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Para 4.1.2 - Output Admeasurement | KartavyaDesk

Non-Consultancy Manual

Original Rule Text

4.1.2. Output-Admeasurement 1. Alternatively, the quantum of services can be ascertained by measurement of the quantum of outputs delivered of the required performance standards (output admeasurement – numbers, length, area, volume, weight, value, etc., or a combination thereof), say the area of office cleaned or tonne-Kilometre of transportation or value of goods inspected. Since contracts based on Out-put admeasurement specify the unit rate of service output, it is referred to as Unit-Rate contracts also. 2. The contract specifies a unit rate of the output of services, and the financial evaluation is done based on the total price of the indicated quantum of service at the contracted unit rate plus taxes. In actual practice, this could be more complex – as in taxi hiring for 8 hours with a maximum kilometre of 250 Km included in the price, but every additional Km/ hour may be charged extra. There may also be additional charges for night duty, etc. 3. Output admeasurement contracts are simpler to administer since the procuring entity will only ascertain performance standards and the quantum. It need not monitor the inputs deployed and the methodology employed. Therefore, wherever feasible, output admeasurement should be the preferred choice. 4. However, in many services, it may be part of the quality assurance plan and Service Level Agreement (SLA) to ensure that specified quantum of inputs is deployed for the services, although payments are still based on output admeasurement. 5. Depending on the situation, output admeasurement may be suitable mainly for Lump-sum and Percentage Based types of contracts (as described in following paras) and in special circumstances for Time-based and Indefinite Delivery type of contracts. Output admeasurement may be suitable for Services like - transport services, logistics, clearing and forwarding, courier services, drilling, aerial photography, satellite imagery, mapping, and similar operations.

What This Means

Para 4.1.2 of the Manual for Procurement of Non-Consultancy Services deals with 'Output-Admeasurement' contracts. Think of it like paying for results, not just effort. Instead of focusing on how many people or resources a contractor uses, you pay based on the actual output they deliver, measured in units like area cleaned, kilometers traveled, or items inspected. This is also known as a Unit-Rate contract because you agree on a price per unit of output. This method is preferred because it simplifies contract management for the government, allowing you to focus on the quality and quantity of the delivered service rather than micromanaging the contractor's methods.

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

Key Points

  • Payment is based on the quantity of outputs delivered, measured in units (e.g., area, length, weight).
  • Also known as Unit-Rate contracts, specifying a unit price for each output.
  • Simplifies contract administration by focusing on performance standards and output quantity.
  • Suitable for Lump-sum, Percentage Based, and sometimes Time-based or Indefinite Delivery contracts.
  • Commonly used for services like transport, logistics, and mapping.

Practical Example

The Ministry of Rural Development needs to hire a company to clean office spaces across several district offices. Instead of paying based on the number of cleaning staff or hours worked, they use an output-admeasurement contract. They agree to pay M/s CleanSweep ₹5 per square meter of office space cleaned to a specified standard of cleanliness. If CleanSweep cleans 10,000 square meters in a month, they will be paid ₹50,000 plus applicable taxes, provided the cleaning meets the agreed-upon standards. The ministry only needs to verify the area cleaned and the quality of cleaning, not how many staff CleanSweep employed or what cleaning products they used.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the main advantage of using output admeasurement?
It simplifies contract administration by allowing the procuring entity to focus on the output and performance standards, rather than the inputs used by the contractor.
When is output admeasurement most suitable?
It's best suited for services where the output can be easily measured and quantified, such as transport, logistics, cleaning, and mapping services.
What are Unit-Rate contracts?
Unit-Rate contracts are the same as output admeasurement contracts. They specify a unit price for each unit of service output delivered.
Does output admeasurement mean we completely ignore the inputs used by the contractor?
Not necessarily. The Service Level Agreement (SLA) may still specify minimum input requirements (e.g., number of personnel) as part of the quality assurance plan, even though payment is based on output.
Can output admeasurement be used for all types of contracts?
While primarily suitable for Lump-sum and Percentage Based contracts, it can also be used in special circumstances for Time-based and Indefinite Delivery contracts.

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 4.1.2 of the Manual for Procurement of Non-Consultancy Services, what is the primary basis for payment in an Output-Admeasurement contract?

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