Which statement best describes the right public sector procurement model?

• A. There is an alignment of interest between those who design/construct a building and those who occupy and manage it
• B. Supply chains are discouraged from pursuing research and innovation
• C. Projects should be procured without regard to performance outcomes
• D. The designer and constructor should work independently without collaboration

Answer: (A)

In public sector procurement, success comes from getting the different players to pull in the same direction, especially those who design and build a facility and those who will occupy and manage it. When designers and constructors work closely with future users and facility managers, decisions about layout, materials, reliability, and lifecycle costs are guided by how the space will actually be used and maintained. This alignment of interests leads to better performance, smoother handovers, and long-term value, because incentives are tied to how well the building serves its occupants over time. That’s why the statement about alignment of interests across design, construction, and occupancy best describes the right procurement model.

The other options miss this collaborative, outcome-focused approach. Discouraging research and innovation runs counter to aims to improve efficiency and future performance. Procuring projects without regard to performance outcomes ignores the very purpose of a building’s lifecycle. Having the designer and constructor work independently without collaboration undermines coordination, performance, and value for users.