Enhancing BIM implementation in Spanish public procurement: A framework approach

• Published in: Heliyon Vol. 10; no. 9; p. e30650
• Main Authors: Pérez-García, Ana, Martín-Dorta, Norena, Aranda, José Ángel
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England Elsevier Ltd 15.05.2024; Elsevier
• Subjects: BIM; BIM inclusion; Building information modeling; Contracts; Information requirements; Public procurement; Building information modeling; Information requirements; Public procurement; Contracts; BIM; BIM inclusion
• ISSN: 2405-8440; 2405-8440
• DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e30650

The European Union supports the use of technology to improve public procurement, acknowledging Building Information Modeling (BIM) as a catalyst for cost-effective public works and innovation. The purpose of this paper is to evaluate BIM implementation practices in Spanish public procurement. The methodology used in this study is a mixed research method involving a questionnaire survey and semi-structured expert interviews. The findings reveal market maturity as a barrier to BIM adoption in Spanish public procurement throughout the asset lifecycle. Selecting the right instrument for implementation proves challenging for public organizations. This study has contributed to the development of more practical and effective strategies to ensure full adoption of BIM within the public procurement sector of Spain. It proposes a framework approach for the pre-contractual phase, helping contracting authorities to make the optimal instrument selection. Two criteria are considered: the maturity of the public client and sector, and the economic value classification of tenders. •Using Building Information Modeling leads to significant savings in time and costs.•Defining the information requirements to support a tender is a challenging task.•Selecting the right instrument to implement BIM can be complicated for public clients.•Experts assess Building Information Modeling inclusion in Spanish public contracts.•A proposal is presented to help administrations to include the methodology in tenders.