A Multi Agent Systems based Contractor Pre-qualification Model Faikcan Kog, kog@itu.edu.tr Istanbul Technical University, Turkey Hakan Yaman, yamanhak@itu.edu.tr Istanbul Technical University, Turkey Abstract In this study (1) contractor selection and pre-qualification models and systems in the literature are examined and (2) the proposal of a multi agent systems (MAS) based contractor prequalification model in order to support client’s decision with the optimal solution in a contractor selection phase are introduced. A meta-classification and analysis study based on a comprehensive literature survey is used to analyse models and approaches available. Three basic tendering processes, which are open, selective limited and negotiated, were studied and a prototype program is created to implement the model proposed. In addition, the tender management system is conceptually discussed in the context of the model. Keywords: Contractor Prequalification, Contractor Selection, Multi Agent Systems, Decision Support Systems, Criteria Evaluation 1 Introduction In the construction industry, selecting a right contractor is a major problem that clients have to face at the beginning of every project. It is well known fact that construction projects consist of various uncertainties and risks and the success of construction projects depends on efective and efcient use of resources. In addition, construction projects be composed of commonly unique and complicated tasks that the participants have to be dealt with in order to achieve to the success. Terefore a strong and consistent relationship between client and contractor, who are the two main participants of construction projects, is expected for objectives (Kog & Yaman 2014a). Contractor pre-qualifcation (CP) is the most efective way to support client’s decision in order to select contractors from the short list of qualifed contractors. In practices, “bid price” is the dominant and signifcant factor that afects the result of tenders directly. However, many researches has exposed that bid price cannot be criterion alone in order to take decision (Latham 1994). Terefore, in order to support decision on contractor selection (CS) of clients, several contractor pre-qualifcation criteria were determined and used within the decision support methods to qualify contactors. Despite various proposals and models to evaluate those criteria in literature, it is observed that there will always be missing points in the evaluation of criteria and in the simulation of tendering process with being human interference. In this paper, contractor selection and pre-qualifcation models are examined. A meta- classifcation and analysis study based on a comprehensive literature survey, is used to analyse existing models and approaches to date. A multi agent systems based contractor prequalifcation model is proposed to support client’s contractor selection decision. Contractor prequalifcation model works in the context of a new tender management system, which is also introduced briefy. Tree basic tendering processes, which are open, selective limited and negotiated tendering, were studied and a prototype program is created to implement the model proposed. A simulation model for the proposed pre-qualifcation model is given conceptually.