Introduction of a new form of quote evaluation: A case study in southern Sweden

The effects of changing from traditional tendering methods to an alternative form of quote evaluation were tested in a case study within the southern Swedish construction market. The project studied replacing the outer surface of the roof of a multiple-dwelling building 2000m2 in area. Procurement was carried out in two steps. The first step consisted of traditional tendering methods in which quotations were obtained by asking different contractors to bid. In the second step, formal tender documents were sent by mail to the same contractors. These documents included an alternative form of quote evaluation requiring that references to be provided for similar work, as well as for issues of environmental control, working environment, quality control and the material's life cycle. This second step was found to create additional value for the client and to improve competition. It was also observed that although there was a communication threshold to overcome, this segment of the construction market appeared ready to accept alternative methods for evaluating quotes. It was regarded as important to make the criteria readily understandable and measurable and strive towards a standardized template form of quote evaluation to reflect the goals of both the project and the clients.