Design and build procurement arrangement in government projects in Sri Lanka

Abstract

Design and Build (D&B) procurement arrangement was identified as a more suitable method to match the current requirements of the construction industry than the traditional procurement system. Because of that in the current context, most of public sector projects are also tended to practice D&B arrangement. However, in Sri Lanka, still public sector construction projects unsuccessful with project cost and time parameters. The essence of this study is to investigate the reasons behind such failures and how to mitigate such issues by implementing D&B procurement system more effectively and efficiently. As the first step for the study, comprehensive literature survey was accompanied to find out major characteristics of D&B and then explore major advantages of D&B procurement arrangement. Thereafter, the research targets to identify the drawbacks by utilizing D&B system within the public projects in Sri Lanka and finally the research suggest ways of minimizing such drawbacks. Expert survey was conducted through semi structured face to face interviews among the experts who were involved in public sector construction projects from client side. It was directed to get ideas on possible drawbacks arising in public sector projects which procured through D&B procurement arrangement and to find out the probable solutions for such drawbacks. The research findings revealed that unfamiliarity and inexperience in D & B arrangement, poor coordination among construction parties, incomprehensible project brief and unnecessary political influences were some drawbacks faced while utilizing D&B procurement arrangement in Sri Lankan public sector projects. Conducting training program for in-house staff, involving qualified professionals, promoting competitive bidding environment, and implementing code of practices are some suggestions that were made to mitigate such drawbacks to a certain extent in the use of D&B procurement arrangement in public sector projects in Sri Lanka.