Contracting Strategy Decision Framework for Highway Maintenance

Abstract

Billions of dollars are expended annually on maintenance outsourcing to preserve the existing highway network. Selection of the activities to be outsourced and the type of contracting strategy to implement primarily depend on the judgment of highway maintenance directors. While there are a large number of maintenance contracting strategies being used worldwide, maintenance directors often make their selections based on contracting practices they have used successfully in the past rather than by examining all possible methods and choosing an appropriate contracting strategy that meets specific selection criteria. In fact, there currently is no systematic method for choosing an appropriate maintenance contracting strategy. This paper contributes to the body of knowledge on the maintenance contracting selection process by summarizing 13 strategies being used worldwide to deliver maintenance services, identifying specific selection criteria that should be considered when making a decision, and presenting a decision framework that will aid highway maintenance personnel with the selection of effective maintenance contracting strategies.