Time for Completion Clause in FIDIC Yellow Book

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⏳ Clause 8.2: What’s the Real Finish Line?

Imagine: You’re on-site, cranes swinging, concrete pouring. But before you celebrate, FIDIC sets a contractual finish line—Time for Completion. It’s not just about finishing the build; it’s about passing tests, handing over docs, and ticking all boxes for the Employer.

What does “Time for Completion” really mean?

✅ Duration runs from the Commencement Date to the final, all-done moment (deep-dive guide).
✅ Completion requires:
🧪 Tests on Completion passed (Clause 9)
📑 Handover documents submitted
🛠️ Everything needed for Taking-Over (Clause 10.1)
✅ The period is fixed in the Appendix to Tender (1999) or Contract Data (2017).

Planner: Time-to-Completion

Enter your Commencement Date + the allotted days. We’ll compute the planned TOC date and % elapsed.

Commencement Date Time for Completion (days)

Planned TOC: –

Enter data to calculate days remaining.

Why 8.2 matters

✅ Triggers Taking-Over choreography (Clause 10.1).
✅ Anchors EOT analysis and notices (20.2 Claim guide).
✅ Miss the finish line and delay damages may apply (Clause 8.7).

From Start to Finish Line

1) Commencement: Start clock; resource plan aligned with Contract Data.

2) Execute & Test: Progress + pass Tests on Completion (Clause 9).

3) Handover docs ready: O&M manuals, as-builts, warranties packaged.

4) Notify readiness: Cue the Taking-Over process (Clause 10.1).

5) TOC issued: DNP starts; LDs risk stops running.

1999 Books Appendix to Tender

Time for Completion stated in Appendix to Tender.
“Completion” links to readiness + relevant tests for that form.
TOC triggers under Clause 10 after readiness.

2017 Books Contract Data

Time for Completion in Contract Data (Parts A/B).
Emphasis on passing Tests on Completion + documented readiness.
More explicit cross-refs to notices/records for TOC.

Tip: Keep your Contract Data synchronized with programme updates so EOT and LD logic stays defensible.

Explore more

Clause 9 – Tests on Completion Clause 10.1 – Taking-Over Detailed 8.2 Guide Clause 8.7 – Delay Damages How 3.7 determinations fit in

Letter 1 — Early Notice of Likely Delay (EOT intent)

Refs: 8.2, 8.4/8.5 (as applicable), 20.2 (2017)

Subject: Early Notice of Likely Delay Impacting Time for Completion – [Project]

Dear [Engineer/Employer’s Representative],

We notify a likely delay to the Time for Completion under Sub-Clause 8.2 due to [describe cause]. 
The event commenced/was discovered on [date]. It is affecting [activities/critical path reference].

We will submit particulars supporting an Extension of Time and associated costs (if applicable) under Sub-Clause 20.2. 
Mitigation measures initiated: [list]. We will keep you updated.

Yours faithfully,
[Contractor]

Letter 2 — Readiness for Taking-Over (pre-TOC nudge)

Refs: 8.2, 9, 10.1

Subject: Notice of Readiness for Taking-Over – [Project/Section]

Dear [Engineer/Employer’s Representative],

In accordance with Sub-Clause 8.2 and 10.1, we confirm the Works/[Section] are ready for Taking-Over. 
Tests on Completion have passed, and handover documentation (O&M manuals, as-builts, warranties) is submitted.

Please arrange inspection and issue the Taking-Over Certificate within the contractual period.

Yours faithfully,
[Contractor]

Tip: Even if the site “looks finished”, you haven’t crossed the finish line unless you’ve passed all tests and handed over documentation. Otherwise, LDs exposure may continue.

🔄 Clause 8.2: Time for Completion — 1999 vs 2017

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🏗️ 1999

Classic Explicit Wording

“…including (a) achieving the passing of the Tests on Completion and (b) completing all work… required for the purposes of taking over under Sub-Clause 10.1…”

Breaks out both Tests on Completion and all work as distinct requirements.

🛠️ 2017

Streamlined Clarity

“…including completion of all work which is stated in the Contract as being required for… taking over under Sub-Clause 10.1.”

Assumes “completion” as a bundled obligation; language is tighter, less ambiguous.

🔍 What’s the Difference?

