The role of CERN in the large construction contracts for LHC civil works

The contracts for the civil engineering construction of the LHC are based upon the standard FIDIC (Fédération Internationale des Ingénieurs Conseils) document entitled "Conditions of Contract for Works of Civil Engineering Construction". FIDIC is a reputable supra-national and world-wide Federation of Consulting Engineers focused on the definition and regulation of the role of many parties involved with the International Construction Industry. An overview of FIDIC's and other Organizations', such as the World Bank, standard documents is presented. The difference between standard Contract documents and standard Bidding documents is pointed out. In view of CERN's status as an intergovernmental Organization, the original FIDIC standard documents needed to be adapted. The modifications are identified and explained. A concise definition of the role of each party concerned by the LHC construction Contracts, i.e. the Contractor, the Engineer and the Client (CERN), is made. Finally, a brief cost-benefit analysis on this particularly contract drafting exercise is presented along with some preliminary conclusions and an outline of foreseen difficulties with the Contract management.