Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) has recently announced a significant change in their approach to national highway projects. In a move to streamline the bidding process and ensure timely completion of projects, MoRTH has stated that they will now accept single bids for national highways work, as long as they are deemed reasonable.
The Shift in Bidding Process
Traditionally, the bidding process for national highway projects required multiple bids to be submitted in order for the project to move forward. However, MoRTH’s recent announcement signifies a shift in this approach, with the ministry now willing to consider a single bid as valid, provided certain conditions are met.
According to a circular issued by MoRTH, the bidding process will not be cancelled if there is only one bidder for a highway project. This marks a departure from the previous practice, where projects with only one bid would often be delayed or cancelled. The circular emphasizes that even when only one bid is submitted, the process should be considered valid if the procurement was satisfactorily advertised, sufficient time was given for submission of bids, the qualification criteria were not restrictive, and the prices are reasonable in comparison to market value.
Evaluating Reasonableness of Prices
One of the key considerations for accepting a single bid for a national highway project is the reasonableness of the prices quoted. The circular specifies that the evaluation committee may examine the rates by comparing them with similar contracts awarded elsewhere. This comparison ensures that the prices quoted for the project are in line with prevailing market rates and are not inflated.
Additionally, the purchase price of similar contracts may be updated to account for factors such as inflation during the interim period, geographical conditions, and other relevant considerations. This adjustment helps ensure that the prices quoted for the project are fair and reflective of the actual costs involved.
Moreover, the circular highlights the importance of matching the carriage of materials required for the instant project with the carriage of materials in the project being compared. This ensures that the prices quoted are not only reasonable in the broader market context but also take into account the specific requirements of the project at hand.
Ensuring Transparency and Efficiency
By accepting single bids for national highway projects, MoRTH aims to promote transparency and efficiency in the bidding process. This move not only simplifies the process for contractors but also ensures that projects are not delayed due to a lack of multiple bids.
Furthermore, by emphasizing the need for fair pricing and thorough evaluation of bids, MoRTH is working towards ensuring that taxpayers’ money is utilized efficiently and effectively. The focus on reasonableness of prices and adherence to procurement guidelines helps prevent any potential misuse of funds and promotes accountability in the execution of national highway projects.
In conclusion, MoRTH’s decision to accept single bids for national highway projects represents a significant step towards streamlining the bidding process and expediting the completion of infrastructure projects. By setting clear guidelines for evaluating single bids and ensuring transparency and efficiency in the process, MoRTH is poised to enhance the effectiveness of highway development initiatives across the country.