1999 explicitly splits out tests and other deliverables.
2017 bundles everything as “completion”, tightening cross-references and reducing ambiguity.
Part of the shift to a more integrated, obligation-linked structure across 2017 forms.

👷 Contractor

Clearer checklists to avoid delay damages.
Milestones align with 8.4/8.5 EOT notice logic.

🏢 Employer

Benchmark delivery; apply remedies if missed.
Confidence in handover readiness.

🧑‍⚖️ Engineer

Certifies completion referencing Clause 8.2.
Ensures alignment with Clause 9 (Tests) & Clause 10 (Taking Over).

🏛️ Historical Context: The 2017 update streamlines “completion”—closing gray areas like:

Is failing a minor test enough to block Taking-Over?
Can the Employer refuse handover for one pending document?

Now, everything for Taking-Over must be done. “Completion” is contractual and procedural, not just physical.

Golden Principle 3 Duties, rights, obligations, and risks must be clearly stated.

Explore more

Clause 8.2 Explained Taking Over (Clause 10.1) FIDIC Golden Principles Delay Damages (8.7)

📖 Clause 8.2 [Time for Completion] — Full Breakdown

Let’s look at the verbatim FIDIC clause texts and decode what they really mean for your project success.

📘 FIDIC Yellow Book 1999 — Clause 8.2


“ The Contractor shall complete the whole of the Works, and each Section (if any), within the Time for Completion for the Works or Section (as the case may be), including:
  (a) achieving the passing of the Tests on Completion,
  (b) completing all work which is stated in the Contract as being required for the Works or Section to be considered to be completed for the purposes of taking-over under Sub-Clause 10.1 [Taking Over of the Works and Sections]. ”

📙 FIDIC Yellow Book 2017 — Clause 8.2


“ The Contractor shall complete the whole of the Works, and each Section (if any), within the Time for Completion for the Works or Section (as the case may be), including completion of all work which is stated in the Contract as being required for the Works or Section to be considered to be completed for the purposes of taking over under Sub-Clause 10.1 [Taking Over the Works and Sections]. ”

Source: FIDIC Yellow Book 1999 & 2017

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🗣️ What does it really mean?

🧱

Complete all Works: Fulfil every construction, design, and procurement promise—no shortcuts.

🧩

Each Section matters: Large projects split into Sections (e.g., phases). Each has its own timeline in your Contract Data.

⏳

Within the Time for Completion: Runs from the Commencement Date, subject to valid EOT (8.4/8.5).

🧪

Pass the Tests on Completion: Think pre-commissioning, commissioning, trial runs—see Clause 9.

📄

Submit key documents: As-builts (5.6), O&M manuals (5.7), training (5.5)—all before Taking Over (10.1).

Pro tip: Define Sections + documentation in Contract Data (2017) or Appendix to Tender (1999). Vague inputs → certain disputes.

🔎 Key Differences: 1999 vs 2017

Table view

Element	1999 Edition	2017 Edition
Tests on Completion mentioned separately	✅ Yes (explicit in point a)	🚫 No (bundled into definition)
Structure	Bulleted format (a, b)	Continuous sentence
Focus	Checklist-based	Narrative, condensed
Clarity for readers	Easier for newcomers	Needs more cross-referencing

Key Interpretations & Implications of Clause 8.2 [Time for Completion]

🎯 The real punch:
Clause 8.2 seems simple (“Finish on time”), but it’s a power clause that drives project delivery, triggers financial consequences, and activates other key clauses—like EOT (8.4/8.5), Delay Damages (8.7/8.8), Tests (9), and Taking Over (10.1).

🧑‍🔧

For the Contractor: It's All About the Clock ⏰

Finish all Works/Sections—not just physically, but by:
- Passing all required Tests (Clause 9.1)
- Delivering all documents for Taking Over (10.1)
- All before Time for Completion expires
Miss it—even slightly—and risk:
- 💸 Delay Damages (8.7/8.8) every day
- ❌ Rejection of Taking Over application (10.1)
- ❗ Forced acceleration by Engineer (8.6)

🧑‍💼

For the Employer: It’s Your Shield 🛡️

Sets a clear deadline for handover.
Creates financial remedy via delay damages.
Provides legal grounds to reject incomplete work (10.1).
Even with delay damages, you’re still entitled to full completion.

