Store Purchase Manual
Store Purchase Manual
GOVERNMENT OF KERALA
Revised Edition
2013
Issued by
Revised Edition
2013
Issued by
Government of Kerala
        2013
          PREFACE TO THE REVISED STORES PURCHASE MANUAL
       Stores Purchase Manual forms the basis for the procurement system of
Government Departments, Public Sector Undertakings, Local Self Government
Institutions, Universities and Autonomous Bodies. The Stores Purchase Manual
being followed in the State is a publication as amended upto 1989. However there
are orders and instructions issued thereafter. It has become necessary to revise the
Manual incorporating all amendments and orders issued so far and modifying the
same to take care of the latest technological and procedural advancements in making
purchase decisions. Accordingly, this Manual has been prepared taking into account
the need for making purchases efficiently, economically and following a transparent
procedure.
        This Manual is meant for official use and is not intended for the use of non-
officials or private parties. Nothing contained in this Manual shall be construed as a
presentation meant for contractors or other members of the public having dealings
with the Purchasing Departments. The provision in this Manual, therefore, shall not
modify in any way the incidence of any existing or future contracts.
      Any errors or omissions noticed may be brought to the notice of the Stores
Purchase Department for correction/inclusion as the case may be.
Thiruvananthapuram
21-06-2013.
                                  CONTENTS
Page No.
    CHAPTER 1   INTRODUCTION                                           1
                    Transparency, Competition, Fairness and            1
                    Elimination of Arbitrariness
                    Efficiency, Economy and Accountability             3
                    Guidelines for Public Procurement                  4
                    Present Manual                                     4
                    E-Procurement                                      5
                    Definition of “Stores”                             8
                    Standard Tender Enquiry Documents                  8
Page No.
                                                                                      Page No.
Appendix-1    No. 98/ORD/1 (Office Order No.44/9/03), dated 04.09.2003                  243
              Sub: Irregularities in the award of contracts
Appendix-3    No.98/ORD/1( Office Order No. 20/4/04), dated 6th April, 2004             246
              Sub: Improving Vigilance Administration: Increasing Transparency
              and cutting delays by e-payments and e-receipt by Govt.
              Organisations, etc.
Appendix-4    No.12-02-6-CTE-SPI(I)-2, dated 21st April 2004 (Office Order No.          248
              25/04/04 Sub: Consideration Indian Agents
Appendix-6    No. OFF-1-CTE-1(Pt) V (Office Order No. 15/3/0), dated 24.03.2005         250
              Subject: Notice inviting tenders – regarding
Appendix-8    No.02-07-01-CTE-30, Circular No. 01/01/08, dated 31st Dec. 2007           252
              Sub: Acceptance of Bank Guarantees
Appendix-9    No.007/CRD/008, Circular No. 07/02/08, dated 15th February 2008           254
              Sub: Measures to curb the menace of counterfeit and refurbished IT
              products – regarding
Appendix-10   No.008 /CRD/008, Circular No. 22/07/08, dated 24th July 2008              258
              Sub: – Referring cases of Procurement to the Commission
Appendix-12   No.005/VGL/4, CIRCULAR No. 17/7/09, dated 14th July, 2009                 260
              Subject: Posting of details on award of tenders/contracts on websites
Appendix-13   No.011/VGL/014, Circular No. 01/02/11, dated 11th February, 2011          261
              Sub: Transparency in Tendering System
                                         CHAPTER 1
                                     INTRODUCTION
1.1   Various Departments under the Government have to purchase different types of
      Stores to discharge the duties and responsibilities assigned to them. It is therefore
      imperative that uniform, systematic, efficient and cost effective procedures, in
      accordance with the relevant rules and regulations of the Government, are available
      to the Departments. The delegated powers for procurement of Stores have to be
      exercised in conformity with the orders and guidelines issued by competent
      authorities coverings financial, vigilance, security, safety, countertrade and other
      regulatory aspects. This Manual is intended to serve as the basic norms and practices
      governing public procurement.
