This paper describes a study undertaken for Austroads Inc by Opus International Consultants Ltd into the growing use by road authorities of "performance" as opposed to "prescriptive" forms of contracts and specifications, and attempts to quantify the expected benefits from this approach and whether these benefits are achieved in practice. The report proposes a consistent set of terminology for use in such contracts, sets out the reasons for the changes to "performance" documents, and lists the potential benefits that are expected from such agreements. It also examines the risks and constraints associated with this approach, and suggests factors relevant to minimising these risks. The relevance and development of appropriate performance indicators is also discussed. The report outlines a suggested framework approach to future performance contracts, drawing on experience to date, to guide the development of future contracts of this nature. (Author/publisher) For the covering entry of this conference, please see ITRD abstract no. E208431.
Abstract