See FIDIC Yellow Book 1999 & 2017

🧑‍⚖️

For the Engineer: Your Anchor for Administration ⚖️

Monitors progress (8.3)
Assesses delay claims (8.4/8.5)
Approves Taking Over Certificates (10.1)
Enforces acceleration if needed (8.6)
Rejects Taking Over if tests/docs aren’t done—even if site “looks” finished

Implications Meter

Toggle the three reality checks to see likely outcomes.

All Tests on Completion passed & evidenced Docs submitted and Engineer NOCs received You’re still within Time for Completion

TOC readiness likely EOT may be needed LD risk running

Action memo

Toggle the checks to generate a memo…

🚨 Risks & Common Traps

Trap 1: “Work is built, but tests are pending”
❌ You haven’t fulfilled Clause 8.2. Engineer may demand retesting, reject, or accept with deduction (Clause 9.4).

Trap 2: “We submitted documents, but they’re not approved yet”
Not enough! Clause 10.1 requires No-Objection Notices for all docs (10.1).

Trap 3: “Employer was also at fault, so we’re not to blame for delays!”
This is concurrent delay. Clause 8.5 (2017) says EOT entitlement depends on contract rules or all relevant circumstances (8.5).

💡 Pro Tip: Contractors should plan backwards from completion (tests, document approvals, training). Employers: set realistic deadlines and list all deliverables up front.

What-If Scenarios: Clause 8.2 in Action!

🤔

Scenario 1: Works are physically complete, but tests haven’t happened yet

📌 Not so fast: Clause 8.2 and Clause 9.1 require tests to be passed before Taking Over.
If the Engineer delays, Clause 9.2 lets you request the Engineer (or Employer) to proceed with tests.

✅ Lesson: You can’t cross the 8.2 finish line without first crossing the testing checkpoint!

😬

Scenario 2: Tests were done... but failed

Clause 9.4 allows the Engineer to reject the Works—or take over with a price reduction (Clause 9.4).
Employer may claim a deduction under Clause 11.4.

🚨 Risk: Opens the door to price disputes and value deductions.

✅ Lesson: Clause 8.2 expects full compliance with test requirements unless the Employer waives it—and that comes at a cost.

🤯

Scenario 3: Contractor submits everything, but Engineer says “Not yet”

Engineer issues the Taking-Over Certificate (Clause 10.1) only if:

Tests are passed
As-Built Records (5.6) and O&M Manuals (5.7) have No-Objection Notices
Training (if required, 5.5) is done

Submission ≠ Approval! You need formal approval, not just proof of email.

✅ Lesson: Always track No-Objection Notice dates to prove compliance.

⚖️

Scenario 4: The delay is partly the Contractor’s and partly the Employer’s

Concurrent delay! Clause 8.5 (2017) says EOT is based on the rules in the Special Provisions or, if silent, “all relevant circumstances.” (Clause 8.5)
The 1999 edition is less explicit—define concurrency in Particular Conditions!

✅ Lesson: Set out concurrency rules in your contract—don’t rely on default FIDIC text.

🛑

Scenario 5: Contractor misses the Time for Completion

Clause 8.7 (1999) or 8.8 (2017): Delay Damages are payable per day, up to the cap in the contract (8.7/8.8).

✅ Lesson: Delay Damages = financial pain, not a shortcut to completion. You must still finish the job!

🧮

Bonus: Employer wants to take over early

Clause 10.2 allows the Employer to take over parts of the Works—but this is not the same as completion under Clause 8.2. Insurance, risk, and defect periods must be coordinated.

✅ Lesson: Early use ≠ completion. Clause 8.2 still governs final completion obligations.

Scenario Console

Toggle what applies. We’ll compute outcomes and draft an action note.

