Scoring Rules and Competitive Behavior in Best-Value Construction Auctions
Publication: Journal of Construction Engineering and Management
Volume 142, Issue 9
Abstract
This paper examines the extent to which engineers can influence the competitive behavior of bidders in best value or multiattribute construction auctions, in which both the (dollar) bid and technical nonprice criteria are scored according to a scoring rule. From a sample of Spanish construction auctions with a variety of bid scoring rules, it is found that bidders are influenced by the auction rules in significant and predictable ways. The bid score weighting, bid scoring formula, and abnormally low bids criterion are variables likely to influence the competitiveness of bidders in terms of both their aggressive/conservative bidding and concentration/dispersion of bids. Revealing the influence of the bid scoring rules and their magnitude on bidders’ competitive behavior opens the door for the engineer to condition bidder competitive behavior in such a way as to provide the balance needed to achieve the owner’s desired strategic outcomes.
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Information
Published In
Journal of Construction Engineering and Management
Volume 142 • Issue 9 • September 2016
Copyright
© 2016 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Received: Oct 20, 2014
Accepted: Dec 10, 2015
Published online: Mar 2, 2016
Discussion open until: Aug 2, 2016
Published in print: Sep 1, 2016
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