Effect of electronic reverse auctions on competition and abnormally low bids in public construction procurement

Abstract

The increasing complexity of construction projects imposes the need to address various aspects of project management in more detail. The success of a construction project depends on many variables and the process of supplier selection is certainly one of them. In recent years, the importance of electronic reverse auctions use in public sector construction procurement has been increasing, since they can bring substantial price savings. However, auctions are also criticized since they may result in the submission of abnormally low bids. This paper therefore aims to explore the impact of electronic reverse auctions on the competitive environment in public works contracts and on the occurrence of abnormally low bids. The results of quantitative research on Czech construction tenders revealed that the use of auctions decreases the number of bidders while increasing the probability of occurrence of abnormally low bids.