A review of ICTAD standard bidding document 02 (2007) for major contracts

Abstract

For every type of construction contract a set of Conditions of Contract is an essential constituent for its sustainability. Conditions of Contract create a legal framework with rights and obligations of the parties under which the parties are to operate. The two types of Conditions of Contract, i.e. a) Conditions of Contract drawn up by parties to the contract and b) Standard Conditions of Contract published by independent professional organisations have inherent advantages and disadvantages. A set of Standard Bidding Documents have been published by the Institute for Construction Training And Development (ICTAD) to be used within Sri Lankan construction industry out of which Standard Bidding Document 02 (SBD 02) is intended for major contracts. Since the usage of SBD 02 is only limited to construction industry of Sri Lanka, literature is somewhat scarce in regard to the limitations of Conditions of Contract of SBD 02. Therefore, the aim of this study is to explore the limitations of the Conditions of Contract of SBD 02. Research problem was approached through a series of semi-structured interviews with local Consultant Quantity Surveyors who are currently practicing in private sector of Sri Lankan construction industry. Findings of this research render that there are limitations associated with Conditions of Contract of SBD 02 which are affecting the sustainability of the application of SBD 02. Those limitations are required to be addressed in order to enhance the quality of SBD 02.