Dissatisfaction with the national system of public procurement: perspectives from construction project contractors

Abstract

In 2007, the Ley Orgánica del Sistema Nacional de Contratación Pública LOSNCP [Organic Law for the Public Procurement National System] established the Sistema Nacional de Contratación Pública SERCOP [Public Procurement National System] to regulate public procurement processes in Ecuador.  In 2017, the World Bank described the system as the most transparent and efficient in the Americas. Although it is necessary that the system works properly, it is mandatory that customers are satisfied with the service. According to authorized data, public procurement achieved 4.92 out of 5 user satisfaction rate including public procurement and construction project contracting processes. Unfortunately, customers’ satisfaction regarding construction project contracting has not been examined despite lately the process has received substantial criticism. The aim of this study was to assess customers’ level of satisfaction with SERCOP services from contractors’ perspective. To achieve this goal, a survey was conducted on 97 members of the Colegio de Ingenieros Civiles de Chimborazo Chimborazo [Civil Engineering Organization] who are currently involved in public procurement. Surveys were conducted by phone during working hours. Statistical software was used to tabulate, analyze, show trends and to draw statistical inferences. Results suggest that contractors are dissatisfied with the SERCOP. Salient opinions supporting their stance are summarized as impartial assessment of offers, transparency in the selection of the assigned contractor and the efficient updating of project construction processes. A probabilistic analysis of adjudication procedures was also carried out.  This analysis deemed to reinforce the opinion given by professionals. This information is useful for administrators of the system so that they formulate suitable actions to improve SERCOP’s overall image.