FAQ #2: What is the definition of third-party

commissioning?
Summary. The purpose of this document is to define third party commissioning and describe the various means by
which building commissioning can be contracted to meet the needs of a project, in the best interest of the Owner.
Definition tied to Contractual Relationship. The term “third-party,” or “independent third-party,” commissioning is
typically used to describe a contractual relationship in which the commissioning provider (CxP) is accountable
directly to the Owner and independent of any other entity involved in the project, especially with responsibility for
the design or construction of the systems being commissioned.
The following flowchart represents multiple scenarios in which the CxP is connected contractually to the Owner on a
project.

Third Party Cx
Independence
Scenario 1 and 2 relationships are
considered “independent” third-
party contracts.

Scenario #1 – Qualified Provider part

of the Owner staff.
Scenario #2 – Qualified Provider
hired directly by the Owner with no
other relationship to the project’s
design or construction companies.
Scenario #3 – Qualified Provider
hired by the Owner directly, who is
not a participating member of the
project design or construction team
but is employed by one of those
companies.
Scenario #4 – Qualified Provider
with contractual relationship to
design or construction team who is a
separate company from those teams.
In this scenario, the CxP is third-
party, but not independent.
Scenario #5 – Qualified Provider
who is not a participating member of
the project design or construction
team but is employed by one of
those companies and is contractually
obligated to the design or
construction team.

January 2021