What is OpenJOC?

OpenJOC, a term coined by Four BT, LLC, is the deployment of Job Order Contracting based upon LEAN construction delivery best management practices.

OpenJOC enables facility owners and facility managers to efficiently obtain construction services using a process tailored to the type, size and complexity of  the numerous renovation and repair projects commonly encountered.

OpenJOC leverages processes, standardized cost data, and technology to drive win-win relationships among all project participants and on-time, on-budget, quality construction outcomes.

Key characteristics of OpenJOC

• Outcome-driven
• Process-based
• Best value procurement
• Early and ongoing collaboration
• Standardized, locally-researched cost data
• Technology-supported
• Ongoing monitoring & training
• Long-term relationships

The Importance of Relationships

Relationships are critical to LEAN construction and successful Job Order Contracts. When considering a JOC, it is critical that appropriate relationships be developed, nurtured, and maintained among the owner and all participants.

Positive relationships, including an atmosphere of mutual trust and respect are inherent to OpenJOC.   They drive lower overall costs and virtually eliminate legal disputes. That said proper and well-defined relationships must be established, documented, and maintained from the day one, and a competent Owner with good leadership skills plays a vital role.

In some cases, consultants are hired to assist in managing a Job Order Contract. This practice, common in certain areas,  provides a temporary option for owners new to JOC, or during interim periods increased work volume.    Regardless of the reason, however, it critical that owners assure that JOC consultants maintain an appropriate contractual relationship.  For example, if a JOC consultant if paid a fee based upon construction dollar volume (specifically a percentage of total JOC construction volume), they should have not be responsible for approving JOC projects and/or JOC task orders.   This would present a conflict of interest and potential for mismanagement.

Thus, properly deveolped Job Order Contracts  have documented processes that support early and ongoing sharing of project work scope, detailed costs, and other required information, and  remove the ‘ad hoc’ methods, misinformation, distrust,  delays, and change orders associated with traditional construction delivery methods.