Tunneling projects are complex and large-scale on a regular basis. Consequently, they pose chal- lenges for contractors regarding risk management, cost calculation, and timely execution. These challenges often result in cost and schedule overruns on the part of public-sector owners. An opportunity to remedy these griev- ances are Innovative Project Delivery (IPD) models. A variation of IPD refers to the early involvement of con- tractors and suppliers. Early Contractor Involvement (ECI) can take different forms depending on the time of the initiation and the project. The initiation can occur at various points: during the preparation of the project; during the planning phase; and between the planning phase and the construction contract. ECI can influence several aspects positively: improving manufacturing methods; understanding, mitigating, and managing risks; reducing complexity, disputes, and backlog management; cooperation among all stakeholders; on-time execution within budget. This paper aims to identify specific characteristics projects must meet for ECI to be applied successfully. A selection system to determine whether the use of ECI makes sense is developed concerning the requirements of public-sector owners. Firstly, existing and applied forms of ECI are gathered by literature review. Secondly, a qualitative analysis of ECI projects and ECI variations is conducted. Characteristics leading to success or failure are identified by determining the appliance project’s success. A selection system for public owners is created to determine whether using ECI is reasonable. Project scale, both financially and in complexity; the application of risk management; timeline; and workforce represent an excerpt of the determined hard characteristics. In com- parison, in-house competence and cooperation capability represent soft characteristics. Based on determined char- acteristics the Contractor Involvement Tool (CIT) is created. The tool helps public owners choose the right variant of ECI for their projects. Therefore, applying the tool to public projects in Germany is the next step.    «

Tunneling projects are complex and large-scale on a regular basis. Consequently, they pose chal- lenges for contractors regarding risk management, cost calculation, and timely execution. These challenges often result in cost and schedule overruns on the part of public-sector owners. An opportunity to remedy these griev- ances are Innovative Project Delivery (IPD) models. A variation of IPD refers to the early involvement of con- tractors and suppliers. Early Contractor Involvement (ECI)...    »