Program Advisory Services
Barba Consulting provides services throughout the Planning, Execution, and Close-out phases of the construction process
Close-out Phase Services
During this phase our services focus on conducting Construction Management Performance Audits and Due Diligence Reviews necessary to achieve contract close-out.
Construction Management Performance Audits: Ensuring contract compliance
We have substantial experience in conducting Construction Management Performance Audits for both public and private owners. These Performance Audits, which are typically conducted on projects delivered on a Design-Bid-Build [Fixed Price], or Design-Build [Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP)] basis, are designed to determine the extent to which work performed during the execution phase of a project was performed in accordance with the requirements of the contract between the owner and contractor (or construction manager).
Our Performance Audits include a detailed examination of the contract between the owner and contractor (or construction manager), as well as a thorough review of the project management procedures utilized in managing the work, in order to determine completeness, conformity to industry standards, and compliance with the standards set forth in the owner/contractor (or construction manager) contract. Thereafter, a detailed review of the project record is undertaken to determine whether the parties to the contract complied with their respective contractual obligations. This entails an evaluation of the implementation of project procedures related to schedule and cost control, change order management, quality assurance/quality control, daily inspection, and compliance with notice and other requirements. The findings and recommendations of our Audits are set forth in detailed reports, which are often presented in public hearings and to shareholders involved in given ventures.
Due Diligence Reviews: Tracking expended costs
Barba Consulting's Due Diligence Reviews are designed to verify that contractor (or construction manager) payment applications were submitted, processed, supported, and paid in accordance with the requirements of the contract documents for a project, as well as standards of practice in the construction industry.
Our Due Diligence Review Team's focus on confirming that all costs requisitioned are traceable to and supported by documentation substantiating the accuracy of the requisitioned amounts. Costs are verified by tracing to labor time cards, daily reports, equipment utilization records, material and/or equipment invoices, job cost reports, payroll records, cancelled checks and other documents as appropriate. In addition, payments made to the contractor (or construction manager) are traced to the various sub or trade contractors retained to perform work on a given project. We also ensure that appropriate mark-ups were applied to change order work.
For projects performed on a Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP) basis, particular attention is paid to the evaluation of general conditions costs, utilization of funds from contingency cost pools, labor burden rates, payment of union dues, and potential for duplication of costs.