Modeling a Computer Program for Evaluating the Construction Consulting Bids According to the Iraqi Standard Bidding Documents

Abstract

The professional service procurement's plan and process have a major effect on the construction project's success. In the projects of the public sector, the stress between cost and quality is constant. Public authorities are responsible for maximizing value for money while also protecting the quality and performance of the construction project they develop. Issuing the standard bidding documents for consultancy service (SBDCS) was one of many procedures taken by the Iraqi Government represented by the Ministry of Planning to improve the procurement system in Iraq. The SBDCS were designed to acquire high professional services, achieve the economy and efficiency, and give all qualified consultants opportunities to provide service for the Government financed construction projects. In reviewing the reality of SBDCS's application, the inability of the Government's contracting bodies to achieve the desired documents' objectives was observed. Six projects that applied the SBDCS were chosen as case studies in this research. The lack of adequate qualification of the staff assigned to prepare the bidding document was the main reason that hindered the correct application, which led to the delay in the consultants' procurement and contracting process. An evaluation computer program was modeled for the selection of consultants based on the criteria of Iraqi standard bidding documents. The proposed program aims to facilitate the process of consultant selection according to SBDCS.