S1 — Tests not yet performed (9.1/9.2) S2 — Tests failed (9.4 / 11.4) S3 — Docs submitted but NOCs pending (10.1) S4 — Concurrent delay (8.5) S5 — Time for Completion exceeded (8.7/8.8) S6 — Early taking-over (10.2)

TOC readiness: uncertain EOT position: review LD exposure: possible

Action memo

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Delay Damages quick calc (8.7/8.8)

Daily LD rate (currency/day)

Days late

% Cap of Contract Price (optional)

Contract Price (optional)

Total LD (un-capped): —

Scenario	Clause Involved	FIDIC’s Stance
Tests not done	8.2 + 9.1	❌ Not complete
Tests failed	9.4 + 11.4	Possible rejection or price cut
Docs submitted but not approved	10.1	❌ Not complete
Concurrency	8.5 (2017)	EOT depends on contract
Missed deadline	8.7 / 8.8	💸 Delay damages apply
Employer takes over early	10.2	🚧 Partial; 8.2 still governs

✨ Suggestions to Make Clause 8.2 Crystal-Clear

Suggestions for Clarity and Improvement of Clause 8.2 [Time for Completion]

What’s already strong about Clause 8.2?
✅ Completion = testing + documentation + readiness for Taking Over
✅ Links time-bound delivery to Clause 9 (Tests) and Clause 10.1 (Handover)
✅ Consistency across both editions, with few contradictions

⚠️ Where Could Ambiguity Arise?

1. Ambiguity in “completion… for the purposes of taking over”
Phrase could mean different things unless you explicitly link to required tests and docs.
PC Suggestion: List as a checklist of conditions precedent.
“Completion shall include:
(i) Approved Tests (9.1);
(ii) No-Objection Notices for As-Builts (5.6), O&M Manuals (5.7);
(iii) Completed training (5.5).”
2. Lack of Guidance on Delays from Document Approvals
Is Contractor at fault if Engineer is slow to respond? Timelines often missing in Clause 5.7/10.1.
PC Suggestion:
“Engineer shall respond within 14 days of receipt. No response = deemed No-Objection.”
3. No Threshold for Acceptable Test Failure
Clause 9.4’s “substantially depriving” standard is vague.
PC Suggestion:
“Failure to achieve [>95% capacity], [≤2% leakage], etc., shall not be deemed substantial unless stated.”
4. Inconsistent Section Handover Logic
Can a failed Section delay the others? Are Delay Damages sectional?
PC Suggestion:
“Each Section is assessed independently for 8.2, 8.8, and 10.1 unless otherwise stated.”

✨ Bonus Enhancements Aligned with FIDIC Golden Principles

🔧 Area	Suggested Enhancement	FIDIC GP
Document Review Timelines	Add fixed review durations (e.g. 14 days)	GP4
Risk Allocation in Test Failures	Define thresholds or tolerances	GP3
Clear Link to Clause 10.1 Requirements	Insert explicit checklist	GP2
Concurrent Delay Resolution	Reference SCL Protocol or national law	GP3
Section Completion Logic	Define interdependence of Sections	GP2

Related: FIDIC Golden Principles Clause 8.2 Full Guide Taking Over (Clause 10.1)

Policy Tuner — Draft your Particular Conditions

Toggle what you want to tighten. Adjust sliders to set times/tolerances. We’ll draft clean PC language for Clause 8.2 linkages.

Include explicit checklist linking 8.2 → 9.1, 5.6, 5.7, 5.5, 10.1 Add review timeframes & deemed NOC (Engineer) Define test tolerances for “substantial” failure (9.4) Clarify sectional TOC, LD, and independence Specify concurrency approach (8.5)

Engineer review period (days)

Tolerance (capacity %) for non-substantial failure

Draft — Particular Conditions (Clause 8.2 interface)

Adjust options to generate your draft…

✍️ Practical Particular Conditions Template — Clause 8.2

Original Sample PC Text (Static)

Sub-Clause 8.2 [Time for Completion] – Amended (Sample PC)

The Contractor shall complete the Works and each Section (if any) within the respective Time for Completion, including:
(i) Passing all Tests on Completion as per Clause 9.1;
(ii) Submission and Engineer’s Notice of No-Objection (or deemed approval) of all As-Built Records under Sub-Clause 5.6 and O&M Manuals under Sub-Clause 5.7, within 14 days of submission;
(iii) Completion of any required training as per Clause 5.5.
For avoidance of doubt, delay by the Engineer in providing such No-Objection shall be deemed to justify an Extension of Time.

How this template helps:

✅ Clarifies that completion is tied to testing, documentation, and training—not just construction.
✅ Sets deadlines for No-Objection responses (e.g., 14 days for docs).
✅ Protects Contractors—delays by the Engineer justify Extension of Time.
✅ Keeps risk balanced and preserves original GCs (GP1–GP4 compliant).

