Client and contractor experiences in framework construction agreements in South Africa

The global shift from traditional to collaborative procurement and contracting has increased the use of framework construction agreements (FCAs). This study sought to identify reasons clients opt for the use of these agreements and analyse the experiences of clients and contractors using framework agreements for construction projects. Questionnaire data from 19 respondents representing a 63% response rate in five client organisations and four contractor organisations were analysed using descriptive statistics. The findings indicate that both parties have positive experiences with FCAs, citing collaboration, efficiency, and cost savings as some of the mutual reasons. Clients prioritise FCAs for enhanced efficiency and effectiveness. They use them due to their ability to enhance successful project outcomes, facilitate rapid project planning and implementation, and promote collaboration. However, the main challenge for clients revolves around understanding how an FCA is set up and utilised. Others include fairness concerns and jurisdictional alignment. The contractors, on the other hand, mainly struggle with insufficient commercial knowledge of FCAs, highlighting the need for them to develop strong commercial expertise to engage profitably in setting up and utilising these agreements. Clients and contractors should address these challenges to improve the mutual experience for the parties.