Testing of Minimization of Subjectivity in Best Value Procurement by Using Artificial Intelligence Systems in State of Utah Procurement

Abstract

The Performance Information Procurement System (PIPS) was tested on the procurement of the $2.96 million Bridgerland Academic Training Center (ATC) for the state of Utah Division of Facilities Construction Management. The artificial intelligence (AI) information based PIPS was run two ways—selection with biased subjectivity (similar to current best value processes) and without biased subjectivity. Unlike other best value processes, PIPS minimizes the decision-making and subjective bias of the owner’s representatives. The procurement test at Bridgerland ATC provides a comparison between the AI selection versus the user agency’s subjective prioritization. The result of the system was one of the “best” construction projects procured at the state of Utah (on time, on budget, high quality), with no contractor generated change orders for additional cost, minimized construction management requirements, and high customer satisfaction.