1.1.2.

Key Contract Dates

Dates defined The following key dates are identified in the Contract:
in the
Contract
Date Description
Contract Date The date the Employer issues the Letter of
Acceptance.
Starting Date The date on which the Contractor proposes to start
the works. This must be within the time limit set in
the contract.
Date for The date by which the works, or part of the works (a
Substantial section), must be ready to be taken over and used by
2
Completion the Employer.
Defects Period The dates that define the period after substantial
completion during which any defects must be
rectified – this usually lasts 12 months.
Designated Date The date 10 days before the last day for receipt of
the Contractor’s tender for the works.
Recovery Date The Designated Date adjusted by the period of delay
to the Starting Date that results from the actions or
omissions of the Contractor.
Base Date Depends on which price valuation method is used:
PV1 PV2
The first day of the 31st The date of the first day
calendar month after the of the 37th calendar
Contract Date month after the
Designated
Date/Recovery Date
.
The Contractor’s time for completion of the works (unless it is a fixed date)
runs from the date when the Letter of Acceptance is issued.
Note: The Base Date is only applicable to contracts that are longer than 36
months duration from the Designated Date/Recovery date in the case of PV2,
or contracts that are longer than 30 months duration from the Contract Date in
the case of PV1. The Contract, Designated, Recovery and Base Dates have a
specific meaning in relation to the Price Variation clauses. See 2.5.2
Managing Price Variation on page 70 for more information about price
variation.

2
This has traditionally been referred to as the date for Practical Completion on building contracts.

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