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CCA releases playbook on risk management in public procurement

The construction industry is no stranger to risk and uncertainty. From health and safety procedures to managing tight schedules and cost fluctuations, project delivery often feels like a balancing act. While this may seem like a well-understood reality, the overall success of any construction project hinges on how stakeholders allocate, assign, and manage these risks throughout the project lifecycle.

In light of these challenges, the Canadian Construction Association (CCA) has released a new paper, Construction playbook: Public procurement risk allocation, that addresses a pressing issue in public construction projects – the practice of transferring ambiguous risks or risks which are beyond the control of general contractors to them.

Developed by CCA’s General Contractors National Advisory Council, the Construction playbook outlines the fundamental principles of risk management in construction. It highlights recent examples of risk transfer and explains how an unbalanced approach can negatively impact all parties involved in a project.

The report also offers practical mitigation strategies. By equipping contractors with the tools to identify, manage, and protect themselves against uncertain project risks, the paper aims to foster a more collaborative environment in public procurement.

We encourage all stakeholders – contractors, consultants, and public owners – to read the report and engage in conversations about improving risk management practices.

To access the Construction playbook, click here.