Para 8.1.1 - EoI Process | KartavyaDesk
Original Rule Text
3. (Rule 183 (ii) of GFR 2017) For procurement above Rs 50 (Rupees Fifty) Lakhs shortlisting is done in an openly advertised competitive shortlisting process called Expression of Interest (EoI), giving equal opportunity to all interested bidders to be considered for shortlisting. Under EoI the "Request for Expression of Interest" (REoI) is advertised on Central Public Procurement Portal (CPPP) and on Government E-Market (GeM). An organisation having its own website should also publish all its advertised tender enquiries on the website. The advertisements for invitation of tenders should give the complete web address from where the bidding documents can be downloaded. A complete Services and Activities Schedule should be ready before requesting EoI. Attention of known reputed Service Providers may also be separately drawn wherever possible. The advertisement must include, among other things, the last date of submission of EoI, how to get/ download copy of the EoI document including Services and Activities Schedule, contact information of the Procuring Entity with the name of contact person, and so on. In case it is felt that likely Service Provider may not be available in India, the EoI process may be done on Global Tender Enquiry (GTE) process, by sending REoI notice to foreign embassies in India and Indian embassies in relevant countries. Please see restriction on floating GTE for tenders below Rs. 200 Crore, in the Manual of Procurement of Goods, second Edition. 2024.
What This Means
Para 8.1.1 of the Manual for Procurement of Non-Consultancy Services, referencing Rule 183(ii) of GFR 2017, outlines the process for shortlisting service providers when the procurement cost exceeds ₹50 lakhs. Instead of directly inviting bids, government departments must use an open and competitive process called Expression of Interest (EoI). This ensures fairness and gives all interested parties a chance to be considered.
Essentially, the department publishes a 'Request for Expression of Interest' (REoI) on the Central Public Procurement Portal (CPPP) and Government e-Marketplace (GeM). This REoI acts as an announcement seeking interested service providers. The department's own website should also display the REoI if they have one. The advertisement needs to include all the important details, like the deadline for submissions, how to get the REoI document, and contact information. If the department thinks that qualified service providers might not be available in India, they can use a Global Tender Enquiry (GTE) process, but there are restrictions on GTE for tenders below ₹200 Crore as outlined in the Manual of Procurement of Goods.
This rule affects all government departments and agencies involved in procuring non-consultancy services above ₹50 lakhs. It ensures transparency and equal opportunity in the selection process, preventing favoritism and promoting competition.
This explanation was generated with AI assistance for educational purposes. Always refer to the official gazette notification for authoritative text.
Key Points
- •Applies to non-consultancy service procurements exceeding ₹50 lakhs.
- •Requires an open and competitive shortlisting process called Expression of Interest (EoI).
- •REoI must be advertised on CPPP, GeM, and the department's website (if available).
- •Advertisement must include key details like submission deadline, document access, and contact information.
- •GTE may be used if Indian service providers are unlikely, subject to restrictions.
Practical Example
The Ministry of Rural Development needs to procure a large-scale data entry service for its MGNREGA scheme, estimated to cost ₹75 lakhs. Following Para 8.1.1, the Ministry publishes a REoI on CPPP and GeM. The REoI clearly states the scope of work (data entry for MGNREGA records), the eligibility criteria for service providers (e.g., minimum experience, technical capabilities), the last date for submitting the EoI (October 27, 2024), and the contact details of Mr. Sharma, the designated officer. Several companies, including 'Data Solutions Pvt. Ltd.' and 'InfoTech Services', submit their EoIs. A committee within the Ministry evaluates the EoIs based on pre-defined criteria and shortlists the most suitable candidates for the next stage of the procurement process.
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 difference between EoI and a regular tender?▼
What happens if no suitable service providers respond to the REoI?▼
Is it mandatory to publish the REoI on the department's website?▼
What details should be included in the Services and Activities Schedule?▼
What is GTE and when is it used?▼
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 8.1.1 of the Manual for Procurement of Non-Consultancy Services, for procurements exceeding ₹50 lakhs, what is the mandatory process for shortlisting service providers?
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