Experience Matters

Analyzed a major fire at an upgrader in Alberta that processed synthetic crude oil from an oil sands facility. The client, a major construction company and its insurer, was defending against liability for property damage and business interruption damages totaling $1 billion.

On behalf of an owner, analyzed delay claims on a hospital renovation project in Oakland.

Assisted with the development of a project management controls unit for a natural gas company. Prepared written findings and recommendations for establishing a project management controls unit and developing a project management methodology using a stage gate process.

On behalf of the operator of a chemical storage facility, evaluated a claim associated with delays and cost overruns caused by scope changes and hurricane impacts. Operator alleged that the cost of the facility significantly increased as a result of owner-caused changes and impacts from Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, and that the owner agreed to compensate the operator for the hurricane impacts. The owner alleged that the operator mismanaged the project and that the delays and cost increases were primarily caused by other problems not related to the hurricanes.

Developed the detailed schedule and project control system for a 2x400 MW coal-fueled power plant. Created and maintained an accounting and reporting system to track the financial participation of four consortium partners.

Reviewed engineering work processes used by a major engineering company and a major oil company associated with the design of offshore oil and gas production facilities. Recommended clauses to resolve potential inconsistencies, ambiguities, and conflicts. Prepared clauses for cost and schedule control procedures.

On behalf of an owner, provided technical support for a claim against the EPC firm on a fast-track refinery project in the western United States. Issues involved late and deficient engineering, design development and scope increases, loss of construction labor productivity, and mismanagement of subcontractors and costs.

On behalf of a major U.S. oil company, performed an analysis and provided deposition testimony regarding a claim against a contractor for $29 million in improper charges on a reimbursable contract for the fabrication of one offshore gas compression platform and two wellhead platforms.

On behalf of a contractor, analyzed schedule delays on a naval facility electrical substation project including: outage delays, switchgear design deficiencies, SCADA design deficiencies, and ground mat deficiencies.

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.