A win-win-win-win situation

Mr MacBain is confusing the issue of e-tendering with that of inadequate information and sloppy processes involved in tendering. The issue of poor quality information issued for tendering purposes and the lack of a formal tender query process are not e-tendering specific problems – they are as much of an issue with paper-based tendering.

Mr MacBain has obviously been in receipt of electronic documents as part of the tendering process and the move to electronic issue and receipt of documents is only going to increase and become the norm. Indeed one of the key outcomes from the Gershon review (the independent review of public sector efficiency) has been that the public sector is now driving forward on the use of e-tendering and e-procurement across its entire portfolio. We as an industry need to work proactively to achieve a solution rather then deny changes are happening.

I am not proposing we completely do away with paper documents as some people require paper copies, but surely it is better to place the responsibility for producing hard copies on those who actually want to use them. The truth of the matter is that whoever prints the documents it is the client that pays, whether that is the architect, the QS or the contractor. The benefit of placing the cost initially with the consuming party is that any benefits from working electronically will rest with that organisation, so if drawings are received electronically and used electronically then the benefit from not paying to plot the drawings should sit with the organisation. Efficiency gains will ultimately be passed onto the client simply because of the competition in the marketplace.

I disagree with Mr MacBain’s assertions on the non-use of electronic information. It is possible to print electronic drawings to scale but even more importantly it is possible and very practical to quantify directly from CAD files. This cuts to the very heart of the e-tendering guidance note, as these are the very issues that must be addressed before the issue of electronic tender information, so documents are issued in the right electronic format and all parties are clear on what is being issued for what purpose.

The RICS guidance note is intended to help all parties. This does mean that unlike paper, formats and protocols have to be agreed prior to issuing documents. E-tendering really is the win-win-win-win situation. Clients, consultants, contractors and sub-contractors all stand to benefit from its adoption.

I would like to thank Mr MacBain for his input. When producing the guidance note the aim was to not only set out best practice but also to raise awareness. I would welcome any further feedback or comments on the subject from the readers of QS News (positive or negative). This is a debate that is long overdue.

Peter Sell, partner, Davis Langdon (co-author of the RICS guidance note)