JUNE 2015

a) List any five items that constitute the contract documents used in civil engineering contract

1. Construction contract agreement

2. Scope Of Work
3. Construction schedule
4. General condition
5. Bill of quantities

b) Outline short notes on the following terms used in Bill of Quantity (BQ)

i) Abstracting - Collecting the totals form dimension paper on to an abstract to produce a final
total for each individual description.
ii) Squaring of Dimensions - Calculating and totaling the area, length, volume, numbers, item
of the dimensions to obtain the exact quantities for each measured item in the dimension
sheet.
iii) Provisional Sum - a sum (if any) which is specified in the Contract as a provisional sum,
for the execution of any part of the Works or for the supply of Plant, Materials or services
under Sub-Clauses 13.5
iv) Work Classification in CESMM - It sets out a procedure for the preparation of a bill of
quantities for civil engineering works, for pricing and for the expression and measurement
of quantities of work. The bill of quantities enables tenders to be prepared efficiently and
can be used to value work completed once the contract has been let.

c) Illustrate Schedule of Rate Contract and Explain on which types of construction it is commonly
used. Justify your answer by giving the advantages of selecting this contract for a construction
project.

A schedule of rates can be a list in a contract setting out the staff, labour and plant hire rates the
contractor will use for pricing cost reimbursable instructed daywork.However, on a much larger
scale, a 'schedule of rates term contract', 'term contract' or 'measured term contract' may be used
when the nature of work required is known but it cannot be quantified, or if continuity of
programme cannot be determined. In the absence of an estimate, tenderers quote unit rates against
a document that is intended to cover all likely activities that might form part of the works.

As the extent of the work is unknown, the unit rates include overheads and profit. General
preliminaries such as scaffolding, temporary power, supervision and temporary accommodation will
also have rates. On projects longer than around 18 months there might be escalation provisions
based on annual percentage increases.

The advantages of selecting this contract for a construction project are:

● Variations are easier to estimate and normally cheaper than on fixed price traditional contracts.
● The client can stop and start work at a pace that might be determined by cash flow or funding.
● A larger pool of contractors can be asked to tender as the process is inexpensive and quick.
● It is flexible in relation to scope and contractual commitment.
● As a fully-detailed design is not required the client can obtain tenders at the early stages of a
project and begin construction before completion of the design. So to this extent it is 'fast track'.
DECEMBER 2015

a) Compare and contrast the Civil engineering standard method of measurement (CESMM) and the
building standard method of measurement (BSMM) which are commonly used in construction
projects.

CESMM BSMM

Provides a standard format, either in the The details of building works are more
form of items components and how they in precise stage at the time preparing BQ.
should be measured.

CESMM measurement method using the Building work covers more work sections in
concept of method-related charges to present consequence subject to more detailed
the cost of construction at the site is more measurement.
obvious, such as covering the cost of site
preparation and building machinery operating
costs, labor force and so on.

Used in conjunction with civil engineering Used in conjunction with building work or
works such as earthworks, roads, bridges, internal work such as columns, foundation etc.
structures, culverts, sewage etc.

Quantity are prepared by civil engineers Quantities are prepared by Quantity Surveyors

b) Write short notes on the following terms used in a BIll of Quantities (BQ)

i) Schedule of Rates - Consists of units of works that are grouped according to trade and
work content and are presented in tabular form. Each table is referred to as ‘schedule’. The
schedule of rates comprises a number of schedules that when combined, cover all items of
work likely to be encountered in the contract.
ii) Preamble - Define the rules governing the method of measurement of the works and
contain instruction as to what is to be included within unit rates and/or lump sum prices.
iii) Target Cost Contract - a mechanism enabling the contractor, and sometimes the consultant
team, to share in the benefits of cost savings, but also to bear some of the client's cost
when there are cost overruns
JUNE 2016

a) Uniformly is one of the most crucial aspects in presenting data when preparing the Bill of Quantities
(BQ). Give 5 reasons why parties involved in Construction projects need to have uniformity when
preparing the Bill of Quantities (BQ).

1. Ease of computerization-application of work classification

2. Help contractor produce more accurate tenders
3. Things are easier to expect when they are consistent
4. Ensure filing systematically
5. Makes it easy for contractors to find an old BQ if there is a problem

b) Write short notes on the following terms used in a BIll of Quantities (BQ) for a construction project:

i) Abstracting - Collecting the totals form dimension paper on to an abstract to produce a

final total for each individual description.
ii) Specification - A concise description of materials and workmanship, standard or quality of
workmanship. It must convey the architect and engineer’s requirements.
iii) Provisional sum - a sum (if any) which is specified in the Contract as a provisional sum,
for the execution of any part of the Works or for the supply of Plant, Materials or services
under Sub-Clauses 13.5
iv) Work classification in CESMM - It sets out a procedure for the preparation of a bill of
quantities for civil engineering works, for pricing and for the expression and measurement
of quantities of work. The bill of quantities enables tenders to be prepared efficiently and
can be used to value work completed once the contract has been let.

c) A bridge in Jeli, Kelantan was damaged due to a recent flood. The state government through the
Public Work Department (JKR) is required to carry-out an urgent repair on the bridge. You have
been appointed as a Project Director to initiate and perform the task given. Suggest the most
suitable type of contract to be used for this bridge repair project. Justify your answer.

