01
Contractor resources and site obligations
Works tenders may specify contractor class, engineers, key personnel, machinery, laboratory facilities, safety plans, licences and site visits. Confirm whether resources must be owned, leased or merely available and when documentary proof is required.
Practical checks
- Map every resource to a document or commitment.
- Visit the site when required or commercially necessary.
- Price access, utilities, mobilization and seasonal constraints.
Questions answered in this section
- Which contractor class is required?
- What machinery must I own?
- Can leased machinery qualify?
- Which engineers are mandatory?
- Must staff be employed before bidding?
- Is site visit mandatory?
- What safety plan is required?
- Who supplies water and electricity?
02
From letter of acceptance to work commencement
The letter of acceptance communicates award but the tender may still require performance security, agreement execution, insurance, work programme and statutory registrations before commencement. Starting without the required written authority creates payment and liability risk.
Practical checks
- Track every post-award deadline.
- Confirm site handover and commencement in writing.
- Align insurance and guarantees with the contract dates.
Questions answered in this section
- What is an LOA?
- Is LOA the final contract?
- When must award be accepted?
- When is PBG submitted?
- What documents are needed before agreement?
- Who pays stamp duty?
- When is work order issued?
- Can work start before agreement?
03
Milestones, delays, variations and extensions
Manage the approved programme, notices, instructions, measurements and contemporary records throughout execution. Obtain written approval for variations and extra items. Apply for extension of time within the contractual procedure and explain employer delay, force majeure or other qualifying causes with evidence.
Practical checks
- Issue contractual notices on time.
- Maintain daily and measurement records.
- Do not execute material extras on verbal instruction alone.
Questions answered in this section
- What is mobilization period?
- What is work programme?
- What are liquidated damages?
- How do I request extension of time?
- What is a variation?
- How are extra items approved?
- What if site is unavailable?
- Is price escalation allowed?
04
Measurements, bills, payment and completion
Running-account bills are based on measured and accepted work under the contract. Account for GST, TDS, labour cess, retention and recoveries. Completion, defect-liability and final-payment procedures require certificates and release documentation; security may remain until contractual conditions are met.
Practical checks
- Reconcile measurements before billing.
- Track deductions and tax certificates.
- Close defects, as-built records and final claims systematically.
Questions answered in this section
- What is a running account bill?
- What is measurement book?
- When will invoices be paid?
- Which deductions apply?
- What is retention money?
- How are delayed payments handled?
- When is completion certificate issued?
- When is final security released?
Official sources and further reading
Reviewed against the cited sources on 27 September 2026. Requirements can change and the specific tender document remains controlling.