Insights
OPIC - Construction Input Prices:
Updated dashboard for monitoring costs and contracts
The price of construction inputs varies constantly and can compromise contracts and budgets.
With Exxata's OPIC, you can track the prices of inputs such as steel, cement, sand, copper, and diesel in real time through the SINAPI platform, ensuring predictability, risk management, and safer decisions for your projects.
Frequently Asked Questions about OPIC – Construction Input Prices Observatory
If you work with budgets, planning, or construction, you know that variations in inputs such as steel, cement, sand, copper, and diesel can compromise budgets and contracts.
With OPIC – Construction Input Prices Observatory , you have access to an updated dashboard that shows the evolution and projection of the main inputs, helping with cost management, claim formulation and strategic decision-making .
What is OPIC and what is its function?
OPIC (Construction Input Prices Observatory) is a tool developed to monitor and project changes in key construction inputs, such as steel, cement, sand, stone, copper, and diesel. It helps companies in the sector understand the economic impacts of these changes and prepare for negotiations, lawsuits, and contract adjustments.
Why is it important to monitor input prices?
Variations in input prices can generate economic and financial imbalances in contracts , directly impacting project deadlines and costs. Companies that monitor these indicators can make strategic decisions, adjust budgets, and structure stronger technical defenses in negotiations.
Which inputs should construction monitor more closely?
The main monitored inputs are:
CA-50 and CA-60 steel (they are directly related to the international scenario and undergo variations in retraction and appreciation).
Sand and crushed stone (strongly impacted by internal demand and logistics).
Cement (historically stable, but can vary in cycles).
Copper (very sensitive to the global market).
Diesel oil (essential for operations, and can represent up to 60% of the earthmoving cost)
How does the price of diesel impact the construction industry?
fuel is the main fuel for heavy construction equipment . A change in its price can significantly increase the costs of earthmoving, transporting supplies, and performing services.
How do price variations influence contracts with adjustments by SINAPI?
Contracts that use SINAPI as a readjustment index may not immediately reflect the volatility of inputs such as steel, copper, or diesel. This can lead to claims for economic and financial rebalancing , as actual costs fluctuate more than the general index.
What to do when there is a strong variation in the price of inputs?
The recommendation is:
Continuously monitor prices and sector indicators;
Documentally record the impacts on contracts and schedules;
Evaluate the formulation of requests for economic and financial rebalancing, when necessary;
Seek specialized technical advice to support negotiations
How can Exxata support companies facing these changes?
Exxata operates in all contractual phases – pre-, contractual and post-contractual – offering support for:
Forecasting and analysis of economic impacts;
Support in preparing claims and negotiations;
Technical defense in arbitrations and proceedings;
Contractual risk management;
Contract administration services.
What is SINAPI?
SINAPI – National System of Research on Costs and Indexes of Civil Construction – is the main Brazilian reference source of costs for engineering works and services, as determined by Decree 7.983/2013 . It is maintained through a partnership between CAIXA and IBGE – Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics.
It is widely used as a reference for budgets, contractual adjustments and preparation of economic-financial rebalancing claims .
How to access SINAPI?
SINAPI can be accessed free of charge through the Caixa Econômica Federal website , which publishes monthly tables of construction costs and indices. Simply select the state and the desired period to see the average prices of the main inputs and services .
This information is widely used in public works budgets, construction contracts and requests for economic and financial rebalancing , serving as an official reference for managers and companies in the sector.
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