SOFTWARE TECHNOLOGY PARK: SELECTING THE CONTRACT TYPE AND CONTRACTOR

Abstract

The Punjab Information Technology Board (PITB) had been given the task of constructing a Software Technology Park (STP) by the Chief Minister Punjab. The STP was a project of national importance with a budgeted cost of Rs. 3.42 billion (USD 57 million), 17-storey tower, and an aggressive construction timeline of 18 months due to upcoming national elections in November 2007. The Chief Minister wanted to build a robust infrastructure and create a success story in the IT sector for the next elections. The upcoming elections in 2007 also created a sense of urgency within the Punjab government to build an IT infrastructure in Punjab and show progress to the IT industry as well as to the general public. Therefore, the Chairman PITB had to make two quick decisions if he wanted to meet the demanding schedule of the project. The decisions included: the selection of the contract type and the contractor for construction of the 17storey STP.