In using ECC with option X16 retention, can you advise on how the retention free amount is calculated?

Answer

The contract term ‘retention free amount’ is in italics.  That means it is an identified term (see clause 11.1) and the amount is therefore identified in the contract data.  So, the amount will be decided by the employer at tender stage and inserted in the contract data part one, under the optional statements for option X16.  It is entirely up to the employer how much this amount is and how it is calculated.