issue. Where the contractor has no control, the client should take the risk. Doesn't always work out that way in construction, any more than archaeology, though.
If you use these CoC (properly) you will find that your risks are much better controlled. If you get an invitation to tender that does not specify any standard CoC, then it is open to you to propose the use of the ICE ones.
An important initiative carried through by the IFA to promote good standards and reduce risk to archaeological contractors, by the way. Now picked up by some curators and referred to in their planning briefs.
1man1desk
to let, fully furnished
Quote:quote:Given that archaeology deals with the unknown by definition, there must always be an element of risk. I have always found it bizarre and anomalous that that risk is borne by the archaeological contractor. I can't think of any parallels in the construction or development world where universally a contractor "contracts" to carry out a defined task in a defined time for a defined fee.
There are lots of examples in construction where the contractor shoulders a substantial share of the risk - look at ECI contracts on highways schemes, for instance. The point is that the risk should be shared according to who has control of an issue. Where the contractor has no control, the client should take the risk. Doesn't always work out that way in construction, any more than archaeology, though.
Quote:quote:It is vital that this is addressed in order for the industry to progress, and to improve standards and conditions, IMHO.Look at the ICE Conditions of Contract for Archaeological Investigation. These CoC are designed to address exactly these issues from the perspective of both contractor and employer, in an even-handed way, and follow well-established construction industry standards.
If you use these CoC (properly) you will find that your risks are much better controlled. If you get an invitation to tender that does not specify any standard CoC, then it is open to you to propose the use of the ICE ones.
An important initiative carried through by the IFA to promote good standards and reduce risk to archaeological contractors, by the way. Now picked up by some curators and referred to in their planning briefs.
1man1desk
to let, fully furnished