Experience Matters

Retained by a major U.S. oil company to evaluate the status, record keeping, schedules, and costs relative to the design and construction of hulls and topsides for two oil and gas processing offshore platforms being constructed in Korea for installation offshore Angola. The evaluation followed a visit to the contractor’s fabrication yard and focused on the analysis of cost overruns, schedule delays, and entitlement, and an assessment of the potential for claims from the prime contractor.

On behalf of one of the consortium contractors, evaluated claims against the other consortium contractor associated with a power and desalination project in the Middle East. The power plant design involved a change from a sub-critical power block to high-efficiency super critical technology. Evaluated numerous claims involving disputed variation orders involving technical design, equipment supply, and construction issues, delay, and increased costs. Prepared an expert report in arbitration. Provided direct and cross-examination testimony at the arbitration hearings in Dubai, UAE.

Provided litigation support services on the $75 million Kaiser Hospital complex in Riverside, California. Performed detailed quantity take-offs for earthwork, concrete foundations structures and slabs, metal deck, drywall, chemical fireproofing, marblecrete, glass curtain walls, and storefront. Created a 900-activity as-bid CPM schedule to determine a reasonable project schedule. Developed a 1,100-activity as-built CPM schedule and analyzed actual manpower distribution to evaluate lost productivity issues.

On behalf of an electrical contractor, evaluated cost overruns resulting from change orders and extra work claims on a training facility at Fort Carson Air Force Base.

On behalf of an EPC contractor, evaluated the causes of cost overruns that it incurred during a project to upgrade the coker in a refinery. Although the work was performed under a reimbursable contract, the owner decided not to pay part of the costs due to an alleged agreement to cap the project management costs and fee.

Performed an audit of a contractor’s $23 million claim and an owner’s counterclaim on a pipeline project in Alberta. Reviewed the contractor’s cost records, schedules, contract, and claim document and advised the owner on the strengths and weaknesses of each party’s position.

On behalf of an owner, analyzed a French contractor’s $14 million delay and increased quantities claim on a 36-inch gas pipeline and valve station project. Reviewed the owner’s ITB packages, contracts, project controls procedures, and contract administration procedures and presented a claims prevention seminar. Recommended clauses to resolve potential inconsistencies, ambiguities, and conflicts. Prepared clauses for cost and schedule control procedures.

Served as tribunal appointed experts for technical and schedule delay issues associated with an €18 million claim and a €145 million counterclaim on a major oil refinery upgrading and expansion project in Europe.  The disputes were being resolved in ICC arbitration proceedings.  Prepared expert reports and testified before the tribunal.

EPC design build of a 280 MW gas-fired combined cycle power expansion to a refinery brownfield site. Managed and directed contract administration and claims procedures team. Defended and negotiated a series of owner/subcontractor claims against the EPC contractor. Prepared a force majeure weather impact claim.

Provided a claims prevention training seminar for a hydroelectric power producing company.