A web-based decision support system for tendering processes

A decision support system (DSS) is an interactive computer-based system that helps decision makers utilise data and models to solve complex and unstructured problems. Procurement is a decision problem of paramount importance for any business. A critical and vital procurement task is to select the best contractor during the tendering or bidding process. This paper describes a Web-based DSS that aids decision makers in choosing among competitive bids for building projects. The system is based on a framework of a generic process approach and is intended to be used as a general decision-making aid. The DSS is currently being implemented as a research prototype in a process-support environment. It coordinates the participants of tendering processes and supports the submission, processing and evaluation of bids. A case study is drawn from the construction business to demonstrate the applicability of our approach.