In the heart of Iraq, where the Tigris and Euphrates rivers have cradled civilizations for millennia, a new wave of infrastructure development is unfolding. At the forefront of this transformation is a critical evaluation of the Standard Bidding Document (SBD) for Design-Build contracts, particularly for road and bridge projects. This research, led by Sarah Abdulkhaleq Ali from the Department of Civil Engineering at the University of Baghdad, sheds light on the effectiveness of these documents in managing cost overruns and schedule delays, offering valuable insights for the construction and energy sectors.
The study, published in the *Journal of Engineering* (translated to English as *مجلة الهندسة*), employs a mixed-methods approach, combining questionnaire surveys, case studies, and expert interviews. The findings reveal a nuanced picture of the SBD’s impact. While there is broad agreement among professionals that the SBD enhances procurement transparency and cost control, its ability to handle design modifications is less favored. “The SBD provides robust financial governance, but its rigid structure impedes responsive design management,” notes Ali, highlighting a key challenge in the current framework.
Case studies of five completed projects underscore this point. Projects that underwent major design changes experienced significant schedule growth, although cost parameters remained consistent. This suggests that while the SBD is effective in controlling costs, it falls short in accommodating the dynamic nature of design changes. Expert interviews further identified unforeseen infrastructure conflicts and iterative design adjustments as critical delay factors, pointing to gaps in the SBD’s adaptability provisions.
The implications for the energy sector are substantial. Efficient infrastructure development is crucial for supporting energy projects, from transportation of materials to the construction of facilities. Delays in road and bridge projects can have a ripple effect, impacting the timeline and cost of energy initiatives. As such, the findings of this study provide a roadmap for improving the SBD framework to better support the energy sector’s needs.
Looking ahead, the study concludes that future revisions to Iraq’s SBD framework must prioritize the integration of dynamic adaptability frameworks, improve risk allocation, and incorporate design-review methods. These changes could systematically mitigate emergent complexities and optimize infrastructure delivery outcomes. For the Ministry of Planning and other implementing agencies, this research offers practical insights to enhance project management and reduce delays.
In a region where infrastructure development is pivotal for economic growth and energy sector advancements, this research by Sarah Abdulkhaleq Ali serves as a timely reminder of the importance of adaptable and efficient procurement frameworks. As Iraq continues to build its future, the lessons learned from this study will be instrumental in shaping policies that support sustainable and timely infrastructure development.