Prospect of using electronics to do economic analysis of contractors' bids

Abstract

The tendering process is designed to select the most qualified contractor for a specified job, but the presence of human bias and selfish subjective selections in tender analysis has been perceived to lead to the selection of unqualified contractors in the Nigerian construction industry. This situation has given rise to the need to adopt electronic means that will help minimize the effect of human influence on a selection process. It is therefore the aim of this study, to evaluate the present state of e tendering in the Nigerian construction industry, with the objectives of identifying the mode of electronics in use for tender evaluations, accessing the extent to which these electronics have been used, investigating the constraints that has hampered the application/appreciation of electronics in tender evaluation and accessing the benefits inherent in the use of electronics in tender evaluations. In the method of the study, a questionnaire was drafted and distributed, comprising relevant questions that bordered on the respondent's personal character and response to research questions. Mean Response Value (MRV) method was used to analyze the data collected. From the analysis, it was discovered that in general, professionals involved in the bid/ tender evaluation process were aware of e tendering but did not practice it, and as such had no skills in it. It was also discovered that the greatest constraint to the use of electronics in tender evaluation in Nigeria was the IT illiteracy amongst contractors and amongst consultants. It is recommended that Government provide the enabling environment by taking the lead in adopting e tendering for all its pubic procurements as a continuously procuring entity. This will pave the way and stimulate the participation of the private sectors in e tendering. While professional bodies should live up to their responsibilities in ensuring its membership is carried along in modern practices through continuous professional development programmes.

Key words: e-tendering, tender, analysis, IT, awareness, capacity, illiteracy, interoperability, web, portals.