FUNDAMENTALS OF INDEFINITE DELIVERY/INDEFINITE QUANTITY CONTRACTING: A PRIMER FOR PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION AGENCIES

摘要

Indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity (IDIQ) contracts are linked to the creation of theGeneral Services Administration (GSA) in 1949, but have only become popular amongnonfederal agencies during the last few years. Hence many state departments of transportation(DOT) still consider IDIQ as an alternative contracting method. The paper discusses thefundamentals of IDIQ contracting and proposes three generic models that were synthesized fromboth the literature and a content analysis of IDIQ procurement documents. The paper finds thatIDIQ contracting has a number of distinct advantages for small, repetitive construction and/ormaintenance projects by literally creating a capacity through an on-call contractor that can bemobilized and working in a much shorter period than traditional project delivery methods. It alsofinds that once the IDIQ contract is awarded the agency is able to utilize the contractor to furnisha number of preconstruction services in much the same manner as ConstructionManager/General Contractor (CMGC) projects, which results in better pricing due to moreconstructable designs. Additionally the repetitive nature of the IDIQ work orders also offers thecontractor the ability to leverage the learning curve on its means and methods to the benefit ofthe owner. Finally, IDIQ contracts provide a vehicle to rapidly obligate available year-endfunding without the need to execute an expedited procurement process.