Does Using BIM Application to Automate Quantity Surveying Increase Bidding Success?

Abstract

Anecdotal evidence exists claiming the benefits of technology regarding efficiency and overall competitiveness of contractors. However, there is lack of empirical evidence demonstrating that technology improves contractors’ efficiency, especially as it relates to their bidding success. This study explores the association of a specific BIM application that automates the extraction of quantities from virtual models to bidding successes on public projects. Information from public projects in the state of Texas that used the BIM application in 2016 were analyzed. The contractors who used the application showed an overall increase in their success rate in public bids. Analysis indicates that the success rates of winning bids using the application are not equal for all public project types. Additionally, the results suggest that the odds of winning bids are higher for projects under $100 million as opposed to projects valued in excess of $100 million. The empirical evidence presented suggests that the use of the BIM application is related to winning Public work in Texas; however due to the limitation of the data it cannot indicate causation. Nevertheless, the results should encourage contractors to use the BIM application during bidding.