Evaluating the Quality Performance of Pavement Contractors

This paper introduces a contractor quality performance (CQP) evaluation model that measures the quality performance of pavement contractors. The model uses a modified quality function deployment model to support the quality performance measurement that is involved in multiattribute and multiparticipant decision-making and the Delphi method to deal efficiently with the uncertainties in the input data. State DOTs that are in the process of selecting a pavement contractor for a project would benefit from the CQP evaluation model because the system allows a client to expeditiously assess the quality performance of potential pavement contractors in their bidding list. A test case is presented to illustrate the functioning of the model. The model contributes to improve the quality of the nation's pavements because it enhances the contract administration procedures by reengineering the current contractor assessment, prequalification, and/or selection process within the owner organizations (state departments of transportation) by accentuating total client (both the road users' and the owners') satisfaction. The model helps to improve the state DOT's pavement project bidding system.