Web-Based Client Advisory Decision Support System for Design–Builder Prequalification

Abstract

The design–build procurement route is gaining popularity and being extensively used by many clients. Scrutinizing the capabilities of design–build “candidate” organizations (who submit proposals for prequalification/short listing), is a complex task that demands the evaluation of several quantitative and qualitative attributes. The crucial task of design–builder prequalification needs multidisciplinary expertise that often poses tough challenges to many construction clients. A Hong Kong based cross-sectional research study of various international clients’ design–builder selection approaches unveiled several selection strategies and criteria used; and benchmarked some best practices. Based on such consolidated knowledge, a structured design–builder selection model was developed. The conceptualized frameworks for design–builder prequalification are described in this paper. An overview of the development and preliminary validation of a prototype web-based decision support system for design–builder prequalification is also presented in this paper.