Tendering factors considered by Syrian contractors

For construction contractors, it is not an easy decision whether to bid or not to bid for a new project. That involves quantifying the combined impact of many factors and then producing a quick cost estimation for the project. All that should be done within a short limited time. Developing a decision-support system for making “bid/ no bid” and “mark up size” decisions will be of great help to contractors. This paper reports the progress of the first stage of developing a decision-support system to help contractors in bidding situations. The Syrian tendering system is presented and, through a questionnaire survey supported by six semi-structured interviews with interested expert contractors, thirty-eight factors were uncovered and ranked according to their importance to contractors operating in Syria. Meeting the “to-tender” conditions, financial capability of the client, and relations with and reputation of the client are the most important factors in the bidding decision. On the other hand, relation with other contractors/suppliers, the proportions to be subcontracted and the local customs are the least important factors in making this decision.