Assessment of procurement methods used for executing maintenance works in Lagos state

The objectives of the study are to determine the procurement methods used by clients to execute maintenance works in Lagos state, identify the factors that influence the choice of those methods and establish the differences in the efficiencies of out-sourced and in-sourced maintenance. Out of the 60 questionnaires sent out to respondents, 34 (giving a response rate of 57%) were retrieved and used for the study. The 34 responses were obtained from randomly selected organizations like Local Authority Housing, Housing Association, Residential Managing Agent, Universities, Health Authorities and Private Commercial Property Owners. The results of the study show that direct labour, lump sum contract and traditional contract, cost reimbursement contract and measured term contracts, are the most commonly adopted procurement methods in Lagos state for maintenance works. Time duration, cost of project and quality level required, are the major factors influencing the choice of procurement methods. Others are risk allocation, price competition and flexibility of contract. Finally, better access to special skills, getting the latest technologies, higher quality work and higher security are the important efficiency factors for out-sourcing and in-sourcing.