Under FIDIC 1999 (both Yellow Book and Silver Book), Clause 8.1 clearly states that the Contractor “shall commence the design and execution of the Works as soon as is reasonably practicable after the Commencement Date.” This clause establishes the formal contractual obligation and timing for starting the Works, but it does not expressly prohibit the Contractor from undertaking preparatory activities—such as preliminary design—before the Commencement Date.
However, any such early design activity is not covered by the contractual protections that apply after the Commencement Date. This means the Contractor proceeds entirely at its own risk. For example, if changes arise due to late Employer requirements, Engineer’s instructions, or modifications in the Employer’s Requirements, the Contractor cannot automatically claim additional time or cost for rework associated with pre-commencement design.
From a contract management perspective, this reflects a key FIDIC principle: risk allocation follows contractual triggers. Since the Commencement Date activates obligations and entitlements (including EOT and cost claims under Clause 20), activities performed before this date fall outside those mechanisms unless explicitly agreed otherwise.
Therefore, while early design is not forbidden, it is commercially risky, and prudent Contractors typically avoid significant pre-commencement commitments without formal authorization.
