From Price to Value: Implementing Best Value Procurement in the Czech Public Sector-A Case Study with Survey Insights

Abstract

This paper explores the implementation of the Best Value Approach in public procurement, particularly in construction projects, with a focus on its application at Brno University of Technology. This study addresses the need for qualitative evaluation criteria in supplier selection to improve project outcomes and mitigate risks. The key problem addressed in this paper is the use of qualitative methods in selecting suitable contractors for public contracts. As the main methods, a descriptive mixed-methods study that includes a narrative overview and two descriptive cross-sectional surveys were adopted. Drawing on theoretical foundations such as Information Measurement Theory and the Kashiwagi Solution Model, this paper outlines the principles and processes of BVA, including its emphasis on transparency, expert-driven decision-making, and risk management. The results show that BVA enhances procurement quality by reducing reliance on lowest-price criteria, encouraging realistic pricing, and fostering deeper bidder engagement. The surveys reveal growing interest in qualitative methods but also highlight limited awareness and experience with BVA in the Czech Republic. Pilot projects confirmed the method's effectiveness and informed procedural refinements. This paper concludes that successful BVA implementation requires a paradigm shift, leadership support, education, and continuous improvement. BVA principles offer tools for cultivating transparency, efficiency, and quality in public procurement.