Selection of a procurement method for disaster reconstruction

Abstract

Selecting a proper procurement method is vital in construction projects as it would result in successful completion of a project. Although conventional methods were used in the past, innovative ways have come up lately but not all parties concerned are knowledgeable of those facts. It is important to study the different procurement methods to be aware of them to be applied when the need arises. Evan though literature is available on factors that should be considered in selection of a procurement method for normal project, very scant attention has been given on disaster reconstruction projects. When major catastrophes in the likes of Tsunami occur, it is essential to act fast and comply with the requirements of those affected parties through an appropriate procurement method. There is a high possibility that factors governing the selection of a normal project may not be suitable for disaster reconstruction. The aim of this research is to identify the most appropriate procurement method for disaster reconstruction in Sri Lanka. Researchers conducted in the past over the world have identified many factors to be considered in the selection of a procurement method. The identified factors were discussed with a panel of experts comprising officials of the donor agencies, consultants and contractors. Ten factors identified as important were forwarded to parties who were involved in Tsunami reconstruction process and were requested to express their opinion on the level of significance on each factor and the results were statistically summarized. The factors that were identified were Risk management, Time and predictability, Price 7ertainty & completion within the budget, Price competition, Accountability, Flexibility for changes, Quality of work, Familiarity, Project cost and funding method, Price complexity. The questionnaire prepared based on those factors were forwarded to clients (donor), consultants and contractors who were involved in Tsunami reconstruction process and were requested to express their opinion on the level of significance on each factor and the results were statistically summarized. The parties responded to all ten factors with price competition, price certainty, financial risk, accountability and transparency, quality of work and construction time being the priorities in descending order. Considering the above factors that have been identified it can be assumed that the Design and built method is more appropriate due to the urgency of reconstruction process in disaster situations. Keywords: procurement, disaster, reconstruction, Sri Lanka