Violation of rules in the BMICP global tender bid

Violation of rules in the BMICP global tender bid

Sharath S. Srivatsa

The PWD tender rules stipulate a period of 90 days for all global tenders

BANGALORE: The global bid floated by the State Government inviting companies/consortiums to take over the controversial Bangalore-Mysore Infrastructure Corridor Project (BMICP) on the Swiss Challenge Method appears to have been done in a hurry. The Public Works Department, that has invited bids, has given only a week’s time for applications.

The first stage of the tendering process will be completed on Monday.
Last date

While the notification inviting global bids for the takeover of Bangalore-Mysore Infrastructure Corridor Project from Nandi Infrastructure Corridor Enterprise (NICE) was issued by the Public Works Department (PWD) on September 17, the last date for receiving application from the bidders is September 24, and the Request for Proposal (RFP) document will be issued to the bidders from September 26. The last date for submission of the same is October 18.

A Public Works Department official, who did not want to be named, told The Hindu that the whole process has been initiated in a hurry, and invitation for global bids issued by the department was in violation of its rules. The Public Works Department Codal Rules and Tender Rules formed under Public Works Department Act stipulate a period of 90 days for all global tenders and 60 days for other projects.
Time period

In fact, for any tender that involves an amount of over Rs. 10 lakh should be provided a period of 60 days to enable participation of bidders, the official said.
No publicity

Besides, the official said that the State Government has not given wide publicity through the media inviting bidders to participate in tender process, nor has a tender bulletin been published.

A project of this enormity should have been provided nation-wide publicity so as to attract the best players in the industry, the official said.

Meanwhile, it is learnt that the State Government has filed an affidavit in the Supreme Court informing the court of cancellation of the original agreement signed with Nandi Infrastructure Corridor Enterprise, the current executor of the project.
Preparation

In a project of this size companies or consortiums are given at least three months time to prepare detailed project report (DPR) and feasibility report.
Opportunity lost

A spokesperson of an infrastructure development company said that many companies from abroad may miss participating in the project. “The last date for application is Monday, and many companies from the United States may not be able to meet the deadline due to a difference in time zone. Besides, one week is too short a period to form a consortium and participate in the bidding process,” he said.