PROBLEMS OF REGULATION OF PROJECT ESTIMATION IN THE REPUBLIC OF ARMENIA. COMPARISON OF REGULATORY BASE, PRACTICAL APPLICATION AND RECOMMENDATIONS

Recently, large-scale reforms have been implemented in the construction sector. Noting the high level of effectiveness of the innovations being implemented, there has been a need to make certain adjustments to the existing regulatory framework and ensure compliance with the provisions established by legal acts. The analysis of the processes of developing and regulating design estimation documents revealed a number of fundamental problems, which are caused both by certain gaps in the regulatory framework and by widespread violations of legality in practice. The current regulatory and legal framework of the Republic of Armenia, despite its structural logic, is often ignored in design and procurement processes, as a result of which the efficiency, quality, and protection of public interest of construction projects are seriously jeopardized. In particular, there is often an artificial reduction in the duration of the project and a reduction in funding, contrary to the minimum thresholds set in the current regulatory acts. In this situation, design organizations are forced to carry out complex, technically responsible work in short terms and with limited resources, which increases the risk of errors, deviations from estimates, and safety risks. The analysis shows that the entire responsibility for design errors is, as a rule, placed on the design organization, while the role of the client in organizing a tender in violation of the conditions is often ignored. This legal imbalance seriously undermines the institutional stability of the development process. As a result of the research, a package of recommendations was developed aimed at strengthening regulatory thresholds, equitable distribution of responsibility, and realistic planning of the design schedule and cost. Special attention was paid to the need to revise a number of provisions of construction standards, as well as to define the relevant offense and introduce administrative liability mechanisms. To ensure the stability and quality of design processes, it is necessary to simultaneously improve the legal framework, increase the accountability of the client, and strengthen the institution of independent expertise. This will create an efficient and reliable d environment while maintaining the balance of public interest, safety, and financial responsibility.