Designing a fuzzy-based framework for implementing performance-based contracts in bridge asset management

Maintaining infrastructure assets at the best possible performance while the available budget is limited has promoted innovative contracting approaches. Transportation agencies have increased private sector involvement through long-term performance-based maintenance contracts or what is called performance-based contracting (PBC). Making budget allocation decisions and establishing contractual relationships is challenging task for transportation agencies and maintenance contractors. It is evident that innovative contracting methods through arrangements such as the PBC are essential. The purpose is therefore to develop a PBC framework to facilitate effective maintenance, repair and replacement (MRR) strategies for bridge assets. The proposed PBC framework design and development include the following steps: identifying performance measures, their thresholds and targets, establishing contractors’ payments system, bidding preparation, selecting a maintenance contractor, and monitoring performance. A fuzzy approach is recommended to evaluate performance, and a fuzzy-based performance scale is developed to assess the evaluation grades. To design the framework, a series of unstructured interviews and reviews are conducted to verify a wide range of issues in order to constitute the basis of this framework. This study intends to contribute an innovative approach as a framework to guide maintenance managers during the implementation of PBC. The developed framework is an effective tool for transportation agencies and contractors to make informed pre-contract and post-contract decisions on their approach to MRR planning.