Delivering best value in the small works portfolio of public sector organizations when using preferred contractors

The use of preferred contractors through a partnering arrangement is a prominent method of relationship-based procurement. The approach is frequently applied to managing the small works portfolio of public authorities. While the apparent benefits to client organizations of employing preferred contractors are widely known, questions surrounding the timeliness, duration, risk, disruption, quality and cost of works in the public sector are often rightly asked. The process and practices involved in small works procurement and management are crucial to the successful management of a public authority’s portfolio and they are examined in this research with the support of three case studies. The findings highlight that: the characteristics of small works, which are of fundamental influence on their effective undertaking, are often misunderstood; the criteria describing successful small works are not well recognized; small works are sometimes inappropriately planned and undertaken inefficiently; and the worksite environment and local inhabitants are largely ignored when works are carried out. To improve the procurement and management of individual small works and the wider small works portfolio there must be better oversight practices during procurement and throughout works administration by public authorities and their contracted partners coupled with more effective management and onsite supervision by contractors.