DEA-based multi-criteria selection model and framework for design-build contracting

Abstract

ABSTRACT The design-build project delivery method allows owners to deal with a single source of responsibility for the design and construction phases of a facility. Due to its inherent complexity, there is a serious need for an optimal mechanism that can identify and select qualified organizations to successfully deliver projects under this technique. Therefore, the goal of the research project presented in this paper is to develop a multi-criteria decision-making model and framework that will assist owners in selecting qualified design-build organizations. The Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) technique is utilized for developing an efficient multi-criteria selection model and framework that are based on the identified quantitative and qualitative criteria. The DEA-based multi-criteria decision-making framework provides a hybrid methodology that integrates the DEA linear programming approach with the importance weights of each of the identified criteria. As such, the DEA-based multi criteria selection framework proposed in this research endeavor addresses the identified limitations of existing models and provides an effective, robust, and consistent selection model coupled with a flexible framework that allows for screening bidders based on both the preferred values as set by the owner and the full DEA core model criteria.