A Study on the FIDIC Conditions of Contract for Design, Build and Operate Projects

FIDIC의 DBO 프로젝트용 표준계약조건에 관한 연구

The incentive and reasons to publish FIDIC Conditions of Contract for Design, Build and Operate Projects(DBO Form) are manifold. It is partly a response to the increasing need for sophisticated project delivery methods in both the public and private sectors and the already widespread use of the FIDIC Yellow Book with operation and maintenance obligations and partly a response to the challenge to decrease maintenance cost to a minimum by means of a new procurement route. As a result, FIDIC has developed a new model form to meet this market place requirement. On the other hand, FIDIC did not simply adapt the Yellow Book but has developed a new form from it, whilst preserving the style of the already known FIDIC Forms and maintaining the wording where it was not necessary to change it for the purposes of a DBO Form. Moreover DBO Form fills up supposed gaps in other FIDIC Forms and ameliorates the claim management and dispute management framework. FIDIC DBO approach may be shortly summarized as follows. First, DBO Form provides for single project responsibility. Second, DBO Form has the clear objective of ensuring the use of a most reliable and efficient technology at the lowest life-cycle cost. Third, DBO Form is intended to operate as an effective quality increase in the design and construction of projects. Fourth, DBO Form is intended to provide significant benefits with regard to system integration and reduction of risks. Fifth, DBO Form accelerates and enhances completion schedule compliance. Sixth, DBO takes care of all three supporting pillars of sustainability(including economical, environmental and social elements). DBO Form is obviously a good starting point for negotiations and the preparation of calls for tenders, thus saving the parties time and money. However, existing cultural and legal differences, particular local conditions and the particular needs of some branches of the industry may require the form to be adapted according to the particular needs of a project. And Civil law practitioners are strongly recommended to verify carefully the underlying legal concepts and background of each clause of the General Conditions in order to avoid unnecessary and sometimes unnatural changes and amendments being made. Note that when preparing the Particular Conditions ensure that terminology is consistent and that existing inherent concepts should not be ignored.