Para 4.15 — GOODS_MANUAL

4.15.1 Single Stage Single Envelope System: 1. In a single-stage single-envelope system, eligibility, technical/commercial details, and financial details are submitted together in the same envelope. Evaluation is in the sequence of evaluated responsive prices (from L1 onwards), and their technical/ commercial compliance is checked. The lowest priced bid that meets the eligibility/ qualification criteria, technical and commercial conditions laid down in the tender documents is declared as successful. 2. This tendering system is suitable where the technical requirement is simple or moderately complex, the capability of the source of supply is not too crucial, and the value of procurement is not too high. This is the simplest and the quickest tendering system and should be the default system of tendering.

4.15.2 Single Stage Two Envelopes System (Two Bid System) (Rule 163 of GFR 2017): 1. In technically complex requirements, but where the capability of the source of supply is still not critical, and the value of procurement is not high, a Single-stage two-envelopes system may be followed. 2. In off-line tenders, bidders should be asked to bifurcate their quotations into two separately sealed envelopes. The first envelope, called the techno-commercial bid, contains the eligibility, technical quality and performance aspects, commercial terms and conditions and documents sought in the tender, except the price and relevant financial details. In the second envelope, called the financial bid, the price quotation, along with other financial details, are submitted. Both the envelopes are to be submitted together in a sealed outer envelope. In eProcurement, the bidder would be asked to upload two files, mutatis mutandis. 3. The techno-commercial bids are to be opened in the first instance on the pre-announced bid opening date and time and scrutinised and evaluated by the TC with reference to parameters prescribed in the tender documents, and responsive, eligible, and technically compliant bidders are decided. 4. Thereafter, in the second instance, the financial bids of only the techno-commercially compliant offers (as decided in the first instance above) are to be opened on a preannounced date and time for further scrutiny, evaluation, ranking and placement of the contract. In e-procurement, financial bids of technically non-compliant offers would remain encrypted and unopened. In off-line tenders, the financial bids of technically non-compliant bidders should be returned unopened to the respective bidders by registered acknowledgement due/ reliable courier or any other mode with proof of delivery.

4.16. Two-Stage Bidding - Expression of Interest Tenders – Market Exploration 1. In the case of green-field/ blue-sky projects, where the equipment/ plant to be procured is complex, the procuring organization may not possess the full knowledge of either the various technical solutions available or the likely sources for such products in the market.

4.15. Single-Stage Tendering System In single-stage tendering, bids are invited at a single stage of submission. The bids can be stipulated to be either in a single envelope or in multiple envelopes.

To meet the desired objectives of a transparent procurement that ensures value for money and simultaneously ensures the upgradation of technology & capacity building- it would be prudent to invite an Expression of Interest (EoI) Bids as a first stage of the two-stage tendering system to explore the market and finalise specifications based on technical discussions/presentations with the experienced manufacturers/suppliers in a transparent manner. In less complex cases, a market consultation through a pre-NIT conference may suffice instead of two-stage tendering. Please also refer to para 5.2.3-1 below.

2. Expression of Interest (EoI) bids may be invited in the following situations: a) It is not feasible for the procuring entity to formulate detailed specifications or identify specific characteristics for the subject matter of procurement without receiving inputs regarding its technical aspects from bidders; b) The character of the subject matter of procurement is subject to rapid technological advances, market fluctuations or both; c) The procuring entity seeks to enter into a contract for research, experiment, study, or development, except where the contract includes the production of requirements in quantities sufficient to establish their commercial viability or to recover research and development costs or d) The bidder is expected to carry out a detailed survey or investigation and undertake a comprehensive assessment of risks, costs and obligations associated with the particular procurement.

(Rule 164 of GFR 2017)