Rule 183 - Consultant Hiring | KartavyaDesk
Original Rule Text
(ii) Where the estimated cost of the consulting services is above [Rupees Fifty lakhs]44, in addition to (i) above, an enquiry for seeking 'Expression of Interest' from consultants should be published on [GeM as well as on GeM- Central Public Procurement Portal (CPPP)]45 . An organisation having its own website should also publish all its advertised tender enquiries on the website. Enquiry for seeking Expression of Interest should include in brief, the broad scope of work or service, inputs to be provided by the Ministry or Department, eligibility and the prequalification criteria to be met by the consultant(s) and consultant's past experience in similar work or service. The consultants may also be asked to send their comments on the objectives and scope of the work or service projected in the enquiry. Adequate time should be allowed for getting responses from interested consultants.
What This Means
Rule 183 of the General Financial Rules (GFR), 2017, focuses on how government departments should hire consultants when the estimated cost of their services is high. Specifically, if the consulting services are expected to cost more than ₹50 lakhs, the department needs to do more than just the usual procedures. They must also publish an 'Expression of Interest' (EOI) to attract a wider range of qualified consultants. This ensures transparency and competition in the selection process.
The EOI is essentially a public announcement inviting consultants to show their interest in the project. This announcement must be published on the Government e-Marketplace (GeM) and the Central Public Procurement Portal (CPPP). If the department has its own website, it should also be published there. The EOI should clearly outline the project's scope, what the department will provide, the qualifications needed from consultants, and their past experience in similar projects. Consultants are also given the opportunity to provide feedback on the project's objectives and scope. Adequate time must be given for consultants to respond to the EOI.
This rule affects all government departments and ministries that require consulting services exceeding ₹50 lakhs. It aims to ensure that the selection process is fair, transparent, and attracts the best possible talent for the job. By publishing an EOI, the government can tap into a wider pool of expertise and potentially get better value for money.
This explanation was generated with AI assistance for educational purposes. Always refer to the official gazette notification for authoritative text.
Key Points
- •Rule 183 applies when the estimated cost of consulting services exceeds ₹50 lakhs.
- •An 'Expression of Interest' (EOI) must be published on GeM and CPPP.
- •Departments with websites must also publish the EOI on their website.
- •The EOI should include the scope of work, inputs from the department, eligibility criteria, and past experience requirements.
- •Adequate time should be given for consultants to respond to the EOI.
Practical Example
The Ministry of Rural Development needs a consultant to advise on a new rural infrastructure project. The estimated cost of the consulting services is ₹75 lakhs. According to Rule 183, the Ministry must publish an 'Expression of Interest' (EOI) on GeM and CPPP, as well as on their own website.
The EOI will detail the project's objectives, the required expertise (e.g., civil engineering, project management), the Ministry's responsibilities, and the criteria for selecting the consultant (e.g., experience in similar projects, financial stability). Interested firms, like 'Infrastructure Solutions Pvt. Ltd.' and 'Rural Development Experts LLP', will submit their expressions of interest, outlining their qualifications and experience. The Ministry will then evaluate these submissions and shortlist the most suitable candidates for further consideration.
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 the estimated cost is slightly below ₹50 lakhs?▼
What information should be included in the 'Expression of Interest'?▼
Is it mandatory to publish the EOI on the department's website?▼
What is the purpose of seeking comments from consultants on the project's objectives?▼
Where can I find the latest updates and amendments to the GFR rules?▼
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 Rule 183 of GFR 2017, when is it mandatory to publish an enquiry seeking 'Expression of Interest' for consulting services?
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