A well-constructed baseline programme is the foundation of every successful project. It establishes the planned sequence of work, defines the critical path, sets the benchmark for progress measurement, and provides the contractual reference point for delay analysis and extension of time claims. Our Baseline Programme Development services help contractors, project managers, and owners develop robust, defensible baseline programmes that support project execution, commercial management, and dispute resolution.
What We Do
Programme Development & Logic Build
Develop detailed, logic-driven baseline programmes from first principles. We work with project teams to understand construction methodology, sequencing constraints, and site conditions. We build activity networks that accurately reflect how the project will be delivered, with sound logic relationships and realistic durations.Critical Path Identification & Validation
Identify and validate the critical path through rigorous schedule analysis. We check programme logic, assess float distribution, and confirm that the critical path reflects genuine project constraints. We ensure the baseline programme has a defensible, well-supported critical path that will withstand scrutiny.Resource Loading & Levelling
Develop resource-loaded baseline programmes that reflect realistic labour, plant, and material requirements. We conduct resource levelling to eliminate peaks and conflicts, optimise resource utilisation, and confirm the programme is achievable within available resource constraints. Resource-loaded programmes support cost forecasting and earned value management.Milestone & Contractual Requirement Integration
Integrate contractual milestones, interface dates, and client requirements into the baseline programme. We ensure the programme reflects all contractual obligations, key handover dates, and interface dependencies. We confirm the programme demonstrates a realistic path to achieving all contractual milestones.Programme Narrative & Basis of Schedule
Prepare a comprehensive programme narrative and basis of schedule document that explains the programme’s assumptions, methodology, and key decisions. We document construction sequences, productivity assumptions, resource strategies, and risk allowances. A well-documented basis of schedule supports programme acceptance and provides a clear record for future delay analysis.Programme Review & Peer Check
Review and peer-check baseline programmes developed by others. We assess programme quality, logic integrity, critical path validity, and compliance with contract requirements and industry standards. We identify weaknesses and recommend improvements before programme submission and acceptance.Primavera P6 & MS Project Development
Develop baseline programmes in Primavera P6 and MS Project to client and contract specifications. We configure project settings, coding structures, and reporting layouts to meet contract requirements. We ensure programmes are set up correctly from the outset to support live management, progress reporting, and delay analysis.Tender & Bid Programme Development
Develop tender and bid programmes that demonstrate a credible, well-considered delivery strategy. We prepare programmes that support competitive bids, reflect realistic construction methodology, and provide a sound foundation for the contract baseline programme if the bid is successful.Who We Are
Our Baseline Programme Development team combines certified scheduling professionals with experienced construction practitioners. We understand how projects are built — not just how they are planned — and we bring that practical knowledge to every programme we develop. We are experienced Primavera P6 practitioners with a track record of developing baseline programmes for major rail, transport, and infrastructure projects across NSW and Queensland. Our programmes are technically rigorous, practically achievable, and built to withstand scrutiny from clients, independent reviewers, and delay analysts.
Leads FR2’s baseline programme development practice. Felipe brings 20+ years in design, construction, and project delivery across major infrastructure programs. He combines deep construction methodology knowledge with advanced scheduling expertise to develop programmes that are technically sound, practically achievable, and defensible under scrutiny.
Supports baseline programme development with commercial and project controls expertise. Rodrigo brings 20+ years of experience across major rail and infrastructure programs. He ensures programmes are aligned with commercial requirements, contract obligations, and project controls frameworks — and that they provide a sound foundation for future delay analysis and claims.
Develops baseline programmes for rail and infrastructure projects in live network environments. Fran has extensive experience across Sydney Trains, Sydney Metro, and Queensland Rail networks. She specialises in possession-based scheduling, construction staging, and Primavera P6 programme development for complex rail projects.