💡 Contract Drafting Tip: Use this as a starting point in your PCs and tailor to project specifics.

PC Builder — Generate Your Tailored Text

Toggle features and set values. We compile clean, ready-to-paste Particular Conditions language for 8.2 linkages.

Include explicit reference to passing all Tests on Completion (9.1) Require NOC for As-Builts (5.6) & O&M Manuals (5.7) Deemed No-Objection if no response within X days Include training completion (5.5) Clarify EOT entitlement if Engineer delays NOC Add performance tolerance threshold for 9.4 (“substantial” failure) Clarify sectional assessment for 8.2 / 10.1 / LDs Reference concurrency approach (8.5)

Engineer review period (days)

Tolerance: minimum % capacity before “substantial” failure

Draft — Particular Conditions (Clause 8.2 interface)

Adjust options to generate your draft…

Educational aid, not legal advice. Align with your Particular Conditions and governing law.

Final Takeaways on Clause 8.2 [Time for Completion]

📌 The Big Picture:
Clause 8.2 is short, but powerful. “Completion” means all obligations, tests, documents, and eligibility for Taking Over are met. It’s your golden key to “job done.”

🧪Completion isn’t just construction.
Passed tests (Clause 9), docs approved (10.1), and any training (5.5)—all required.
📆Programme is survival.
Clause 8.3: Your programme must actually lead to 8.2. If not, you’re off track.
⏳Delay? Use EOT properly.
Clause 8.4/8.5: Notify early, justify, and tie it to how delays impact 8.2 completion.
💸Delay = Damages.
Miss the date? You’ll owe delay damages until you cross the 8.2 finish line.

🔄 How Clause 8.2 Interlocks with Others

Connected Clause	Why It Matters
8.3 – Programme	Tracks your path to 8.2 compliance
8.4/8.5 – EOT	Adjusts Time for Completion if justified
9 – Tests	Must be passed for 8.2 to be satisfied
10.1 – Taking Over	Can’t happen unless 8.2 is fulfilled
5.6/5.7 – Docs	Docs must be approved before completion
8.6/8.7 – Progress & Damages	Monitor delays and apply financial pressure

🛠 Drafting Suggestions for Your Contract

📌 List all items needed for Taking Over in the PCs.
📌 Define timelines for Engineer’s document approvals.
📌 Set clear test tolerances and failure rules.
📌 Clarify Section-wise completion logic.
📌 Align with FIDIC Golden Principles:
- GP2 – Crystal-clear obligations
- GP3 – Fair risk balance
- GP4 – Realistic, enforceable timeframes

🔑 Key Message:
Clause 8.2 is not just another deadline. It’s the contract’s finish line, and you need every milestone—tests, docs, approvals, and real progress—to cross it.

Clause 8.2 [Time for Completion] – Compliance Checklist

Use this checklist before applying for Taking Over, or as a handover compliance tool. Hover/tap 🔍 for descriptions.

🆔	✅ Requirement	🔍 Description
1	Physical Completion	Has the Works/Section been fully constructed?
2	Tests on Completion	All Tests (Clause 9) passed?
3	As-Built Records	As-Builts submitted & approved?
4	O&M Manuals	O&M Manuals submitted & approved?
5	Training	Training (if any) completed?
6	Testing Notices	Notices for testing/submission given?
7	Sectional Requirements	Sectional requirements (if any) met?
8	Engineer Acknowledgment	Engineer acknowledged readiness?
9	Timely Completion	Completed within deadline/EOT?
10	Evidence Readiness	All evidence documented?

