This recommended practice (RP) of AACE International addresses the process of change management as applied in engineering, procurement, and construction, given the lack of one in the terms of the construction contract. This process applies across various contracting strategies or delivery methods. This RP does not include scope changes (allowable by contract) associated with unit price work. Nor does this RP address the process concerning the management of changes that are internal to a single party that does not affect another party to a contract.

This RP is intended to provide guidelines (i.e., not a standard) concerning the change management process on a capital construction project that most practitioners would consider good practice for use where applicable. This recommended practice is relevant to stakeholders on a capital construction project; for instance, owner, contractor, construction manager, or other stakeholders. Although this recommended practice is written in the context of a contract between owner and contractor, it is applicable to any parties contracted to perform a project, including owners and architect-engineers (A/E), as well as general contractors and sub-contractors.