Business

Innovative Shift: Highways Ministry Prioritizes Tech and Ratings Over Lowest Bids for DPR Projects

Revolutionizing Project Consultancy Selection

In a groundbreaking move, the road transport and highways ministry is set to prioritize technical competence, past project ratings, and bank guarantees over the traditional lowest bid (L1) system for awarding Detailed Project Report (DPR) preparation contracts. This shift aims to ensure only the most capable and committed firms undertake these critical projects.

Highways min to give DPR work based on firms’ tech capacity, ratings & bank guarantee

New Evaluation Criteria Unveiled

The ministry's proposed evaluation framework will assess bidders on three key parameters: technical competence (30 marks), DPR rating (30 marks), and bank guarantee quote (40 marks). This approach is designed to mitigate risks associated with non-performance, as firms offering higher bank guarantees stand to lose more for failing to deliver.

Enhancing Quality and Accountability

"Our goal is to collaborate with the best in the field, ensuring timely and efficient project completion," a senior official stated. The updated process includes incentives for on-time project delivery and penalties for delays, fostering a culture of accountability and excellence.

DPR: The Blueprint for Success

A DPR serves as the comprehensive blueprint for any project, detailing all necessary technical, financial, and logistic aspects. The ministry's new criteria promise to elevate the quality of these reports, thereby enhancing project execution and outcomes.

Looking Ahead

With biannual ratings and a focus on performance, the ministry is paving the way for a more transparent and effective consultancy selection process. This initiative marks a significant step forward in infrastructure development and project management.