UNOPS will project manage all major components of the physical infrastructure work while always adhering to its rules and regulations. Professional project personnel will plan and develop the project to ensure maximum efficiency, quality and lowest risk ensuring the project outcomes are met.

Contract management modality is normally split into four distinct phases:

• Initiation
• Planning
• Works Implementation 
• Defect Liability Period

Initiation

During the initiation phase the project brief is developed in conjunction with the partner. A project board is established with representation from the partner and the end user. At this stage the basic parameters and outcomes of the project are outlined and project timeframe, budget and acceptance tolerances are set.

Planning

In the planning stage, detailed plans are completed and a Project Initiation Document is approved by the project board. The planning process is crucial prior to any bidding and procurement of contracts because it will confirm the optimal breakdown of contracts, and it will establish target works budgets and tighten the scope of works with set tolerances. Local contractor capacities and rates will be established, along with contacts in all relevant government departments. Pre-feasibility studies - if not already undertaken by the partner – can also be undertaken by UNOPS at this stage.

Works Implementation

The works implementation stage is where the majority of time and money is spent in any infrastructure project and where the first real procurement and bidding procedures commence. If they have not already been completed by the partner, the first work package will generally consist of feasibility studies, environmental impact assessments and investigative studies.

After all required studies are completed, the design begins. UNOPS can procure the design through a local or international consultant; draw on a long term agreement with a previously approved consultant; or a combination of these options. UNOPS aims to achieve design outcomes which meet high sustainability and environmental criteria.

In conjunction with the design - but importantly in a separate process - UNOPS engineers estimate all specifications and contract documents for the works, developing the Bill of Quantity (BoQ). If it is required to show progress and enables the overall programme to be foreshortened, smaller work packages (such as bulk earthworks and preliminary works) can be bid, awarded and let within the design period.

Once all pre-construction activities are complete bids for works are let, evaluated and awarded in line with UNOPS rules and regulations. UNOPS flexible contact modality allows it to offer various contracts, including UNOPS own contracts and FIDIC contracts, to best address the local practices in measure, pay and price escalation.

Construction of the physical infrastructure then follows, with UNOPS providing full time supervision and contract management. High supervision standards ensure local capacity development, leaving behind higher skills and quality practices for future works.

Defect Liability Period

Upon practical completion and after joint inspections UNOPS handover the infrastructure to partners and end users. A defect liability period follows, usually from six to 12 months. During this time works are inspected and if they are deemed defect free UNOPS releases retentions and make final payments. Warrantee period services for proprietary items are carried out and monitored by UNOPS.

UNOPS is not responsible for standard ongoing maintenance and operation of the infrastructure during this time. Following the final completion certification UNOPS closes the project out.