A Framework for Request for Proposal (RFP) for Construction of Modular Classrooms

• Author / Creator

  Abaeian, Hamid

• Modular classrooms have been increasingly used to accommodate fluctuations in student enrollment in schools. Request for proposal (RFP) is a tool to communicate with the bidders specifying the main requirements of the project. The RFP communicates the requirements for coordination between stakeholders such as responsibilities, risks, and criteria associated with the project. The RFP also presents the selection criteria against which the proposals will be evaluated. However, the effectiveness of the RFP depends to a high degree on the clarity and objectivity of the requirements and selection criteria introduced in the RFP, which might inhibit potential bidders from submitting a proper bid. Besides, the lack of knowledge on the part of contractors regarding the construction of modular classrooms contributes to cost overruns and project delays. Lessons learned from current practice is a useful approach to identify the challenges with the current practice and to suggest improvements to the current state. This thesis seeks to establish a better practice for the RFP process for modular classrooms by developing lessons learned from current practice. Alberta Infrastructure, as one of the leading public owners of modular classrooms, has procured more than 3,000 modular classrooms to date. Therefore, this research analyzes the procurement process used by Alberta Infrastructure as a case study to propose improvements. The research presents the findings in two parts: 1) lessons learned from current RFP practice, and 2) proposing a framework for evaluating selection criteria in the supply stage of modular classrooms. Recent RFPs, site visits, focus group meetings, and workshops with bidders were conducted. The lessons learned can be used as a guideline for owners of modular classrooms to set up the RFP process for future projects related to modular classrooms.

• Subjects / Keywords

  • Request For Proposals
  • Better practice
  • Modular classrooms
  • Selection Criteria

• Graduation date

  Spring 2020

• Type of Item

  Thesis

• Degree

  Master of Science

• DOI

  https://doi.org/10.7939/r3-rm9p-fy27

• License

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