The development of the Performance Based Procurement System (PBPS)

The Performance-Based Studies Research Group (PBSRG) at the Del E. Webb School of Construction has developed a methodology to reduce facility system life-cycle cost. The methodology reshapes the current construction industry model from a “low-bid” industry, in which facility owners assume that all bidding contractors performs at the same level, into a value added performance-based industry in which facility owners make purchase decisions based on actual contractor/system performance data as well as bid price. The new information-regulated industry changes roles and partnerships between the construction industry and facility owners and facilitates an environment in which performing contractors are rewarded and contractors can continuously improve. The research group is concern with the identification of performance levels in the industrial sector, the design of a performance-based structure for manufacturers and contractors in the commercial sector, and the education of the construction industry. The PBSRG research efforts ($ 1,200K, 1994-present) includes the design and improvement of the Performance-Based Procurement System (PBPS); performance data collection on general, mechanical, and electrical contractors; landscaping and janitorial services; and design services in the public and private commercial sectors.