      (ii)   The specifications of the required Stores should be framed giving sufficient
             details in such a manner that it is neither too elaborately restrictive as to deter
             potential tenderers or increase the cost of purchase nor too sketchy to leave
             scope for sub-standard supply. The specifications must meet the essential
             requirements of the user department. Efforts should also be made to use
             standard specifications, which are widely known to the industry.
      (iii) The tender document should clearly mention the eligibility criteria to be met by
             the tenderers such as minimum level of experience, past performance, technical
                                                                                              1
      capability, manufacturing facilities, financial position, ownership or any legal
      restriction, etc.
(v)   The procedure for preparing and submitting the tenders; deadline for
      submission of tenders; date, time & place of public opening of tenders;
      requirement of earnest money and performance security; parameters for
      determining eligibility of tenders; evaluating and ranking of tenders and
      criteria for full or partial acceptance of tender and conclusion of contract should
      be incorporated in the tender enquiry in clear terms.
(vi) Tenders should be evaluated in terms of the criteria already incorporated in the
      tender document, based on which tenders have been received. Any new
      condition, which was not incorporated in the tender document, should not be
      brought into consideration while evaluating the tenders.
(vii) Sufficient time should be allowed to the tenderers to prepare and submit their
      tenders.
(viii) Suitable provisions should be kept in the tender document allowing the
      tenderers reasonable opportunity to question the tender conditions, tendering
      process, and/or rejection of its tender and the settlement of disputes, if any,
      emanating from the resultant contract.
(ix) It should be made clear in the tender document that tenderers are not permitted
      to alter or modify their tenders after expiry of the deadline for receipt of tender
      till the date of validity of tenders and if they do so, their earnest money will be
      forfeited.
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            eligible tenderer, and that too with the approval of the competent authority,
            after duly recording the reasons for such action.
      (xi) The name of the successful tenderer to whom the supply contract is awarded
            should be appropriately notified by the purchase department for the
            information of general public, including display at notice board, periodical
            bulletins, website, etc.
      (xii) The Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) has issued various circulars/
            guidelines/instructions in order to promote transparency, improve competition
            and ensure equity among participants. It is instructed by the CVC that if any
            organization faces difficulty in the application of any of the circulars/
            guidelines/instructions issued by the Commission, then it may approach the
            Commission bringing out the difficulties along with a proposed generic
            solution listing out the ingredients of the special circumstances for examination
            and review by the Commission. It is also instructed that references of a general
            nature having elements of managerial decision making and concerning a
            particular procurement should be avoided (refer Circular No. 22/07/08 of
            CVC, dated 24th July 2008, in Appendix). In such cases in the State, the
            concerned Department/Organisation may approach the Stores Purchase
            Department for clarifications and advice, which may in turn approach the CVC,
            if required.
1.3   Public procurement procedures must conform to exemplary norms of best practices
      to ensure efficiency, economy and accountability in the system. To achieve this
      objective, the following key areas should be taken care of:
      (i)   To reduce delays, each Department should prescribe appropriate time frame
            for each stage of procurement; delineate the responsibility of different officials
            and agencies involved in the purchase process and delegate, wherever
            necessary, appropriate purchase powers to the lower functionaries with due
            approval of the competent authority.
                                                                                            3
      (ii)   Each Department should ensure conclusion of contract within the original
             validity of the tenders. Extension of tender validity must be discouraged and
             resorted to only in absolutely unavoidable, exceptional circumstances with the
             approval of the competent authority after duly recording the reasons for such
             extension.
1.4   At the apex of the legal framework governing public procurement is Article 299 of
      the Constitution, which stipulates that contracts legally binding on the Government
      have to be executed in writing by Officers specifically authorized to do so. Further,
      the Indian Contract Act, 1872 and the Sale of Stores Act, 1930 are major legislations
      governing contracts of sale/purchase of Stores in general. There is no law exclusively
      governing public procurement of Stores. However, related rules and directives in
      this regard available in the various statutes, Government orders regarding price or
      purchase preference or other facilities to sellers in identified sectors/organizations
      and the guidelines issued by the Central Vigilance Commission to increase
      transparency and objectivity in public procurement shall be applicable.
