Selection of nominated subcontractors in commercial building construction in Sri Lanka

Abstract

The construction industry comprises of numerous Nominated Subcontractors (NSCs) employed in various projects. Besides, plentiful NSCs enter into the industry due to ease of entry. However, all NSCs might not possess the required expertise to fulfill client’s requirements. Thus, various issues have aroused due to improper selection of NSCs creating selection of NSCs vital. The study comprised of interviews and questionnaire survey to derive at the aim of this research. Besides, to understand and compare nominated subcontracting practices between Sri Lanka and other countries, a literature synthesis followed by interview and questionnaire survey were executed. The issues aroused due to improper selection and solutions to avoid them were identified through the literature synthesis; validated through the interviews; ranked through the questionnaire survey. On a positive note, selection method of NSC; subcontract signed between Main Contractor (MC) and NSC are used in Sri Lanka equalizing the nominated subcontracting practices in other countries. However, there is no form of subcontract prepared for Sri Lankan usage; no compulsory subcontractor registration procedure in Sri Lanka. Further, the most critical issue due to improper selection of NSC, is delays occurred by NSC. Moreover, NSC’s program being in line with MC’s program was recognized as the most important solution to avoid this issue. Hence, these solutions assist to avoid the occurrence of issues related to selection enabling proper selection of nominated subcontracting practices.