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. © ASCE,.