Definition of ACET.

ACET is the Association of Consulting Engineers, Tanzania. ACET was founded in 1985 as an association of Independent Consulting Engineers who comply with the codes of ethical conduct, professional integrity and competence.

ACET as a National Association of Consulting Engineers was registered as a Member of FIDIC in June 1986.

Objects of ACET.

The main objective of the formation of ACET is to promote in common the advancement of the professional interests of the consulting Engineers by assisting its member to achieve higher professional business and academic standards. In so doing its members would be more competent to provide beter consulting engineering service and advice in the interest of the Clients.

Membership.

In compliance with the statues by – law and regulation of FIDIC membership of ACET, both individual as well as firm membership, restricted to independent Consulting Engineers in private practice only, either practicing individually as partners, directors, etc. Membership of ACET therefore, require its members to possess the highest professional status, independence and competence. It is for this reason that ACET’s membership has remained fairly small, though steadily growing.

Codes of Professional Ethical Conduct.

An independent competent Consulting Engineer must exercise his profession in the best interest of the Client. He must conduct himself with complete faithfulness so as to serve the best interests of them society and uphold the integrity and dignity of the professional and the Association.

A Consulting Engineer’s advice, judgment and decision must not be influenced in any way by connections with other persons or organizations. He must have the knowledge and professional experience for the assignments he undertakes to perform.

A consulting Engineer shall not take over work of another Consulting Engineer for the assignments he undertakes to perform.

A consulting Engineer shall not take over work of another Consulting Engineer for the same Client, directly or indirectly, until:-

- He has obtained consent from such Consulting Engineer or
- He has been notified formally by the Client of the termination of the other Consulting Engineer.

Service Rendered by ACET

Member of ACET are experienced Consulting Engineers who provide, individually or jointly, professional services in the basic fields of Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, Mining Engineering etc,. which could include among other things, the following:-

- Investigation and reporting
- Preliminary and detailed design(s) and /or preparation of contract documents.
- Tender analysis, recommendations and award of contracts.
- Contract supervision and/or financial administration.
- Acceptance and commissioning of completed works and preparation of final accounts, etc.

ACET members also provide professional advisory services to the Government, parastatal organizations and the general public on all matters of Engineering nature. This type of service fosters a closer mutual relationship between ACET members and other professionals who are not independent Consulting Engineers, working in the Public Sector.

SELECTION AND RENUMERATION OF consulting Engineers.

ACET will always emphasis that a Consulting Engineer should be selected on the basis of his ability to perform the required services efficiently to the satisfaction of his Client.. A list of competent ACET members and Member firms is readily available at the ACET office on request by Clients to assist them in selecting the appropriate Consulting Engineers for any specific assignment.

ACET members are renumerated only by the fees paid by the Clients and based on the Association’s Conditions of Engagement and Scales of fees, 1989. Clients are advices not to be tempted to negotiate for a reduction of ACET fees, since it is apparent that such scaling-down of fees will lower the morale and performance level of the Consulting Engineer.

It is Highly recommended that the selection and sub-sequent Engagement of a Consulting Engineer be confirmed by a formal Memorandum of Agreement reflecting clearly the scope of services and the relevant renumerations. A standard form of the ACET Memorandum of agreement is Incorporated in the “Red Book” i.e. The ACET Conditions of Engagement and Scale of Fees !989 for ease of reference.

The client(s) and Consulting Engineer(s) should fully realize their respective responsibilities and obligations spelt out in the ‘Red Book’ with due regard to the Scale and duration of the services of the Consulting Engineer.