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Dispute Board

A Dispute Board is another method used in complex engineering projects such as desalination plants. It involves an independent committee established by the parties to construction contracts. Dispute boards are usually provided for in the contract and thus are in place from the commencement of the project. They usually comprise 3 members; one chosen by each party and the third chosen by the two nominees. Dispute Review Boards can hold informal hearings and produce non-binding recommendations. They are a roving band of reporters charged with acting impartially and independently dealing with problems as they arise. Dispute Adjudication Boards, on the other hand, deal with matters that are in dispute. The procedure adopted by a DBA is usually more formal and structured, containing provisions such as time stipulations for notices and so on. A DAB’s decision is immediately binding unless challenged by a notice of dissatisfaction. Both the recommendations of a DRB and the decision of a DAB may be admitted before an arbitrator, if the matter proceeds to that stage.