All in contract because the main contractor is appointed by the client to do the design and
construction. The contractor can use their own in-house designers, consultant to complete the
design. Clients can also choose their own contractor for specific work (Nominated-sub contractor).
This contract is one of favoured by the Government for publicly-funded project
This contract allows a fully integrated team to work together from the beginning.
DECEMBER 2016

a) Among the elements which are to be standardized in the Bill of Quantities (BQ) are units of
measurement and description of works. Discuss why this elements need to be standardized and
explain the implication of not standardizing them in the production of a BQ

1. To promote efficiency in the project implementation

2. Reduce ambiguities in the bill of quantities
3. Can reduce the resource that contractor needs to perform tedious task
4. Ease of computerization-application of work classification

Implication

1. To provide not uniformity of documents produced

2. Things are more difficult to expect when they are consistent
3. Contractor can not produce more accurate tenders
4. More dispute arising from measurement discrepancies

b) The Government of malaysia plans to construct a mass rapid transit in Klang valley and requires a
Company to perform the job which include:

i) To plan, design, construct, and commission the works in accordance to the contract
document.
ii) To be the best advantage to the Government and in accordance with good management and
best industry practice as determined by the Government. The company shall take all
appropriate measures expected of a competent contractor using due care and skills of a
person providing similar service or works to ensure that the works comply with the terms
and conditions of the contract.

Propose with justification the most suitable type of contract to be used for this project.

All in contract because the main contractor is appointed by the client to do the design and construct.
The contractor can use their own in-house designers, consultant to complete the design. Clients can
also choose their own contractor for specific work (Nominated-sub contractor). This contract is one
of favoured by the Government for publicly-funded project
This contract allows a fully integrated team to work together from the beginning.
JULY 2017

a) Construction projects start with the conceptual stage, followed by preconstruction, construction and
ends after the post construction stage. Highlight the stage where the bill of quantities is produced
and discuss why the bill of quantities must be finalized in the contract document during that stage.

Pre-construction because it was prepared by a Quantity Surveyor based on measurement from the
construction drawings or building plans and specification prepared by the designers/ engineers. This
document itemized all the quantities for each category of works applied in constructing the
buildings. E.g. building works, mechanical, electrical works, civil, structural works, infrastructure
works, etc.. Then, The contractor will give a price or estimate all the works associated in
completing the buildings during the pre-construction stage.

b) Write short notes on the terms “Prime Cost” and “Preamble” items as used in the Bill of Quantities.

Prime cost - an allowance for articles to be provided by the contractor, of which price cannot be
fixed at the time of tender. It refers only to the supply of materials and not to the carrying out of
works. A specific amount will be earmarked in the BOQ for execution of such items. Examples are
fixtures and finishing works like ceramic tiles, sanitary fittings, water supply fittings etc. that can be
decided only at the time of execution. Contractor is not entitled for any profit on prime cost items,
but sometimes the cost of carriage will be provided if specified in the contract.
Preamble - Define the rules governing the method of measurement of the works and contain
instruction as to what is to be included within unit rates and/or lump sum prices.

c) A retaining wall needs to be constructed immediately due to a landslide incident, with an allocated
budget of Rm 300,000 and must be completed in a short period within months. Propose and justify
the most suitable type of contract to be used for this project.

Cost reimbursement with fixed fee contract. The sum paid to the contractor will be the actual cost
incurred in the execution of the work plus a fixed lump sum which has been previously agreed. No
incentive to the contractor if the work can be completed early. It can be related to this construction
with a certain budget.
JANUARY 2018

a) Explain the possible consequences to contractors if Bill of Quantities are not standardized.

