IMechE/IET Model Forms of Contract, Practical Law UK Practice Note Overview...

IMechE/IET Model Forms of Contract

by Practical Law Construction (originally contributed by Berwin Leighton Paisner LLP)

Practice note: overview | Maintained | England, International, Wales

A note outlining the Institution of Mechanical Engineers and the Institution of Engineering and Technology's MF
suite of contracts.

Scope of this note

What are the IMechE/IET Model Forms of Contract?
Who uses the IMechE/IET forms and for what type of project?
Types of project

International projects

Users of the IMechE/IET forms

Further reading

Scope of this note

The Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE) and the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) issue a range of
model forms of general conditions of contract (including forms of tender, agreement and performance bond) and some separate
guides to their use (known as "commentaries").

These are model forms of contract for electrical and mechanical work and consultancy. The content of these publications
is decided by a joint committee of IMechE/IET members and others representing the various interests of the electrical and
mechanical engineering industries.

This note identifies the various model forms of contract and the type of project that uses these forms.

What are the IMechE/IET Model Forms of Contract?

There are seven current "primary publications", comprising four model forms and three commentaries:

• MF/1 (Revision 6) (2014 edition) (MF/1)

A model form of contract for the design, supply and installation of electrical, electronic and mechanical plant.

For information on MF/1, see Practice note, MF/1 form of contract.

• MF/2 (Revision 1) (1999 edition) (MF/2)

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IMechE/IET Model Forms of Contract, Practical Law UK Practice Note Overview...

A model form of general conditions of contract for use in connection with home or overseas contracts for the supply of
electrical, electronic or mechanical plant.

For information on MF/2, see Practice note, MF/2 form of contract.

• MF/3 (Revision 1) (2001 edition) (MF/3)

A model form of general conditions of contract for use in connection with home contracts for the supply of electrical
and mechanical goods.

For information on MF/3, see Practice note, MF/3 form of contract.

• MF/4 (2003 edition) (MF/4)

A model form of terms and conditions of engagement for an engineering consultant, for use in connection with home or
overseas projects.

For more information on MF/4, see Practice note, MF/4 form of contract.

• Commentary on MF/1 (Revision 6) (2017 edition)

• Commentary on MF/2 (2000 edition)

• Commentary on MF/4 (2004 edition)

The model forms and their commentaries can be purchased from the IMechE Information and Library Service or the IET
Publication Sales Department. MF/4 is available as a free download from the IMechE website.

Who uses the IMechE/IET forms and for what type of project?

Types of project

The IMechE/IET model forms are designed for use where specific items of mechanical or electrical plant need to be supplied
and installed into a construction project.

The choice between model forms MF/1, MF/2 and MF/3 depends on the type of plant and the extent to which the contractor is
required to provide design and installation services. For example, MF/1 should be used where the contractor is also responsible
for installing and testing the plant. If the contractor is simply required to design and supply the plant in question then MF/2 is
the more appropriate form. In contrast, MF/4 is for the provision of engineering consultancy services.

Examples of projects that have been procured on the basis of these model forms include:

• The supply, installation and commissioning of electrical transformers for use in construction projects, such as airports.

• The design, supply, installation and commissioning of complex automated systems, such as those used in distribution
warehouses and other manufacturing industries.

• The design, supply and installation of mechanical equipment and ductwork for a simulated fire training facility.

• The design, supply, installation and commissioning of wind turbines.

• The design, construction and commissioning of combined heat and power plants.

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IMechE/IET Model Forms of Contract, Practical Law UK Practice Note Overview...

• The provision of erection services, commissioning and support work in respect of heat recovery system generators.

• The design, construction and commissioning of biomass plants.

International projects

MF/1 and MF/2 are expressly stated to be appropriate for international projects and not simply projects in the UK. Similarly
MF/4, a professional appointment for the engagement of an engineer by a client to manage or administer an MF/1 or MF/2
contract, is capable of being used on UK or international projects.

In contrast, MF/3 is only suitable for use as a simple supply contract for projects in the UK.

Users of the IMechE/IET forms

Users are varied and include utility companies and suppliers of specialist electrical and mechanical plant. Traditionally the
model forms tended to be favoured by suppliers of such specialist plant based in mainland Europe and were used less often for
UK projects. However, in recent years MF/1 has enjoyed a resurgence in the UK, especially for renewable energy projects.

There are still few reported cases on these model forms of contract mainly because, until recently, they were rarely used for
UK projects and when they were, arbitration tended to be the preferred procedure for finally determining disputes between the
parties. This may change if MF/1 continues to remain a popular choice of contract with UK-based suppliers.

Further reading
The IET has published the following material providing guidance on its model forms of contract:

• Frequently asked questions - Model Forms of General Conditions of Contract

The IET's Frequently asked questions - Model Forms of General Conditions of Contract is freely available for
download. It briefly explains the purpose of each form of contract as well as answering several specific questions.

• Commentaries on MF/1, MF/2 and MF/4

For more information, see What are the IMechE/IET Model Forms of Contract?.

END OF DOCUMENT

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IMechE/IET Model Forms of Contract, Practical Law UK Practice Note Overview...

MF/1 form of contract • Maintained

MF/2 form of contract • Maintained
MF/3 form of contract • Maintained
MF/4 form of contract • Maintained

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