A Framework of “Employer’s Requirements” for Design-Build Projects

Under design-build mode, the “Employers Requirements” has become an important basis for the employer to exercise contract control. In the fields of building and municipal infrastructure of China, employers often formulate “Employer's Requirements” based on relevant policy documents but lack analysis of the logical components and planning process involved. This leads to increased risks in contract control for the employer. This study defines the connotation of “Employer's Requirements” by examining relevant policy documents and contract samples. It clarifies the system requirements for employers in formulating “Employer's Requirements” and designs a planning process for them. Furthermore, we construct a framework system for “Employer's Requirements” based on functional and quality standards, as well as contract measurement and pricing rules. This study proposes that the formulation of “Employer's Requirements” should be based on a reconstructed project breakdown structure, incorporating quality control and cost considerations throughout the construction process. The framework system is constructed from five aspects, which are project decomposition structure, functional and quality standards, construction requirements, operation and maintenance requirements, and measurement and pricing rules. The aim is to provide references for employers in formulating “Employer’s Requirements”.