1. All tendering contractors base their prices on the same information and therefore tenders
cannot be compared.
2. The contractors cannot save the costly exercise of each having to take off quantities for
themselves.
3. Bills may not convenient for variation of certificated stage payments during the contract
4. Bills provided will be not fair for variations and adjustments for the final account.
5. Bill will not provide an approximate checklist for the contractor to order materials and other
resources.

b) Write short notes on the following terms used in the production of BIll of Quantities

i) Preamble - Define the rules governing the method of measurement of the works and
contain instruction as to what is to be included within unit rates and/or lump sum prices.
ii) Day work schedule - A list of the various classes of labour, material and plant for which
day work rates or prices are to be inserted by the tenderer.
iii) Civil engineering standard method of measurement - the main purpose of the measurement
based on CESMM is for coordinating and planning of the quantity list, to list the details of
work to ensure consistency and systematic and to state the new techniques of construction
clearly.

c) A bridge in Jeli, Kelantan was damaged due to a recent flood and has caused major transportation
problems for people travelling from Tanah Merah, Kelantan to Grik, Perak and vice versa. The
Kelantan state government has requested the Public Work Department (JKR) to carry-out an
immediate and urgent repair on the bridge so that vehicles can pass through the bridge and travelling
through Jeli can be restored to normal as soon as possible. Based on the information given and the
nature of the problem, suggest with justification the most suitable type of contract to be used for the
bridge repair project.

All in contract because the main contractor is appointed by the client to do the design and construct.
The contractor can use their own in-house designers, consultant to complete the design. Clients can
also choose their own contractor for specific work (Nominated-sub contractor). This contract is one
of favoured by the Government for publicly-funded project
This contract allows a fully integrated team to work together from the beginning.
JUNE 2018

a) In order to produce a complete Bill of quantities, it has to pass through 2 vital processes, the
measurement process and writing up the item description. Discuss the process of producing a
complete set of Bill of Quantities (BQ) in Malaysia by giving an example of any construction
project and their work classification.

List of Principal Quantities, the list of principal quantities being the main components of the
works, with their approximate quantities, so that tenderers obtain an overall picture of the
general scale and character of the proposed works at the outset. Preambles, Introductory
clauses inserted at the commencement of bill of quantities containing any necessary
Instructions, references to obligations imposed on the contractor under the term of the
Contract. Main purpose is to help contractors when tendering for jobs by making the task
of pricing the bill of quantities as straightforward as possible. Daywork schedule/rates, it is
necessary to make provision for a daywork evaluation of work which cannot be assessed
at bill rates. Work Items, part 1 is general Item and part 2 is reservoir. And lastly, grand
summary, total cost for the sections

b) Write short notes on the following terms used in relation BIll of Quantities (BQ)

i) Prime cost item - an allowance for articles to be provided by the contractor, of which price
cannot be fixed at the time of tender. It refers only to the supply of materials and not to the
carrying out of works. A specific amount will be earmarked in the BOQ for execution of
such items. Examples are fixtures and finishing works like ceramic tiles, sanitary fittings,
water supply fittings etc. that can be decided only at the time of execution. Contractor is
not entitled for any profit on prime cost items, but sometimes the cost of carriage will be
provided if specified in the contract.
ii) Preamble - Define the rules governing the method of measurement of the works and
contain instruction as to what is to be included within unit rates and/or lump sum prices.
iii) Day work schedule - A list of the various classes of labour, material and plant for which
day work rates or prices are to be inserted by the tenderer.
iv) Standard method in measurement - Bill of quantities may be prepared using different types
of standard methods of measurement depending on the work categories such as building
construction and civil engineering projects.

c) Compare and contrast between the characteristics of a BIll of Quantities (BQ) contract and a
Design and build contract.

BIll of Quantities (BQ) contract Design and build contract

Based on detailed bill of approximate quantities Full details drawing, construction and cost
including the maintenance of the works for
limited period

The total cost of the project is uncertainty. The owner and the contractor agree to a
project cost guaranteed by the contractor as
maximum

Quality of materials and workmanship describe Performing specification are provided to the
in a specification owner at the outset of the construction
DECEMBER 2018

a) Explain the 2 types of Standard Method of Measurement (SSM) commonly used in construction
project

1. Malaysian Standard Methods of Measurement for Building works (SMM2) - Institution of

Surveyors Malaysia (ISM) (adapted from SMM by RICS (UK)
2. Malaysian Standard Method of Measurement for civil engineering works (CESMM) -
CIDB (adapted from CESMM by ICE / FCEC (UK)

b) Discuss 4 reasons for the popular use of BIll of Quantities (BQ) in civil engineering contracts.

