Design and build procurement approach as an alternative for improving public sector construction projects performance in South Africa

Abstract

Design and build procurement approach is a construction procurement method where the contractor takes responsibility for the design and construction work usually for a lump sum price. The design and construction contracts are combined into a single contract in a design and build procurement approach, which in turn saves time by avoiding the need for a second procurement stage. Despite the advantages that the design and build procurement approach offers, there is limited use of the approach in the public sector in South Africa. The research project investigated the use of the approach in South Africa's public sector. Major factors limiting the use of the approach as well as areas that could be enhanced in order to address perceived challenges of the approach have been investigated. The study adopted a quantitative approach to the research. A survey method was undertaken and involved the use of self-administered questionnaire for data collection. The sample comprises a total of 50 respondents in the public sector who were involved in managing construction projects. The research was confined to survey questionnaires sent through emails. The study revealed that 40% of the public sector officials do not deliver their projects using the design and build procurement approach. A further 31% of public sector officials implement only between 1-10% of their projects using the design and build procurement approach. Furthermore, the study revealed that lack of knowledge is the main factor limiting the use of design and build procurement approach in the public sector. Design and build procurement approach can be enhanced in the areas of procuring and contracting the design and build contractor. The conclusion from the study is that design and build procurement approach can be an alternative that can contribute to accelerating delivery of infrastructure construction projects in the public sector and ensure successful delivery of projects