01042026

EIC meets with OECD procurement experts

What capabilities must a public infrastructure buyer possess to engage effectively with different delivery models—and how do these capabilities shape make-or-buy decisions, risk allocation, and performance outcomes? This was the key question of an OECD Conference titled ‘Public Infrastructure Buyer Maturity and Effective Use of Delivery Models’ held on 31 March 2026 in Paris which convened senior public infrastructure buyers and delivery agencies, procurement policy practitioners as well as academics and the private sector.

A timely discussion indeed, in light of recent findings of the European Court of Auditors which notified in January additional delays and a further increase in the combined cost of some megaprojects being part of the Trans-European Transport Networks.

EIC was invited to comment on each of the three main project delivery models that are currently favoured by Contracting Authorities and private clients across the world. Here are some takeaways:

EIC Board Member and European CICA Vice President Philippe Dessoy (Besix) commented on the traditional Design-Bid-Build model: Conventional procurement models seem to have an advantage of simplicity and for illusionary certainty and risk transfer, but they will lead inevitably to claims and disputes, rather than problem solving, when changes and adjustments become necessary.
Annabelle Moeckisch (Implenia)commented on the Design & Build method: This scheme adds most value where design and construction are genuinely interdependent. Used simply to transfer risk, it inflates cost without improving outcomes. Weak Employer’s Requirements are the leading cause of DB disputes.
EIC President Gustavo Martínez (Ferrovial) commented on Early Contractor Involvement: ECI and other types of Collaborative Delivery Models improve constructability and sequencing during the development phase and provide for more realistic cost baselines and programme certainty.