Risk management as a qualitative evaluation criterion in public procurement of construction works

Risk management as a qualitative evaluation criterion in public procurement of construction works

Článek WoS

This paper focuses on the application of risk management as a qualitative criterion for evaluating public construction contracts using the Best Value Approach (BVA). This method is being progressively implemented in the Czech Republic as a strategic tool to enhance the quality and efficiency of public procurement. The primary objective is to present the “Risk Assessment Plan” criterion and its role in improving project preparation. The analysis is based on practical experience gained from construction contracts executed by a specific public institution. The study examines the principles, parameters, and evaluation process of the “Risk Assessment Plan” criterion, assessing its functionality and effectiveness within the real-world context of the Czech public procurement environment. The criterion proved to be an effective tool, providing the contracting authority with direct insight into bidders’ capabilities to identify, describe, and manage project risks. Key findings include verification of the professional readiness and expertise of suppliers, effective transfer of market knowledge and experience into the project preparation process, a significant increase in the project’s readiness for the implementation phase and enhanced transparency and objectivity in the bid evaluation process. The article also highlights critical pitfalls and common mistakes made by both bidders and contracting authorities –notably the confusion between project-specific risks and general supplier risks, insufficient documentation structure, and a fundamental misunderstanding of the criterion’s purpose. Based on these observations, the paper provides methodological recommendations for the correct definition of the criterion, scoring mechanisms, and its subsequent use during project execution. The results confirm that a well‐structured risk management criterion is essential for more effective project delivery and overall higher standards in public construction works.

This paper focuses on the application of risk management as a qualitative criterion for evaluating public construction contracts using the Best Value Approach (BVA). This method is being progressively implemented in the Czech Republic as a strategic tool to enhance the quality and efficiency of public procurement. The primary objective is to present the “Risk Assessment Plan” criterion and its role in improving project preparation. The analysis is based on practical experience gained from construction contracts executed by a specific public institution. The study examines the principles, parameters, and evaluation process of the “Risk Assessment Plan” criterion, assessing its functionality and effectiveness within the real-world context of the Czech public procurement environment. The criterion proved to be an effective tool, providing the contracting authority with direct insight into bidders’ capabilities to identify, describe, and manage project risks. Key findings include verification of the professional readiness and expertise of suppliers, effective transfer of market knowledge and experience into the project preparation process, a significant increase in the project’s readiness for the implementation phase and enhanced transparency and objectivity in the bid evaluation process. The article also highlights critical pitfalls and common mistakes made by both bidders and contracting authorities –notably the confusion between project-specific risks and general supplier risks, insufficient documentation structure, and a fundamental misunderstanding of the criterion’s purpose. Based on these observations, the paper provides methodological recommendations for the correct definition of the criterion, scoring mechanisms, and its subsequent use during project execution. The results confirm that a well‐structured risk management criterion is essential for more effective project delivery and overall higher standards in public construction works.

Risk Management; Qualitative Evaluation; Construction Projects; BVA Approach; Public Procurement

Risk Management; Qualitative Evaluation; Construction Projects; BVA Approach; Public Procurement

KORYTÁROVÁ, J.; HROMÁDKA, V.; MARVAN, P.

19.05.2026

Frontiers Media SA

Frontiers in Built Environment

2023

12

Švýcarská konfederace

1

16

16

https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/built-environment/articles/10.3389/fbuil.2026.1805761/full