Present Manual
1.5   To achieve what has been stated in the above paragraphs, it is essential that the
      purchase officials be provided with all the required rules, regulations, instructions,
      directives, and guidance on best practices in the form of a Manual. This Manual is
      intended to serve this objective.
1.6   This manual contains the General rules applicable to all Departments regarding
      purchase of stores required for use in the public service. In regard to particular
      classes of articles, such as books and periodicals, stationery and printing stores,
      clothing and liveries, etc., these will be supplemented by the instructions in the book
      of financial powers to be issued by the Finance Department. In the case of Public
      Works, Irrigation, Forest, Stationery, Police, Local Self Government Institutions and
      other special Departments, these rules should be supplemented by the special rules
      contained in the Codes and Manuals of the Departments concerned, e.g. P.W.D. code,
      Forest Code, Stationery Manual, Police Manual, etc.
                                                                                           4
1.7   These rules and instructions also apply to the purchase of stores by Government
      servants on behalf of local funds administrated by the Government, if such purchase
      is authorized by Government. The rules and instructions in this Manual shall be
      followed by heads of aided schools while utilizing Public Funds for the purchase of
      articles for their schools. This will apply to purchase from Special Fees Fund also.
      The Kerala Sahitya Academy, The Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Academy, The Kerala
      Lalithakala Academy and The Kerala Kalamandalam shall observe the Rules and
      Instructions in this Manual while making purchase of Stores.
1.8   These rules and instructions will also apply to purchase of all items of stores,
      materials, machinery, equipments, vehicles, etc., by Autonomous Bodies, Aided
      institutions and all institutions Under Government and Public Sector Undertakings.
      An illustrative list of Autonomous Bodies and the Public Sector Undertakings under
      Government is incorporated as Annexure 1 to the Manual.
E-Procurement
1.9   The Government had decided to implement the centrally financed e-Government
      Procurement (e-GP) Mission Mode Project in the State and constituted various
      committees for monitoring it (G.O.(Rt). No. 131/2008/ITD dated 26.06.2008) and
      issued directions (G.O. (Ms). No. 17/2011/ITD dated 17.06.2011) to all State
      Government departments to adopt the same, which is being implemented with the
      GepNIC solution of NIC. The Government approved the decisions of the meetings
      (19/07/2011 and 27/09/2011) of the State Level Empowered Committee (SLEC)
      headed by the Chief Secretary in connection with implementation of e-Government
      Procurement (e-GP) in the State. The decisions include:
      (a) Committees: The Empowered Committee constituted vide G.O. (Rt) No.
         131/2008/ITD dated 26/06/2008, shall function as the Core Committee for
         implementation of Centrally financed e-procurement MMP (Orders vide
         G.O.(Rt.). No. 176/2011/ITD dated 30.09.2011).
                                                                                        5
    (i) Nominate a Nodal Officer for coordinating the implementation of the project
        within the respective department. The Nodal Officer should be able to give
        the hierarchical and functional details of the department.
    (ii) Prioritize & Identify Department users for training, in batches, in consultation
        with Kerala State Information Technology Mission.
    (iii) Prioritize & Identify Department users for issuance of Digital Signature
        Certificates (DSC).
    (iv) Identification of officials to be trained as “Master Trainers” who in turn shall
        train other officials of the respective department.
    (v) Strengthening of IT infrastructure viz., adequate PCs, constant internet
        connectivity (preferably, a dedicated high-speed connection), etc., of all
        departmental offices publishing tenders using e-Procurement system.
(f) Project Management Unit (PMU): As per one of the requirements of NIC for
   expediting & streamlining the implementation of the project, the Project
   Management      Unit,   constituted   vide   G.O.(Ms)      No.   31/2009/ITD    dated
   23/10/2009, shall be retained. The implementation of e-Government Procurement
   MMP project across the State shall be managed by this PMU which shall be
   established with funding from the State Government.
                                                                                       6
1.10   e-Government procurement shall be followed in all Government Departments/
       Boards/ Public Sector Undertakings for all tenders above ` 25 lakh (G.O.(MS)No.
