Delays in public construction projects remain a global challenge, with contractor selection playing a crucial role in mitigating or exacerbating such delays. This study examines the impact of contractor selection criteria on project delays in Jordan’s public construction sector, offering insights applicable to similar contexts. By integrating Multi-Attribute Utility Theory (MAUT) and Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP), the research develops a structured framework for contractor pre-qualification, enhancing decision-making processes. Using a mixed-methods approach, data were collected from 250 industry professionals and two school construction case studies. Findings highlight quality commitment (RI 0.82), cost adherence (RI 0.77), and timely completion (RI 0.824) as key success factors. The study also quantifies the impact of contractor selection on project performance (impact index: 80.6%) and identifies critical pre-qualification attributes, including technical staff competency (27%), project planning (22%), and financial stability (20%). This research makes a significant contribution by introducing a standardized contractor selection framework that balances cost and quality considerations, addressing a critical gap in existing literature. The findings provide actionable recommendations for policymakers, advocating a shift from lowest-bid selection toward a more holistic contractor evaluation to enhance project success.