Multiparameter bidding system: innovation in contract administration

Herbsman, Z and Ellis, R (1992) Multiparameter bidding system: innovation in contract administration. Journal of Construction Engineering and Management, 118(1), pp. 142-150. ISSN 0733-9364

Abstract

The vast majority of construction contracts are procured using the low-bid system. In the low bid system price is the sole basis for determining the successful bidder. This traditional approach has certain drawbacks. In recent years, several innovative modifications to the low bid system have been tried. This paper presents the results of these trials and proposes a more comprehensive approach to bid award criteria. A presentation of a multiparameter bidding system is made. The multiparameter bid award system would include various owner-selected parameters, such as cost, time, and quality. Quantification of these parameters and bidder evaluation methodology are included. Finally, a discussion of the advantages and disadvantages of a multiparameter bid award criteria system is also presented.

Item Type: Article
Index terms: methodology, bidding, construction contract, bidder, contract administration, quantification, owner
Subjects: contract management, research methods, sociology, measurement and scaling, contract type, bidding
Topics: Contract Administration, Research Practice, Procurement, Stakeholder Management
Descriptive scope: 4 PCTA

N.B. Descriptive scope is a count of how many of the five facets of empirical research are indicated by the words used in title, abstract and keywords. It is not intended as a judgement on the research; merely a count of the kind of word we would expect to indicate Phenomenon, Concepts, Theoretical framing, Empirical techniques, Analytical techniques. If all five are present, then a code of “5 PCTEA” will indicate this. If you feel the coding for this record is questionable, we welcome discussion around the terms we matched or the way we categorized them. The facet you would expect may not be coded, or a facet may be coded inappropriately. This can also bear on a larger question, of which facets should be treated as defining in construction management research. Please get in touch, and we will look at it. More details here