Improving operation of single item slides, most prefectures and ordinance-designated cities follow direct control/Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism survey
It turned out that the new operational rules for the "single item slide" clause revised in June for construction under the direct control of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism have been incorporated in most prefectures and ordinance-designated cities. In light of the rapid rise in material prices, a new provision has been added that allows calculation of the slide amount using the actual purchase price. Due to the nature of single-item slides in which price fluctuations are adjusted at the end of the construction period, the number of applicable construction projects is expected to increase rapidly in the future. It can be said that there is a growing momentum among local governments to prepare an environment in which they can respond appropriately in advance.
As of October, the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism investigated the status of revisions to the operating standards for single slides stipulated in construction orders placed by prefectures and ordinance-designated cities. Of the 47 groups in prefectures, 44 responded that they had "revised," one each responded that they were "working" and "under consideration." Of the 20 ordinance-designated cities, 16 said they had "revised," three said they were "work in progress," and one said they were "under consideration."
In the past, we compared the "actual purchase amount" of the material with the "price data amount for the month of purchase" and used the cheaper unit price as the sliding amount. However, it was pointed out that it is difficult to reflect the actual situation because the purchase price is often higher than the price data in a situation where material prices are rising on a daily basis. Therefore, if certain conditions, such as the submission of documents that prove that the purchase price is appropriate, can be met, even if the purchase price is higher, it is possible to calculate the sliding amount.
We have also set special measures for steel bridge superstructures, etc., which are stipulated in the contract so that the material purchase amount will not be leaked. If you cannot submit proof of the purchase price, you can calculate the slide amount based on the price data for the month of purchase only if you can prove the time of purchase. For maintenance work that spans multiple years, where partial inspections are completed each year, the single item slide clause can be applied not only once at the end of the construction period but also at the end of each fiscal year.
The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism is working with prefectural departments in charge of bidding and contracting to set planned prices and operate sliding clauses based on soaring material prices. It warns that if the sliding clause is not applied and only the contractor is asked to bear an excessive burden, there is concern that it may lead to burdens on subcontractors and shoddy construction.
