Draft text under review by DAC, adapted from the DAC UK website.
Core Services
Big case expertise. Boutique attention.
DAC offers a rare combination of technical, delay, and quantum expertise under one roof. We specialize in resolving complex disputes involving project delays, cost overruns, design defects, technical failures, and contractual breaches. This integrated approach allows us to deliver cohesive, multidisciplinary solutions for complex challenges.
Independent Technical Analysis
Technical expertise to assess complex, high-value arbitrations.
Independent technical analysis is a cornerstone of DAC's expertise, allowing us to provide precise, reliable, and actionable insights to clients involved in complex technical challenges and disputes. Our global team of seasoned engineers applies rigorous methodologies to investigate failures, defects, or performance issues in a wide range of projects. Our investigations integrate the scientific method with a systematic, step-by-step approach to evaluate variables and hypotheses that may have contributed to a claimed failure.
- Root cause analysis (RCA): We systematically identify and assess the factors contributing to failures; the choice of RCA method depends on the damage type, industry, location, and timeframe.
- Failure investigations: From equipment damage to structural collapse, we analyze failures in design, materials, and operations.
- Reinstatement assessments: We evaluate the technical and financial requirements for restoring damaged systems.
- Technical expert witness services: Independent, unbiased technical opinions that help courts and arbitral tribunals understand the complexities of engineering disputes.
- Coordinating expertise: In multidisciplinary cases, we act as coordinating experts, integrating input from multiple engineering disciplines—mechanical, electrical, chemical, civil, and materials science—into cohesive, single reports.
Delay Analysis
Independent delay analysis to establish the facts and assess responsibility.
Delay analysis is the systematic evaluation of project schedules and records to determine the causes, extent, and impact of delays on project completion. It involves the identification of critical delay events, assessment of responsibility, and quantification of time-related effects within the context of contractual obligations. Our approach combines technical scheduling expertise with a deep understanding of contractual and legal frameworks, so our analyses are not only methodologically sound but also aligned with the requirements of arbitration and litigation.
- Four core questions: What was planned? What actually happened? What critical delay was incurred? What caused these delays?
- Critical path evaluation: We evaluate how delay events influence critical activities and whether they have a direct impact on project completion.
- Methods tailored to the record: As-Planned vs. As-Built, As-Planned Impacted, Collapsed As-Built, Time Impact Analysis (TIA), and Windows Analysis, tailored to the project's complexity, available records, and dispute requirements.
- Disruption and acceleration claims: We evaluate claims related to project disruption or acceleration, offering expert opinions to support or refute claims in litigation, arbitration, or insurance contexts.
- Delay in Start-Up (DSU) claims: We support DSU insurance claims by providing detailed, evidence-based delay analyses.
Quantum Analysis
Clear, credible valuation of the financial impact.
DAC's quantum experts deliver financial evaluations of claims, including cost overruns, damages, and loss assessments. Our analysis relies on contractual and project records to assess claims, applies robust methodologies to ensure the calculations withstand scrutiny, and aligns quantum assessments with delay findings for a cohesive narrative. Our quantum experts are supported by associates who organize and analyze vast amounts of project data, ensuring every calculation is grounded in factual and contextual accuracy.
- Prolongation claims: Evaluating costs incurred due to project extensions.
- Disruption claims: Assessing productivity losses and resource inefficiencies.
- Claims valuation: Assessing the value of claims, whether for delays, disruptions, or other contractual breaches.
- Delay in Start-Up (DSU) claims: Supporting insurance claims related to business interruption caused by delays.
- Global claims: Analyzing and deconstructing bundled claims for clarity.
Expert Witness Services
You receive analysis fit for negotiation, arbitration, or trial.
Our experts provide an independent, unbiased opinion that assists courts, arbitral tribunals, or mediators in understanding complex matters. Our key competitive advantage lies in our ability to deliver all three areas of expertise—technical, delay, and quantum—under one roof. This integration ensures that our analyses are cohesive, logical, and accessible to all stakeholders, including non-technical audiences. DAC experts have been cross-examined in litigation and international arbitration, earning a reputation for impartiality and reliability.
- Expert reports: A clear, concise report that addresses all relevant issues and complies with procedural standards.
- Testimony and support: Oral testimony and ongoing support during hearings, cross-examinations, or negotiations.
- One coordinated expert team: Our delay and quantum experts collaborate closely with technical specialists, ensuring analyses are informed by industry-specific insights.
- International arbitration: Extensive experience in arbitration under international frameworks such as the ICC, UNCITRAL, LCIA, DIFC, and SIAC.
RELATED CAPABILITY EXAMPLES
Integrated Expert Witness Support in a Complex Construction Arbitration
Dispute Advisory Services
Pre-arbitration and pre-litigation advice.
We support clients with pre-arbitration and pre-litigation advice to facilitate effective resolution. We bring clarity by reviewing project records, analyzing events, and helping parties understand the likely strengths and weaknesses of their position before formal claims are advanced. Early involvement allows our experts to review evidence thoroughly, identify risks, and provide proactive guidance. This proactive approach often leads to more constructive negotiations and, in many cases, enables disputes to be resolved without the need for arbitration or litigation.
- Merits assessment: Understanding the likely strengths and weaknesses of your position before formal claims are advanced.
- Early evidence review: Sufficient time to review evidence, identify gaps, and request additional information, ensuring a robust first report.
- Protecting the record: Helping preserve key evidence, structure communications, and prevent misunderstandings from escalating.
- Working with counsel: Working closely with project teams and legal counsel to ensure that decisions are informed by evidence rather than assumption.
