Nec3 Professional Services Short Contract (Pssc)

The "NEC3 Professional Services Short Contract (PSSC)" is not a book but a contract document produced by the New Engineering Contract (NEC) suite. Here is a comprehensive overview of the PSSC:

Key Themes

1. Purpose: The PSSC is designed for use in appointing suppliers to provide professional services on smaller-scale projects where sophisticated management techniques are not required.
2. Scope: It can be used for appointing project managers, supervisors, designers, consultants, or other suppliers under NEC contracts, as well as for non-NEC construction projects or non-construction projects.
3. Simplicity: Intentionally simpler than the Professional Services Contract (PSC), the PSSC is designed to be more straightforward and easier to use for smaller projects.

Plot Summary (Contract Structure)

The PSSC is structured to provide a clear and concise framework for managing professional services. It includes provisions for:

• Appointment: The process of appointing a supplier to provide professional services.
• Scope of Work: Defining the scope of the services to be provided.
• Payment: Various payment options to ensure clarity and fairness.
• Contract Management: Tools and guidelines for managing the contract effectively.

Critical Reception

While there is no traditional "critical reception" in the form of book reviews, the PSSC has been endorsed by the Construction Clients' Board, which aims to standardize the use of NEC contracts to promote efficiencies and behaviors aligned with the principles of Achieving Excellence in Construction.

Training and Resources

To support users, NEC offers training and guidance materials, including an introductory online learning course that helps new or potential users understand the philosophy of NEC, the reasons for the publication of the PSSC, and its key features.

Practical Application

The PSSC has been successfully applied in practice, as highlighted in a webinar by the Association for Project Management (APM), which discussed the basics of putting together the contract and contract management. Richard Patterson, a procurement and NEC specialist, emphasized the importance of using NEC widely and has given training in various countries, contributing to its practical application.

In summary, the NEC3 Professional Services Short Contract (PSSC) is a practical tool designed for managing professional services on smaller-scale projects. It is simpler than its counterpart, the PSC, and is endorsed by industry bodies for its clarity and efficiency.