What Makes a Good Baseline Programme
A baseline programme is only as useful as the quality of its construction. Poorly built programmes create problems throughout the project lifecycle — from unreliable progress reporting to indefensible delay analysis. We build baseline programmes that meet the following standards:Logic Integrity
Every activity is connected by sound, defensible logic relationships. We avoid open ends, redundant constraints, and artificial logic that distorts the critical path. Logic reflects genuine construction dependencies and sequencing requirements.Realistic Durations
Activity durations are based on realistic productivity assumptions, resource availability, and site conditions. We document the basis for key durations and productivity rates in the basis of schedule to provide a transparent, auditable record.Defensible Critical Path
The critical path reflects genuine project constraints and is supported by sound logic and realistic durations. We validate the critical path against construction methodology and confirm it represents the true driving sequence of work.Appropriate Level of Detail
The programme is detailed enough to support meaningful progress monitoring and delay analysis, but not so granular that it becomes unmanageable. We calibrate the level of detail to the complexity of the project and the requirements of the contract.Contract Compliance
The programme meets all contract requirements for structure, coding, milestones, and submission format. We review contract scheduling requirements carefully and ensure the programme is fully compliant before submission.Documented Assumptions
Key assumptions, constraints, and decisions are documented in a basis of schedule narrative. This provides transparency, supports programme acceptance, and creates a clear record for future delay analysis and claims.What We’ve Delivered
Rail Infrastructure Programmes
Developed baseline programmes for major rail infrastructure projects across Sydney Trains, Sydney Metro, and Queensland Rail networks. Programmes included possession-based scheduling, staging constraints, and interface management with operational rail corridors. Projects include TAP4, SMP4, Cross River Rail, and LAR2.Tender & Bid Programmes
Developed tender programmes for competitive bids on major infrastructure projects. Prepared programmes that demonstrated credible delivery strategies, supported bid pricing, and provided a sound foundation for the contract baseline programme on award.Programme Reviews & Peer Checks
Reviewed and peer-checked baseline programmes developed by contractors and project managers. Identified logic errors, critical path deficiencies, and contract compliance issues. Provided detailed review reports with recommendations for improvement before programme submission.Claim-Ready Baseline Programmes
Developed baseline programmes specifically structured to support future delay analysis and EOT claims. Ensured programmes had sound logic, documented assumptions, and a defensible critical path — providing a reliable foundation for time impact analysis and delay quantification.Related Services
Live Program Management
Real-time schedule management and progress monitoring against the accepted baseline programme throughout project execution.
Schedule Analysis & Delay Quantification
Rigorous schedule analysis using the baseline programme to quantify delay impacts and support EOT claims.
Time Impact Analysis
TIA methodology that relies on a sound, accepted baseline programme to produce defensible delay analysis.
Extension of Time Services
EOT claim development and support built on a defensible baseline programme and rigorous schedule analysis.
Construction Planning & Scheduling
End-to-end construction planning and scheduling services from baseline development through live programme management.
BIM & 4D Planning
4D construction programmes linking baseline schedule activities to 3D models for clear visual communication of construction sequences.
Our Approach
- Understand the Project – We begin by understanding the project — its scope, construction methodology, site constraints, resource strategy, and contractual requirements. We engage with project teams to capture the knowledge needed to build a programme that reflects how the project will actually be delivered.
- Build from First Principles – We build programmes from first principles, not templates. We develop activity lists, durations, and logic relationships that reflect the specific project, not a generic schedule structure.
- Validate the Critical Path – We validate the critical path against construction methodology and confirm it represents the true driving sequence of work. We check logic integrity, float distribution, and milestone compliance.
- Resource Load & Level – We resource-load the programme and conduct levelling to confirm it is achievable within available resource constraints. We identify resource conflicts and resolve them before programme submission.
- Document Assumptions – We prepare a basis of schedule narrative documenting key assumptions, productivity rates, resource strategies, and risk allowances. This provides transparency and creates a clear record for future delay analysis.
- Review & Refine – We review the programme with project teams, incorporate feedback, and refine the schedule before submission. We ensure the programme has buy-in from the people responsible for delivering it.
Why Choose FR2
- Construction Knowledge – Our schedulers understand how projects are built. We bring practical construction experience to programme development, ensuring schedules reflect real-world constraints and are achievable on site.
- Claim-Ready Programmes – We build programmes with delay analysis in mind. Sound logic, documented assumptions, and a defensible critical path mean our baseline programmes provide a reliable foundation for future EOT claims and dispute resolution.
- Primavera P6 Expertise – We are experienced Primavera P6 practitioners. We develop programmes that are technically rigorous, logically sound, and compliant with client and contract requirements.
- Rail & Infrastructure Specialists – We have deep experience in live rail environments across Sydney Trains, Sydney Metro, and Queensland Rail networks. We understand possession-based scheduling, staging constraints, and the complexity of working in operational rail corridors.
- Commercial Integration – We integrate scheduling with commercial management. Our baseline programmes support cost control, contract management, and claims — not just project execution.
Get in Touch
Need a robust, defensible baseline programme for your project? Contact our team to discuss how we can help you develop a programme that supports project execution, commercial management, and delay analysis from day one. Lead contacts: Felipe Ramirez – Managing Director felipe.ramirez@fr2.com.au Rodrigo Sobarzo – Principal Commercial Manager rodrigo.sobarzo@fr2.com.au Fran Rendic – Rail Infrastructure Specialist fran.rendic@fr2.com.auMore of the FR2 team
Architecture & sustainability integration for efficient built outcomes.
↗
Economics, data modelling & policy analysis for infrastructure decisions.
↗
Project planning, controls & delivery support for complex infrastructure.
↗
Commercial management, cost control & contract strategy on major programs.
↗