The study on the implementation of design and build projects in DID

Abstract

Procurement selection is crucial for the project success. Recently, design and build procurement method is used as alternative to the traditional procurement method (design-tender-build). The scenario is due to design and build procurement method gives advantages to the employer in term of time and cost. However, when this method was implemented, it did not fully fulfil what it claim to be. The project still suffer cost overrun, time overrun and the quality does not meet the standard. The objectives of the study are to identify the shortcomings or problems of using the design and build procurement method. It is also to establish the causes that give rise to these problems. Problems of design and build procurement method are identify through literature review in which these problems give impact to the project success in term of time, cost and quality. Multiple-case studies are conducted in which seven design and build projects are selected from the Department of Irrigation and Drainage, Malaysia (DID). The case studies using approaches of semi-structure interviews, observations and documentary sources. This study shows that the projects that use design and build procurement method no different from the traditional method in term of time and cost. Many of them suffer cost and time overrun and poor quality workmanship. The causes of these problems include unclear Needs Statement, inexperience design and build contractor, unfamiliar of design and build concepts, insufficient time during the tender stage, greater project cost, employer loss control over design, conflict of interest as well as design and build procurement method is discourage competition. These problems may be eliminated if the design and build project is let out through pre-qualification exercise. This is to ensure fairness and only the eligible contractor could be employed. Course or workshop on design and build procurement method should regular be conducted to increased the understanding amongst the construction players. Employer may adopt „novation‟ agreement in which design consultants do the designs on the employer behalf and afterwards the design consultants are novated to the design and build contractor. Finally, the employer must allocate sufficient time for planning, design as well as negotiation.