Since there is no separate "Specification" volume standard, you must attach a detailed Scope of Work. Vague wording (e.g., "build wall") will lead to disputes. The Short Form relies on your attachments (Drawings, Bill of Quantities, Schedule of Rates).

In late 2021, FIDIC (the International Federation of Consulting Engineers) released a completely updated suite of contracts. The Short Form replaced the older 1999 "Green Book."

This contract is designed for:

Unlike the massive Red or Yellow Books (which can be 200+ pages), the Short Form clocks in at roughly 20 pages of core clauses. It is written in plain English—not dense legalese.

The Short Form is not for everyone. Using it for a skyscraper would be a disaster. Use it if:

The contract notably states that technical specifications are not required for its use—only a scope of work, time for completion, and a price. This is ideal for renovation, minor civil works, or interior fit-outs.

This is where the parties customize the contract. It includes:

How does it stack up against alternatives?

| Feature | FIDIC Short Form 2021 | JCT Minor Works (UK) | AIA Document A107 (US) | Bespoke 1-page order | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | International neutrality | Excellent (Swiss-based) | Poor (UK-biased) | Poor (US-biased) | Fair (if drafted carefully) | | Legal cost to adapt | Low | Medium | Medium | High (requires lawyer) | | Dispute mechanism | Adjudication + Arbitration | Adjudication | Mediation + Arbitration | None (court only) | | Risk allocation | Balanced | Slightly Employer-biased | Slightly Contractor-biased | Unbalanced | | Length | ~30 pages | ~45 pages | ~40 pages | 1-5 pages |

Verdict: For truly international or cross-border small projects, the FIDIC Short Form is the gold standard. For purely domestic small works, a national standard form (JCT, AIA, AS) may be cheaper.

The Short Form requires a named individual. Without one, all notices go to the Contractor’s registered address, causing delays.