Case Studies
J.S. Held Acquires GLI Advisors, Strengthening Our Construction Project Support Services in the Western US and Hawaii
Read MoreAs part of Colombia’s National Educational Infrastructure Plan, the Autonomous Educational Infrastructure Fund (FFIE) launched a program to design, develop, and construct approximately 248 educational facilities across Antioquia, the Coffee Region, the Pacific Region, and the Caribbean.
To deliver the program, FFIE executed three Framework Construction Contracts with the Mota‑Engil Consortium (CME). These contracts covered the preparation of designs and technical studies, as well as the execution of the works through numerous individual Work Agreements. During the implementation, significant disputes emerged over contract administration, construction progress, invoicing, payments, contractual deductions, delays, and early termination of several Work Agreements.
As a result of these disputes, an international arbitration was initiated in October 2019, administered by the Bogotá Chamber of Commerce – Arbitration and Conciliation Center. In the arbitration, the Mota‑Engil Consortium alleged contractual breaches and claimed technical, financial, and reputational damages.
J.S. Held delivered independent expert services supporting FFIE during the international arbitration. The scope included preparing expert rebuttal reports addressing opposing expert evidence; conducting delay and responsibility analyses; critically assessing and quantifying the damages claimed; supporting the counterclaim; and assisting during the document production phase. We also prepared and defended expert reports and provided technical support throughout the arbitral hearing and final submissions.
The engagement required evaluating a large-scale public infrastructure program composed of multiple simultaneous projects, characterized by significant technical and contractual complexity and high-value claims. This demanded close coordination between technical, financial, and legal teams.
Enrique Abiega, MSc, MBA, MCIArb
Senior Managing Director
Construction Advisory Spain & LATAM Lead
+34 649 047 759
[email protected]
Isabel Cascales
Managing Director
Construction Advisory Practice
+34 607 366 397
[email protected]
José Sobrini
Director
Construction Advisory Practice
+34 917 378 078
[email protected]
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