Keith Furnell, RG Carter

How Tech-12 Services allowed RG Carter to maximise USAF construction efficiency

Project managers wear many hats during a typical construction project, serving a range of roles: from budget holder and planner to problem solver and communicator. The dynamic nature of the post increases significantly when that project takes place on a Ministry of Defence (MoD) estate in the UK, such as US Air Force (USAF) bases.

Any work conducted on MoD grounds must comply with Tech 12. This framework of procedures was introduced to ensure a uniform and comprehensive approach to project handovers.

While main contractors working at USAF sites in the UK, such as RG Carter, understand the importance of adhering to the framework, they need assistance with, resources, and time necessary to supply a complete set of Operations and Maintenance (O&M) manuals at close.

At RG Carter, the responsibility for creating high quality documentation fell on the shoulders of the Project Manager Keith Furnell.

“We were creating our O&M manuals in-house,” recalls Keith. “But we struggled to collate all the information needed. Our resources were tied up completing ther work elements, so we had limited time and resources to complete the tasks.”

This was particularly true towards the final phases of construction, according to the project manager. He explains: “At the end of the project, a significant amount of time was needed to complete the manuals to the required standard.”

 RG Carter also noticed the client’s requirements were becoming more stringent – with more information being required. “This was above the normal O&M requirement that we’ve seen outside of USAF projects.”

RG Carter made the decision to outsource production of its O&M manuals to Tech-12 Services for one very big reason, according to the project manager. 

 “Tech-12 Services owns the tech 12 process for their projects,” he explains. “They are not just a post-box passing information from one organisation to another. They do exactly what they say they will.”

Keith has no regrets, adding: “They’re extremely thorough in their approach to delivering O&M manuals. We see them as a valued part of the RG Carter team who always add value to our clients.”

According to Keith, working in partnership with Tech-12 Services allowed RG Carter to “free up our time and resources”.

 Tech-12 Services took ownership of the entire process, on a project by project basis – transforming operations, such as chasing and collating information from multiple suppliers

It also helps the main contractor achieve completion quicker than ever before – and for good reason.

“The O&M manual is key for completion,” stresses Keith. “Without a complete O&M manual, we cannot complete project completion and our final accounts on time.” 

And this is where Tech-12 Services’ thorough and well-considered approach lends value.

Keith explains: “Tech-12 Services get it right so you don’t have to go through multiple drafts of O&M manuals and rejections before you can reach completion.

 “Their processes works well; they report any issues and communicate regularly both face-to-face and through emails and phone calls. They also deal directly with our clients to address their issues and concerns.”

He adds: “That means we don’t need to get involved, and we know it gets done.”

Client feedback 

“It’s been great working with Tech 12 services they are trusted supply chain partner and help us at every stage of our projects.

 “We are impressed by their professionalism and can-do attitude – whether they are dealing with the clients’ needs on our behalf, reporting any problems they are facing, or delivering on what they say.”