Responding to Contractors Selection Problems in Construction Projects with Prequalification Model
RESPONDING TO CONTRACTORS SELECTION PROBLEMS IN CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS WITH PREQUALIFICATION MODEL
Abstract
Selecting a contractor for a construction project has been shown to be directly related to the success or failure of the entire project and client’s value for money. It was observed that the wrong choice of a contractor will certainly impact on the time, cost and quality of delivery of the project. This study assessed the prequalification criteria for evaluating contractors and their eventual section for the award of the contract. A prequalification model on a scale of 100 was formulated from the study for contractor’s evaluation on assessment of their quality score, eventual construction time and final cost of the project. Stakeholders in the sector agreed that a contractor with assessment mark of 61 – 70% be awarded the contract.
Keyword: Prequalification criteria, quality control, eventual completion time, final cost of completion, technical capability, financial strength and health and safety policy.
Introduction
Hatush and Skitmore (1997) noted that one of the difficult decisions faced by clients in the construction industry is the selection of contractor. This is owing to the fact that every construction project faces adversity and uncertainty associated with environmental issues, finance, technical know-how and statutory compliance. These problems are complicated with incompetent contractor which tends to increase the chances of the project been delayed, cost overrun, substandard work, disputes and bankruptcy.
Babalola (2010) complimented that a wrong choice of contractor may not lead to an acrimonious client – contractor relationship, but also contribute to waste of resources. It is required that a contractor should possess a sound knowledge of organizational control, reputable administrative skill and demonstrable knowledge of building and civil engineering construction.
Drew and Skitmore (1993) averred that contractor selection is a critical
Abstract
Selecting a contractor for a construction project has been shown to be directly related to the success or failure of the entire project and client’s value for money. It was observed that the wrong choice of a contractor will certainly impact on the time, cost and quality of delivery of the project. This study assessed the prequalification criteria for evaluating contractors and their eventual section for the award of the contract. A prequalification model on a scale of 100 was formulated from the study for contractor’s evaluation on assessment of their quality score, eventual construction time and final cost of the project. Stakeholders in the sector agreed that a contractor with assessment mark of 61 – 70% be awarded the contract.
Keyword: Prequalification criteria, quality control, eventual completion time, final cost of completion, technical capability, financial strength and health and safety policy.
Introduction
Hatush and Skitmore (1997) noted that one of the difficult decisions faced by clients in the construction industry is the selection of contractor. This is owing to the fact that every construction project faces adversity and uncertainty associated with environmental issues, finance, technical know-how and statutory compliance. These problems are complicated with incompetent contractor which tends to increase the chances of the project been delayed, cost overrun, substandard work, disputes and bankruptcy.
Babalola (2010) complimented that a wrong choice of contractor may not lead to an acrimonious client – contractor relationship, but also contribute to waste of resources. It is required that a contractor should possess a sound knowledge of organizational control, reputable administrative skill and demonstrable knowledge of building and civil engineering construction.
Drew and Skitmore (1993) averred that contractor selection is a critical
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