Competitive Bidding for Engineering Services
Publication: Journal of Professional Issues in Engineering
Volume 113, Issue 1
Abstract
The use of competitive bidding for engagement of engineering services continues to increase. A review of the current status of the practice with particular reference to public agencies is presented and analyzed. Both advantages and disadvantages of various methods used are discussed. The use of competitive bidding is detrimental to the quality of engineering services, and invariably results in an adversarial client relationship. Guidelines are provided for those instances where competitive bidding is the only method proposed for selection of the engineer. The engineer is cautioned that his relationship to the client will be adversarial and appropriate contact provisions are required.
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References
1.
Cohen, S., “The Highs and Lows of Competitive Bidding,” Consulting Engineer, ACEC, Aug., 1984, pp. 41–46.
2.
Model Procurement Code, 5‐501 Architect‐Engineer and Land Surveying Services, American Bar Association.
3.
PAESER (Professional Architect‐Engineer Selection and Retention), Association of Soil and Foundation Engineers, 1984, 24 pp.
4.
“Price or Quality,” Ohio Association of Consulting Engineers, May, 1984, 10 pp.
5.
“Structural Failures in Public Facilities,” report by the Committee on Science and Technology together with Minority View, House Report 96‐621, Mar. 15, 1984.
Information & Authors
Information
Published In
Journal of Professional Issues in Engineering
Volume 113 • Issue 1 • January 1987
Pages: 66 - 76
Copyright
Copyright © 1987 ASCE.
History
Published online: Jan 1, 1987
Published in print: Jan 1987
Authors
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