       18/2012/ITD dated 08.10.2012) by 31st March 2013.
1.11   Kerala State IT Mission (KSITM) shall be the implementing agency for e-Government
       procurement project across the State. Kerala State IT Mission shall extend all possible
       assistance towards:
       (a) Training of Nodal Officer & users nominated by the department by a dedicated
          Helpdesk cum Training centre
       (b) Obtaining Digital Signature Certificates for users
       (c) Preparation and publishing of the online tender
       (d) Issue of Public notice/Intimation to bidders (adoption and training)
       (e) Kerala Sate IT Mission shall have a dedicated Programme Management Unit
          (PMU) team looking after this project and there shall be 1 Programme
          Implementation Officer (e-Government procurement) who shall be the
          application Administrator for this project.
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       cost of tender forms shall be transferred to Treasury/PSUs on the very next day after
       opening the bid.    The amount received under EMD in respect of L1 bidder of
       Government Departments shall also be transferred to Treasury/PSUs concerned in
       very next day after opening the bid. The amount of EMD of all unsuccessful bidders
       shall be refunded automatically to the bidder‟s account without delay. The SBT shall
       make available payment scroll of transaction on this account to Finance (Secret)
       Department on daily basis. National Informatics Centre (NIC) shall customize e-
       procurement software to enable the provision for online payment in consultation
       with SBT.
1.15   An e-tender Cell in Finance department shall closely monitor all e-tender activities of
       Government       departments/PSUs        implemented       through      the     website
       etenders.keral.gov.in. A Under Secretary/Deputy Secretary level officer shall be
       given additional charge of the Cell along with one Assistant Engineer/Assistant
       Executive Engineer level officer each from Public Works Department and Water
       Resources Department as domain experts and one representative from IT
       department.
Definition of “Stores”
1.16   The term “Stores” means all articles and materials (other than cash and documents)
       which come into the possession of a Government servant for use in the Public
       Service. This will also include Annual Maintenance Services/Contract for
       maintenance of machinery/equipment, computers, etc. This term does not, however,
       include items, like dietary articles of the animals in zoos, sundry articles like fuel,
       dietary products, etc.
1.17   The Departments should use standard forms of tender enquiry documents and
       contracts in line with the existing rules, regulations, directives, procedures, etc. The
       standard formats are given as Annexure 2 to this Manual. Supervisory authorities
       may prescribe the kind of alterations permitted in the standard formats and the cases
       where deviations from the standard provisions can be made with appropriate legal
       and financial advice.
                                                                                             8
                                       CHAPTER 2
                  AUTHORITIES COMPETENT TO PURCHASE STORES
2.3   A demand for purchase should not be split into small quantities for the sole purpose
      of avoiding the necessity of taking approval of the higher authority required for
      sanctioning the purchase of the original demand.
                                                                                             9
                                         CHAPTER 3
              GENERAL PRINCIPLES OF ENTERING INTO CONTRACTS
Introduction
3.1   The elements and principles of contract law and the meaning and import of various
      legal terms used in connection with the contracts are available in the Indian Contract
      Act, 1872 read with the Sale of Stores Act, 1930. Some of the salient principles
      relating to contracts are set out briefly in this chapter.
3.2   Contract: The proposal or offer when accepted is a promise, a promise and every set
      of promises forming the consideration for each other is an agreement, and an
      agreement if made with free consent of parties competent to contract, for a lawful
      consideration and with a lawful object is a contract.
3.3   Proposal or Offer: When one person signifies to another his willingness to do or to
      abstain from doing anything, with a view to obtaining the assent of the other to such
      act or abstinence, he is said to make a proposal or offer. In a sale or purchase by
      tender, the tender signed by the tenderer is the proposal. The invitation to tender and
      instructions to tenderers do not constitute a proposal.
3.4   Acceptance of the Proposal: When the person to whom the proposal is made
      signifies his assent thereto, the proposal is said to be accepted. A proposal when
      accepted becomes a promise.
