BIM for procurement - procuring for BIM

Contractual frameworks currently applied in Australia predate the use of life-cycle Building Information Modelling (BIM) for the delivery of construction projects. To date, little has been done to align the various contractual procurement methods in Australia with the novel opportunities offered via BIM. It is the objective of this paper to position BIM under various contract procurement methods and to hint at the possibilities for adjustment of these procurement methods in the light of collaborative work-practices. The author does not claim to have extensive expertise in construction law and this paper does therefore not directly outline new forms of contractual arrangements. Instead, the author brings into perspective the opportunities and challenges of BIM under the contract procurement methods one by one.