FM Contractor (O&M contractor) (see also Hard FM Contractor and Soft FM Contractor) meaning

An FM contractor (also called an O&M contractor) is the service provider engaged to operate, maintain and manage completed facilities under a facilities management or operations and maintenance contract. In PFI/PPP structures (including DBFO/DBFM), the FM contractor is usually subcontracted by project co under an FM/O&M subcontract to deliver post‑completion services in line with agreed service levels, availability and performance regimes, with payment and deductions governed by the project payment mechanism. Services may include hard FM (fabric and M&E maintenance, statutory testing, lifecycle replacement) and/or soft FM (for example, cleaning, catering, security). The contractor’s obligations typically cover planned and reactive maintenance, compliance with law and health and safety, reporting, and interface with the construction contractor during commissioning and the defects period. The expression is not defined in legislation or case law; it is an industry term used across construction, real estate and outsourcing. Outside PFI/PPP, an FM contractor may contract directly with the owner, landlord, tenant or public authority. Usage is broadly consistent across England & Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland and Ireland, though scope (for example, lifecycle and handback obligations, and TUPE risk) depends on the contract. See also Hard FM Contractor and Soft FM Contractor.