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Para 8.5.3 - Technical Score | KartavyaDesk

Consultancy Manual

Original Rule Text

2. Evaluation of Technical Score: Similarly, proposal with the highest technical marks (as allotted by the evaluation committee) shall be given a score of 100 (Hundred) and other proposals be given technical score that are proportional to their marks w.r.t. the highest technical marks. Minimum qualifying marks (normally 70-80 (seventy – eighty) out of maximum 100 (hundred) marks) as qualifying benchmark for quality of the technical proposal shall be prescribed and indicated in the Tender Document along with a scheme for allotting marks for various technical criteria/ attributes. Bids scoring less than the minimum threshold shall not be considered for further evaluation. Since the weightage of the cost element adopted in Consultancy services is as high as 70 (seventy) percent, financial considerations would dominate the selection, though to a lower extent as compared to LCS (Least Cost Selection – L1 basis). In such cases, it is essential to ensure that the minimum qualifying marks in the evaluation is set sufficiently high, to weed out low quality bids with low prices.

What This Means

Para 8.5.3 of the Manual for Procurement of Consultancy Services explains how technical proposals are evaluated and scored. The proposal with the highest technical score gets a perfect score of 100. All other proposals are then scored proportionally based on how their marks compare to the highest score. This ensures a fair comparison of the technical quality of different proposals.

Importantly, a minimum qualifying score (usually between 70 and 80) is set beforehand. This threshold is crucial because proposals that don't meet this minimum score are automatically disqualified and won't be considered further. While cost is a significant factor (up to 70% weightage), setting a high minimum technical score prevents selecting very cheap but low-quality proposals. This rule affects all government departments and agencies procuring consultancy services, as well as the consulting firms bidding for these projects. It ensures that technical competence is prioritized alongside cost-effectiveness.

This explanation was generated with AI assistance for educational purposes. Always refer to the official gazette notification for authoritative text.

Key Points

  • •Highest technical score gets 100 points; others are scored proportionally.
  • •Minimum qualifying technical score (70-80) is mandatory.
  • •Bids below the minimum technical score are disqualified.
  • •High minimum score prevents selection of low-quality, cheap bids.
  • •Cost has high weightage (up to 70%), but technical quality is still crucial.

Practical Example

The Ministry of Rural Development is seeking a consultant to develop a new rural employment scheme. Three firms, 'Gram Vikas Consultants', 'Bharat Solutions', and 'Desh Seva Group', submit proposals. The evaluation committee awards Gram Vikas Consultants the highest technical score of 90. Bharat Solutions scores 80, and Desh Seva Group scores 65. The tender document specified a minimum qualifying technical score of 70.

Based on Para 8.5.3, Gram Vikas Consultants receives a technical score of 100. Bharat Solutions receives a score of (80/90)*100 = 88.89. Desh Seva Group is disqualified because its score of 65 is below the minimum qualifying score of 70. Only Gram Vikas Consultants and Bharat Solutions proceed to the financial evaluation stage. This ensures that only technically competent firms are considered, even if Desh Seva Group had submitted the lowest cost bid.

This explanation was generated with AI assistance for educational purposes. Always refer to the official gazette notification for authoritative text.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens if two proposals have the same highest technical score?▼
If two or more proposals achieve the same highest technical score, they will both receive a score of 100. The subsequent financial evaluation will then be the deciding factor, based on the pre-defined weightage.
Where is the minimum qualifying score specified?▼
The minimum qualifying technical score is clearly stated in the tender document itself. It is crucial for bidders to review this requirement before submitting their proposals.
Can the minimum qualifying score be less than 70 or more than 80?▼
The rule states 'normally 70-80'. While there might be exceptional circumstances, deviations from this range should be justified and documented in the tender document. The justification should consider the complexity and criticality of the consultancy service.
What if no proposal meets the minimum qualifying score?▼
If no proposal meets the minimum qualifying score, the tendering authority may consider re-tendering with revised requirements or specifications. Alternatively, they might re-evaluate the existing proposals, ensuring fairness and transparency, and document the reasons for lowering the qualifying score.
How does this rule relate to the Quality and Cost Based Selection (QCBS) method?▼
Para 8.5.3 is a key component of the QCBS method. It ensures that while cost is a major factor, technical quality is not compromised. By setting a minimum technical threshold, the rule prevents the selection of the cheapest but potentially inadequate consultant.

This explanation was generated with AI assistance for educational purposes. Always refer to the official gazette notification for authoritative text.

Test Your Knowledge

Question 1 of 3

According to Para 8.5.3 of the Manual for Procurement of Consultancy Services, how is the technical score assigned to proposals other than the one with the highest marks?

Related Rules

Para 8Manual for Procurement of Consultancy Services, 2025 - Para 8 - Chapter 10 - Annexure 18Para 9Manual for Procurement of Consultancy Services, 2025 - Para 9 - Chapter 10 - Annexure 18Para 1.10.2Manual for Procurement of Consultancy Services, 2025 - Para 1.10.2 - Chapter 1Para 1.11Manual for Procurement of Consultancy Services, 2025 - Para 1.11 - Chapter 1Para 1.13Manual for Procurement of Consultancy Services, 2025 - Para 1.13 - Chapter 1

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