Gap Analysis of Factors Affecting Tendering Phase of PPP Projects in Nigeria

Abstract

Tendering phase as a key factor for PPP projects is complicated and has some major problems including lengthy negotiation time and high cost. The CSFs identified at other stages do not address these issues of the tendering stage. In order to ensure the success tendering stages of PPP projects in the construction industry, this paper conducted a gap analysis of the importance level of CSFs for the tendering stages of PPP projects in Nigeria. Using a survey design, the participation, level of knowledge, and experience of professionals involved in the tendering stages of PPP projects, as well as the expected and observed significance of CSFs, were evaluated. To sample professionals' opinions in the study area, a closed-ended questionnaire was used. Quadrant and gap analyses were used to analyse the collected data. The research reveals a high level of expected importance for CSFs in the bidding stages of PPP projects but a lower level of observed importance. In addition, the study provided recommendations for bridging the sustainability gap between tendering stages and PPP initiatives in general. This paper reaches the conclusion that there is a disparity between the expected and observed importance CSFs in the tendering stages of PPP projects and discusses the CSFs that required attention but did not receive it. These CSFs, if observed as expected during the tendering phases of PPP projects, will improve the private-public relations of PPP stakeholders and the probity of the processes.