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      Competency of Parties
3.6   Under law any person who has attained majority and is of sound mind or not
      debarred by law to which he is subject, may enter into contracts. It, therefore, follows
      that minors and persons of unsound mind cannot enter into contracts nor can
      insolvent person do so.
3.7   Categories of persons and bodies who are parties to the contract may be broadly sub-
      divided under the following heads: -
      (i)    Individuals
      (ii)   Partnerships
      (iii) Limited Companies
      (iv) Corporations other than limited companies
      (a)    Contracts with Individuals: Individuals tender either in their own name or in
             the name and style of their business. If the tender is signed by any person other
             than the concerned individual, the authority of the person signing the tender on
             behalf of another must be verified and a proper power of attorney authorizing
             such person should be insisted on. In case, a tender is submitted in a business
             name and if it is a concern of an individual, the constitution of the business and
             the capacity of the individual must appear on the face of the contract and the
             tender signed by the individual himself as proprietor or by his duly authorized
             attorney.
      (b)    Contracts with Partnerships: A partnership is an association of two or more
             individuals formed for the purpose of doing business jointly under a business
             name. It is also called a firm. It should be noted that a partnership is not a legal
             entity by itself, apart from the individuals constituting it. A partner is the
             implied authority to bind the firm in a contract coming in the purview of the
             usual business of the firm. The implied authority of a partner, however, does
             not extend to enter into arbitration agreement on behalf of the firm. While
             entering into a contract with partnership firm care should be taken to verify the
             existence of consent of all the partners to the arbitration agreement.
      (c)    Contracts with Limited Companies: Companies are associations of individuals
             registered under Companies Act in which the liability of the members
                                                                                              11
             comprising the association is limited to the extent of the shares held by them in
             such companies. The company, after its incorporation or registration, is an
             artificial legal person which has an existence quite distinct and separate from
             the members of shareholders comprising the same. A company is not
             empowered to enter into a contract for purposes not covered by its
             memorandum of association; any such agreement in excess of power entered
             into the company is void and cannot be enforced. Therefore, in cases of doubt,
             the company must be asked to produce its memorandum for verification or the
             position may be verified by an inspection of the memorandum from the office
             of the Registrar of Companies before entering into a contract. Normally, any
             one of the Directors of the company is empowered to present the company.
             Where tenders are signed by persons other than Directors or authorized
             Managing Agents, it may be necessary to examine if the person signing the
             tender is authorized by the company to enter into contracts on its behalf.
      (d)    Corporation other than Limited Companies: Associations of individuals
             incorporated under statutes such as Trade Union Act, Cooperative Societies Act
             and Societies Registration Act are also artificial persons in the eye of law and
             are entitled to enter into such contracts as are authorized by their
             memorandum of association. If any contract has to be entered into with any one
             or such corporations or associations, the capacity of such associations to enter
             into contract should be verified and also the authority of the person coming
             forward to represent the said Association.
3.8   Two or more persons are said to consent when they agree upon the same thing in the
      same sense. When two persons dealing with each other have their minds directed to
      different objects or attach different meanings to the language which they use, there is
      no agreement. The misunderstanding which is incompatible with agreement, may
      occur in the following cases: -
      (i)    When the misunderstanding relates to the identity of the other party to the
             agreement;
      (ii)   When it relates to the nature or terms of the transactions; (c) When it related to
             the subject matter of the agreement.
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       Free consent of both Parties
3.9    The consent is said to be free when it is not caused by coercion, undue influence,
       fraud, misrepresentation or mistake. Consent is said to be so caused when it would
       not have been given but for the existence of coercion, undue influence, fraud,
       misrepresentation or mistake. When consent to an agreement is caused by coercion,
       undue influence, fraud or misrepresentation, the agreement is a contract voidable at
       the option of the party whose consent was caused. A party to a contract, whose
       consent was caused by fraud or misrepresentation, may, if he thinks fit, insist that the
       contract shall be performed, and that he shall be put in the position in which he
       would have been if the representations made had been true.
3.10   In case consent to an agreement has been given under a mistake, the position is
       slightly different. When both the parties to an agreement are under a mistake as to a
       matter essential to the agreement, the agreement is not voidable but void. When the
       mistake is unilateral on the part of one party only, the agreement is not void.
