Stakeholders’ Awareness and Perceptions on the Use of Force Account Method in Public Building Construction Projects in Tanzania

Abstract

The Force Account Method (FAM) is increasingly utilized as a procurement approach for public building construction projects in Tanzania, primarily due to its potential for cost savings, flexibility, and enhanced accountability. This study investigates stakeholders’ awareness of FAM selection criteria and their perceptions of its practical benefits. A descriptive survey design was employed, collecting data from 128 participants representing implementing agencies, contractors, consultants, and regulatory bodies through structured questionnaires. The results indicate high awareness of key selection criteria, especially the necessity for sufficient technical staff and the importance of minimizing disruption to ongoing operations. Stakeholders identified limited funding and uncertainty in disbursements as significant justifications for FAM, though opinions varied regarding remoteness and the clarity of work quantity definitions.

Most participants agreed that FAM improves cost efficiency, adaptability to unforeseen changes, and public confidence in transparency. Nevertheless, concerns were raised about project completion timelines and the consistency of quality outcomes, with regulatory bodies and implementing agencies expressing differing perspectives. These findings underscore FAM’s advantages in affordability and governance, while also revealing deficiencies in project efficiency and technical oversight. The study concludes that FAM substantially contributes to value for money in Tanzania’s public construction sector.

However, enhancements in institutional capacity, standardized guidelines, and monitoring mechanisms are necessary to address persistent challenges related to quality and timeliness. The findings offer actionable insights for policymakers, regulatory authorities, and practitioners aiming to improve the effectiveness of FAM in achieving sustainable infrastructure development.