Primary Author: Mr Scott A Beisler
Co-Author(s): Mr James G Zack Jr CFCC
Audience Focus: Intermediate
Application Type: Application
Venue: 2015 AACE International Annual Meeting, Las Vegas, NV, USA
Abstract: Ghost Schedules , also known as secret or shadow schedules, are used “behind the scenes” on construction projects for various purposes. Contractors use them to record their original plan when owners refuse to approve early completion schedules or fail to grant time extensions as well as to manage subcontractors/suppliers to early finish dates. They are used for planned early completion schedules, “target” schedules, others’ buy-in for early completion and contemporaneous project decisions. A decision from the Court of Federal Claims that ruled contractors are “not required to advise the owner of its planned early completion” affects active scheduling and delay analysis. Owners use Ghost Schedules when contractor schedules or updates are deemed unusable, as an accurate as-built schedule permits independent delay analysis and more informed project decisions about potential change orders. Since a Ghost Schedule is not the contract schedule there are pros and cons concerning its use. This paper’s goal is to show how Ghost Schedules can be used by both parties for better project control, decision-making and faster resolution of claims as well as the associated risks.
Co-Author(s): Mr James G Zack Jr CFCC
Audience Focus: Intermediate
Application Type: Application
Venue: 2015 AACE International Annual Meeting, Las Vegas, NV, USA
Abstract: Ghost Schedules , also known as secret or shadow schedules, are used “behind the scenes” on construction projects for various purposes. Contractors use them to record their original plan when owners refuse to approve early completion schedules or fail to grant time extensions as well as to manage subcontractors/suppliers to early finish dates. They are used for planned early completion schedules, “target” schedules, others’ buy-in for early completion and contemporaneous project decisions. A decision from the Court of Federal Claims that ruled contractors are “not required to advise the owner of its planned early completion” affects active scheduling and delay analysis. Owners use Ghost Schedules when contractor schedules or updates are deemed unusable, as an accurate as-built schedule permits independent delay analysis and more informed project decisions about potential change orders. Since a Ghost Schedule is not the contract schedule there are pros and cons concerning its use. This paper’s goal is to show how Ghost Schedules can be used by both parties for better project control, decision-making and faster resolution of claims as well as the associated risks.