Eight technical pillars that turn a contract document into measurable, auditable operations.
Define each asset class, criticality (A/B/C), operating envelope (hours, set-points), and the demarcation between operations, maintenance, and renewals. Always link scope to a baseline asset register with unique tag IDs.
Build PPM from manufacturer recommendations + condition-based logic (SFG20 in KSA is increasingly referenced). Specify completion thresholds (e.g., ≥ 95% PPM tasks closed within 10% of due date) and evidence requirements (photos, readings, signatures).
Reactive SLAs use priority tiers: P1 critical (≤ 1 hr response, ≤ 4 hrs resolve), P2 urgent, P3 routine, P4 cosmetic. Spec must clarify what 'resolve' means, temporary workaround vs root-cause fix, and the maximum number of recurring faults before escalation.
O&M provider should own a baseline Energy Performance Indicator (kWh/m²/yr or kWh/occupant). Contract often includes a shared-savings or guaranteed-savings mechanism aligned with SEEC and Tarsheed targets, with monthly M&V reports.
Mandate a CAFM/CMMS (e.g., IBM Maximo, Planon, FSI Concept Evolution) with: asset register, mobile work orders, SLA timers, planner board, spares inventory, BIM integration. Owner must retain perpetual licence to data on exit.
Permit-to-Work (PTW) regime mandatory: Hot Work, Confined Space, Working at Height, Electrical Isolation, Excavation. Provider runs daily toolbox talks, monthly HSE scorecard, near-miss reporting. Saudi Civil Defence audits often spot-check PTW logs.
Standard pack: daily helpdesk extract, weekly outstanding workorders, monthly KPI dashboard, quarterly business review, annual asset condition survey. Governance: monthly Operational Review + quarterly Strategic Steering Committee with chartered minutes.
Lifecycle: model renewal CAPEX over 10–20 years, agree replacement vs refurbishment criteria, set energy/water/waste reduction targets, track Scope 1 & 2 emissions, link to LEED/Mostadam O+M and the asset's net-zero pathway.