NEC ECC: Delayed start

Question

Hello All,
Last August we tendered for a public project in ROI - all went quiet for some time until December when the client decided to proceed to site.
We therefore got a letter of acceptance and instructions to start.
However our tender form clearly states that the tender is open for acceptance within 120 days. Obviously we are now outside this- I was wondering if; 1 we are entitled to increased costs due to all materials increasing in January. 2  Are the clients likely or within their rights to withdraw the offer if we ask for these costs?

I know this is not strictly NEC - but how would it under NEC and hopefully we can apply same rules/logic.

Answer 1

I don't think anyone will be able to advise you on what the Client may do. From a contractual point of view, your offer is no longer valid if it was fixed for 120 days. You would therefore be entitled to bring this to the attention of the Client and propose a negotiated adjustment. You would have to do this before starting any work. Under procurement regulations, the Client would have to request all tenderers to advise of adjustments to their tenders to take account of the delayed start. The Client  could also stop the process and start again (or not).

I suggest that you should check what rules the Client set in its IFT in respect of tender validity to ensure your 120 day period is not against those requirements. I would also check that the standard wording in respect of the Client not be bound to accept any tender are included - they will be.