Early Contractor Involvement as a Risk-Reduction Mechanism
Locking scope, cost, and schedule before financial close.
Executive Summary
Early Contractor Involvement (ECI) integrates construction expertise into the design and financing phases, reducing downstream cost overruns and schedule delays.
Core Principle
Construction risk is best managed before contracts are finalized.
ECI Functions
- Design optimization prior to price lock
- Constructability and phasing validation
- Interface risk identification
- Early schedule certainty
Execution Standard
ECI must align with financing timelines to prevent post-award design drift.
References
- UK Infrastructure and Projects Authority (2020) – Early Contractor Involvement Guidance
- World Economic Forum (2015) – Strategic Infrastructure Mitigation