1. It saves the cost and time of several contractors measuring the same design in order to
calculate their bids for competition.
2. It helps with calculation of interim valuations and progress payments.
3. Valuing of variations orders
4. Bill of quantities helps to prepare final account

c) Cost-reimbursable contracts are most often used when the scope of work or the cost for the
performing the works are unclear. Briefly, describe the advantages of using the contract to the
contractors and explain with an example the following types of Cost-reimbursable contracts

i) Cost-reimbursable contract with a fixed fee

any cost increase due to bad performance of the Seller is the responsibility of the Seller,
who is contractually bound to complete the job within the agreed amount. For example, the
Seller will complete the construction for RM 2.1 million in 3 years from the signing of the
contract
ii) Cost-reimbursable contract with percentage fee
The Seller is paid for all costs incurred plus a percentage of these costs. Like CPFF except
that Fee is not fixed; it is tied to the Cost incurred. Preferred by Sellers; not by the Buyers.
Rather, added Risk for Buyer that the Seller may artificially increase the cost to earn a
higher fee
For example the Seller will be paid total Costs incurred plus 12% of the Costs incurred as
the Seller’s fee

iii) Cost-reimbursable contract with an incentive fee

Seller is given an additional incentive based on his performance. However, should the seller
delay the project, he is likely to pay Liquidated Damages at the same rate. For example the
buyer shall pay the seller 1% of the contract cost for each complete month the bridge is
completed and handed over earlier. The Seller shall pay the Buyer 1% of the contract cost
as Liquidated Damages for every one complete month the construction is completed and
handed over late.
JUNE 2019

a) Write short notes on the following section as used in the BIll of Quantities (BQ)

i) Preamble - Define the rules governing the method of measurement of the works and
contain instruction as to what is to be included within unit rates and/or lump sum prices.
ii) Work items - It is general item for the prime cost items and provisional sums
iii) Daywork schedule - A list of the various classes of labour, material and plant for which day
work rates or prices are to be inserted by the tenderer.
iv) Grand summary - total cost for the sections

b) Malaysian Civil Engineering Standard Method of Measurement (MyCESMM) is intended to be a

national document that features the rules of measurement, definition, coverage and description of
Civil engineering works to be used as the basis in the preparation of BIll of Quantities (BQ).
Discuss the advantages of using MyCESMM

1. Cost be better managed as it provides complications of data and be used as cost control
tool
2. Less dispute since the scope of works and measurement method clearly defined
3. Computerization can be done with standard phraseology and coding
4. Better suit to local condition and method of working on site, provide measurement
convention

c) Daya engineering sdn bhd was awarded a contract for a pipe laying project at Subang jaya,
Selangor form the federal government. Problems occurring during the installation process resulted in
a cause delay for the project. As the engineer and representative of the client, you are aware of the
contract violation by the contractor for this project. The project is urgently needed to be finished as
scheduled earlier. Discuss the most suitable type of contract to be used in this situation.

Cost-reimbursable contract with an incentive fee because in this contract, the seller gives an
additional incentive based on his performance. However, should the seller delay the project, he is
likely to pay Liquidated Damages at the same rate. For example the buyer shall pay the seller 1% of
the contract cost for each complete month the pipe laying project is completed and handed over
earlier.
DECEMBER 2019

a) Explain the possible consequences to contractors if Bill of Quantities are not standardized.

i) All tendering contractors base their prices on the same information and therefore tenders
cannot be compared.
ii) The contractors cannot save the costly exercise of each having to take off quantities for
themselves.
iii) Bills may not convenient for variation of certificated stage payments during the contract
iv) Bills provided will be not fair for variations and adjustments for the final account.
v) Bill will not provide an approximate checklist for the contractor to order materials and other
resources.

b) Write short notes on the following terms used in relation BIll of Quantities (BQ)

i) Provisional items - a sum (if any) which is specified in the Contract as a provisional sum,
for the execution of any part of the Works or for the supply of Plant, Materials or services
under Sub-Clauses 13.5
ii) Prime cost item - an allowance for articles to be provided by the contractor, of which price
cannot be fixed at the time of tender. It refers only to the supply of materials and not to the
carrying out of works. A specific amount will be earmarked in the BOQ for execution of
such items. Examples are fixtures and finishing works like ceramic tiles, sanitary fittings,
water supply fittings etc. that can be decided only at the time of execution. Contractor is
not entitled for any profit on prime cost items, but sometimes the cost of carriage will be
provided if specified in the contract.
iii) Malaysian Civil Engineering Standard Method of Measurement (MyCESMM)

c) A bridge at the Timur Barat Highway near Machang, Kelantan was damaged due to a recent flood
and has resulted in major transportation problems for people travelling from Machang to Taah
Merah and vice versa. The Kelantan state government has requested the Public Work Department
(JKR) to carry-out an urgent repair on the bridge so that travelling from Machang to Tanah Merah
can be restored to normal as soon as possible. Based on the information given and the nature of
the problem, suggest with justification the most suitable type of contract to be used for the bridge
repair work.

All in contract because the main contractor is appointed by the client to do the design and
construction. The contractor can use their own in-house designers, consultant to complete the
design. Clients can also choose their own contractor for specific work (Nominated-sub contractor).
This contract is one of favoured by the Government for publicly-funded project
This contract allows a fully integrated team to work together from the beginning.