Thursday, February 26, 2026
The Ontario Water Works Association’s (OWWA) construction committee has released a white paper titled Product Procurement Methods about procurement approaches in construction projects.
The document provides an overview of commonly used product procurement approaches in construction projects, an OWWA release said, with an examination of how different methods can impact project delivery, cost control, quality, risk management, and overall outcomes.
“The white paper is intended as an informative resource to help owners, consultants, and contractors better understand procurement options and select approaches that align with project-specific needs,” the release said.
The document highlights seven commonly used procurement practices in construction: performance specification (open market), pre-approved, single-sourced, pre-selection, pre-purchase, free issued, novated and owner standardized equipment – free issue.
It also examines how project owners must balance criteria such as project duration, budget, quality and performance, risk management, owner familiarity and integration, terms and conditions, owner resources and commitment and clear roles and responsibilities regarding the project.
The OWWA is a section of the American Water Works Association.
