Competitive Negotiated Procedure: Experiences From Rv. 555 the Sotra Connection

Abstract

To reduce the number of conflicts in their projects, the Norwegian Public Roads Administration has implemented procurement procedures which allow dialogue and negotiation before the signing of contracts. One of these procedures is the Competitive Negotiated Procedure (CNP). The literature that addresses the implementation and experiences of CNP is limited, despite it has existed for several years. The purpose of this paper is to explore how the CNP can be improved for future use. The study has been carried out as a literature review and a case study. The case study investigated the infrastructure project Rv. 555 Sotra Connection and consisted of a document study and fourteen semi-structured interviews with representatives from the client and the qualified suppliers. The implementation of the procedure was divided into five phases. There were challenges with the procedure. Both the client and the suppliers encountered challenges with the zoning plan, which limited the supplier’s ability to implement cost-saving alternatives. The suppliers experienced challenges regarding the client’s evaluation of the most economically advantageous tender (MEAT). Both the client and the suppliers highlight that the CNP is demanding, but it allows clarification of ambiguities and risks before contract signing. This reduces the risk of future conflicts.