Project management
The contracting authority is often confronted with technical and financial problems that it cannot manage alone. In this context, it calls upon a prime contractor who helps it define the problem and find a solution to satisfy its needs.
This prime contractor notably helps ensure that the implementation of the technical solution is in line with its expectations and that it respects the rules of good engineering practice and the contract.
Project management is commissioned by the Contracting Authority to:
•Design the project,
•Draw up the special technical specifications and verify the proper execution of the work,
•Play the role of intermediary between the customer and the contractors responsible for carrying out the work,
•Assist it with the consultation of companies and for the conclusion of the contract(s) with the contractor(s),
•Supervise the execution of the works contract(s),
•Assist the contracting authority with the acceptance of the works and the settlement of accounts with the contractors.
In the context of a public tender project management, the administrative contract between the public entity and the prime contractor under private law is construed in accordance with Act No. 85-704, known as the public-sector construction procurement act (loi MOP) relative to public general contractor and its relationships with private project management. Its implementing decree (No. 93-1268) determines the content of the various mission elements comprising it:
•Outline presentation drawings,
•Preliminary design studies or AVP,
•Basic design study or PRO,
•The assistance to the contracting authority during contracting activities or ACT,
•Execution studies by project management (EXE) or review of the project conformity with those carried out by the contractor (VISA),
•Site engineering/oversight or DET,
•Scheduling, steering and coordination of the site (OPC),
•Assistance to the contracting authority during acceptance operations (AOR).
Engineering consulting firm
Engineering consulting firms are, above all, providers of technical know-how.
An engineering consultancy does not directly carry out works or ensure supplies, although it usually performs actions more upstream in order to make prior recommendations, or downstream to check the quality of the works.
Engineering consulting firms contribute significantly to the growth and success of diverse industries such as building construction and public works, real estate and urban development, railways, hydrocarbons, chemicals, transport, aeronautics, space, nuclear, medical, and food processing, not to mention the capital goods and telecommunications industries and the environment.
In addition to the existing consultancies, the creation of new engineering and design offices is on the rise; those offering their services are most often engineers who have developed specific expertise during their previous professional careers. Engineering consulting firms offer assistance and advice to public authorities, companies, or prime contractors on the technical specificities relevant to their skill set.
An engineering consultancy or engineering and design office can designate either an independent firm, or a department within an administration or a business.
It is a structure where expert scientific and/or technical assessments are conducted, generally under the responsibility of an engineer.
These expert assessments may deal with existing structures (site inventory) or the design of a product or the organization of a department.
The engineering consulting firm must be insured and qualified to perform the technical missions.