📨 Sample Letters for Clause 8.2 Scenarios See FIDIC Guide

📩Notification of Completion of Works (Triggers Clause 10.1)

Subject: Notification of Completion of the Works and Readiness for Taking Over Contract: [Project Name], Contract No. [XXX] To: The Engineer Date: [Insert Date] Dear [Engineer’s Name], In accordance with Sub-Clause 8.2 [Time for Completion] and 10.1 [Taking Over of the Works], we hereby notify you that the Works (or Section [specify]) have been completed in full, including: • Successful passing of all Tests on Completion (Clause 9), • Submission of As-Built Records and O&M Manuals, • Completion of training requirements (where applicable). We request that a joint inspection be scheduled to verify readiness and that the Taking-Over Certificate be issued accordingly. Yours sincerely, [Authorized Contractor’s Representative]

📩Request for Time Extension due to Delays Affecting Clause 8.2

Subject: Notice of Delay Affecting Time for Completion – Request for EOT To: The Engineer Date: [Insert Date] Dear [Engineer’s Name], Pursuant to Sub-Clause 8.5 [Extension of Time], we hereby give notice that completion of the Works under Clause 8.2 is likely to be delayed due to the following reasons beyond our control: [Describe cause: e.g., late approvals, adverse weather, variations, Employer-caused delays] This delay affects our ability to complete the Works by the current Time for Completion. We respectfully request the Engineer’s assessment and an Extension of Time under Clause 20.2 (2017) / 20.1 (1999), supported by records and updated programmes. Yours faithfully, [Authorized Contractor’s Representative]

📩Notification of Readiness for Tests on Completion (Relates to Clause 8.2)

Subject: Notification of Readiness for Tests on Completion under Clause 9 To: The Engineer Date: [Insert Date] Dear [Engineer’s Name], As required under Sub-Clause 9.1 [Tests on Completion] and referenced in Clause 8.2, we hereby notify that the Works (or Section) are now ready for testing. Kindly find attached our proposed Testing Schedule and procedures. Please confirm the date and time for the joint testing activities and ensure your representatives are present. These tests are essential to fulfill our obligations under Clause 8.2, enabling the Taking-Over process. Yours sincerely, [Authorized Contractor’s Representative]

📩Request for Confirmation of Engineer’s Acceptance of Deliverables (8.2 Deliverables)

Subject: Request for Confirmation of Acceptance – Clause 8.2 Deliverables To: The Engineer Date: [Insert Date] Dear [Engineer’s Name], We wish to confirm that all contractual deliverables under Clause 8.2 required for Taking Over have been submitted, including: • As-Built Records (Clause 5.6), • O&M Manuals (Clause 5.7), • Training records (Clause 5.5), • Testing results under Clause 9. We kindly request your formal Notice of No-Objection or feedback on any pending items. Your timely response is necessary to proceed with the request for Taking Over under Clause 10.1. Yours faithfully, [Authorized Contractor’s Representative]

📩Employer’s Early Taking Over Request (Clause 10.2, Linked with 8.2)

Subject: Request for Early Taking Over of Part of the Works To: The Engineer Date: [Insert Date] Dear [Engineer’s Name], In accordance with Clause 10.2 [Taking Over of Parts of the Works], we, the Employer, request to take over [specific part or Section] of the Works before full completion under Clause 8.2. We understand that this early use may affect the Contractor’s remaining obligations and will coordinate with the Contractor to agree on the implications regarding access, risk transfer, and insurance. Kindly confirm your agreement and proceed with appropriate documentation. Yours sincerely, [Employer’s Authorized Representative]

📖 Quick Reference: Clause 8.2 Deep Dive | Clause 10.1 Explained | FIDIC Claims/Disputes (Clause 20) See: wisdomwaveshub.com

What does “Time for Completion” really mean?

Planner: Time-to-Completion

Why 8.2 matters

From Start to Finish Line

Letter 1 — Early Notice of Likely Delay (EOT intent)

Letter 2 — Readiness for Taking-Over (pre-TOC nudge)

🔍 What’s the Difference?

🗣️ What does it really mean?

🔎 Key Differences: 1999 vs 2017

Watchlist (Keep your eye on these)

Red Flags detector

📝 Quick Check (2 questions)

Key Interpretations & Implications of Clause 8.2 [Time for Completion]

Implications Meter

What-If Scenarios: Clause 8.2 in Action!

Scenario Console

Suggestions for Clarity and Improvement of Clause 8.2 [Time for Completion]

Policy Tuner — Draft your Particular Conditions

Original Sample PC Text (Static)

PC Builder — Generate Your Tailored Text

Final Takeaways on Clause 8.2 [Time for Completion]

Clause 8.2 [Time for Completion] – Compliance Checklist

📨 Sample Letters for Clause 8.2 Scenarios See FIDIC Guide

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