Online Construction Document Management System

About the Program

Category: Community and Economic Development (Best in Category)

Year: 2014

In September 2013, the County of Henrico Virginia, Department of Finance, Purchasing Division using a cross-functional team including representatives from the Department of Information Technology and multiple divisions within the Department of General Services, unveiled the Online Construction Document Management System web portal for construction related projects. Early in the process, the County identified goals and objectives that focused on benefits to the suppliers. One of the main objectives of the portal is to allow contractors, subcontractors and suppliers to view and download plans at their convenience. Staff of the Purchasing Division met with construction contractors, architects, engineering firms, and County departments to determine their need for a web portal. The consensus was that posting online would maximize competition by making construction documents available to a wider business community. By providing complete sets of drawings, project manuals, addenda, and other contract documents online, printing and mailing costs would be substantially reduced or eliminated. The portal provides information about the project, and captures contact information of bidders and suppliers who have viewed the documents. Suppliers are then able to gather information to allow them to network with each other on current and future projects.