Evaluating contractor prequalification data: Selection criteria and project success factors

A Delphic study investigating the perceived relationship between 20 contractor selection criteria (CSC) currently in use and project success factors (PSFs) in terms of time, cost and quality is described involving a sample of eight experienced construction personnel, including two validators. A consensus of the likely impact of each criterion on time, cost and quality is established in terms of pessimistic, average and optimistic values, which are then converted into expected means and variances via the PERT approach. The ten most and ten least important CSCs are identified and examined for differences and similarities between PSFs. The results show that past failures, financial status, financial stability, credit ratings, experience, ability, management personnel and management knowledge are perceived to be the dominant CSCs affecting all three PSFs, with safety criteria (safety, experience modification rate, OSHA incidence rate, management safety accountability) and the length of time in business being perceived to have the least effect overall. Some CSCs, such as past performance, bank arrangements, project management organization, plant and equipment were perceived to affect only one or two PSFs.