My contractor submitted his attendance sheets late. This means I cannot ascertain how many manhours he has worked for my project. What is the legal term for this issue? Is it a "latent issue"? Saving Changes...
Delay in submission of time sheets are quite common but most importantly we need to find out the reasons for this late submssion. If the reasons are beyond control by contractor and common for all contractors working on same proejct, then it's acceptable.
Regarding the verification of working hours, I believe this is measurable and can be validated by considering other approaches such as asking questions, checking output for efforts spent or claimed in terms of hours (input/output validation) etc., even if the time sheet is submitted lately. Saving Changes...
Thomas WalentaGlobal Project Economy ExpertHackenheim, Germany
Syed,
there will always be a gap between hours worked and reporting (which then should be approved by the PM), and then more importantly hours charged by an invoice and then invoice paid after agreed periods. These 5 points in time have to be reconciled (normally by the PM). I have seen them span 6 or more months. Even without disputes.
For tracking hours to evaluate performance, this is all too late, you need the feedback asap, within the same project control interval. You better come up with a timely solution like requiring the contractor staff to use your effort reporting tool, on the same day or the same week.
And this all should be included in the Ts&Cs of the contract. Saving Changes...
If you are looking for the legal term, it depends on what was specified in the contract as far as stipulations for submission of time sheets. If it was explicitly stated when time sheets need to be submitted, this could be considered breach of contract but I'd check with a lawyer or your procurement department to be sure.
If it was not specified in the contract, then it is a contractual dispute which you need to work out with the contractor.
