The newly released Building Information Modelling contract conditions by HKIS

In line with the global trend, the HKSAR government has been actively promoting the use of Building Information Modelling (BIM) in major capital projects. However, without clear guidelines on the contractual terms in using BIM, local employers, consultants, contractors and subcontractors are concerned with the risks and liabilities involved.

The Hong Kong Institute of Surveyors (HKIS) acknowledges the necessity of proper contract conditions for proper BIM implementation. In response to local industry needs, HKIS released the first version of the BIM Conditions of Contract on 21 April 2020. The BIM Conditions of Contract addresses various contractual issues in BIM including (1) priority of contract documents, (2) obligations of project participants, (3) centralised electronic document management system, (4) digital data and BIM management, (5) BIM execution plan, (6) use of the models, (7) intellectual property rights of the models, etc.

The HKIS BIM Contract Conditions is drafted for use in conjunction with most local standard forms of professional services appointments and construction contracts. As a further incentive for stakeholders to adopt the HKIS BIM Contract Conditions, the document is available for free downloading online (https://www.hkis.org.hk/ufiles/bim_20200421a.pdf).