Approach ensures "smoother tendering procedures," says CEO
The Australian Institute of Quantity Surveyors (AIQS) is advocating for the reintroduction of bills of quantities (BoQs) in the construction industry's tendering process.
“This approach ensures that a more comprehensive and well-defined set of documentation is provided to the market, resulting in smoother tendering procedures,” said Grant Warner, AIQS CEO. “Additionally, it establishes a more robust pre-tender estimate process, resulting in a more streamlined process.”
In recent years, BoQs have become less common compared to other tendering methods like design-and-build contracts. However, industry experts argue that BoQs offer several advantages.
Warner said that when multiple builders and trades generate their own quantities for the same project, the quantity surveyor's time spent measuring the bill of quantities is duplicated across the market. By providing BoQs to builders and trades, the hours required for measurement can be significantly reduced, resulting in substantial cost savings during the tendering process.
Warner also highlighted the potential environmental impact of BoQs. By quantifying overall quantities, accurate data can be used to calculate emissions and implement targeted mitigation plans. He said that BoQs can play a crucial role in controlling carbon emissions.
“If we can measure it, we can control it,” Warner said.
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In addition to cost savings and environmental benefits, BoQs can improve accuracy, increase transparency in bid comparisons, and help mitigate financial risks for contractors. Warner emphasized that during the tender phase, the ability to compare prices at a detailed and overall trade level allows for identifying pricing discrepancies and selecting the most suitable builder for the project.
“At a time when the market is still enduring ongoing volatility, any measures that can be implemented to bring increased efficiency and reduced risk should be welcomed,” Warner said.
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