Public and Private sector procurement strategies vary significantly, mostly in terms of transparency to third parties and the perception of fairness. There are often serious misgivings in the public sector about private sector procurement practices and the reverse is also true. Although there are varying procurement practices and procedures for services, products or supplies, within the context of this overview we are discussing procurement of construction services only.  

 

Generally, there are two distinct types of construction services offered; general construction and construction management. Although they are different services they are often procured in similar ways.  This article will not dwell on the distinctions between these approaches but rather the ways by which either would be procured or “bought”.