3.11   Distinction has also to be drawn between a mistake of fact and a mistake of law. A
       contract is not void because it was caused by a mistake as to any law in force in India
       but a mistake as to law not in force in India has the same effect as a mistake of fact.
Consideration
Lawfulness of object
                                                                                                 13
       court regards it as immoral or opposed to public policy. In each of these cases the
       consideration or object of an agreement is said to be unlawful.
3.14   The communication of a proposal is complete when it comes to the knowledge of the
       person to whom it is made. A time is generally provided in the tender forms for
       submission of the tender. Purchaser is not bound to consider a tender, which is
       received beyond that time.
Communication of Acceptance
3.15   A date is invariably fixed in tender forms upto which tenders are open for
       acceptance. A proposal or offer stands revoked by the lapse of time prescribed in
       such offer for its acceptance. If, therefore, in case it is not possible to decide a tender
       within the period of validity of the offer as originally made, the consent of the
       tenderer firm should be obtained to keep the offer open for further period or periods.
3.17   If the terms of the tender or the tender, as revised, and modified, are not accepted or
       if the terms of the offer and the acceptance are not the same, the acceptance remains a
       mere counter offer and there is no concluded contract. It should, therefore, be
       ensured that the terms incorporated in the acceptance are not at variance with the
       offer or the tender and that none of the terms of the tender are left out. In case,
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       uncertain terms are used by the tenderers, clarifications should be obtained before
       such tenders are considered for acceptance. If it is considered that a counter offer
       should be made, such counter offer should be carefully drafted, as a contract is to
       take effect on acceptance thereof. If the subject matter of the contract is impossible of
       fulfillment or is in itself in violation of law such contract is void.
3.18   A tenderer firm, who is the proposer, may withdraw its offer at any time before its
       acceptance, even though the firm might have offered to keep the offer open for a
       specified period. It is equally open to the tenderer to revise or modify his offer before
       its acceptance. Such withdrawal, revision or modification must reach the accepting
       authority before the date and time of opening of tender. No legal obligations arise out of
       such withdrawal or revision or modification of the offer as a simple offer is without a
       consideration. Where, however, a tenderer agrees to keep his offer open for a
       specified period for a consideration, such offers cannot be withdrawn before the
       expiry of the specified date. This would be so where earnest money is deposited by
       the tenderer in consideration of his being supplied the subsidiary contract and
       withdrawal of offer by the tenderer before the specified period would entitle the
       purchaser to forfeit the earnest money.
Withdrawal of Acceptance
3.19   An acceptance can be withdrawn before such acceptance comes to the knowledge of
       the tenderer. A telegraphic revocation of acceptance, which reaches the tenderer
       before the letter of acceptance, will be a valid revocation.
3.20   No variation in the terms of a concluded contract can be made without the consent of
       the parties. While granting extensions or making any other variation, the consent of
       the contractor must be taken. While extensions are to be granted on an application of
       the contractor, the letter and spirit of the application should be kept in view in fixing
       a time for delivery.
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       Discharge of Contracts
3.21   A contract is discharged or the parties are normally freed from the obligation of a
       contract by due performance of the terms of the contract. A contract may also be
       discharged: -
       (ii)   By breach: In case a party to a contract breaks some stipulation in the contract
              which goes to the root of transaction, or destroys the foundation of the contract
              or prevents substantial performance of the contract, it discharges the innocent
              party to proceed furtherwith the performance and entitles him to a right of
              action for damages and to enforce the remedies for such breach as provided in
              the contract itself. A breach of contract may, however, be waived.
       (iv) In a contract where there are reciprocal promises: If one party to the contract
              prevents the other party from performing the contract, the contract may be put
              to an end at the instance of the party so prevented and the contract is thereby
              discharged.
Stamping of Contracts
3.22   Under entry 5 of Schedule I of the Indian Stamp Act, an agreement or memorandum
       of agreement for or relating to the sale of Stores or merchandise exclusively is
                                                                                            16
       exempt from payment of stamp duty. (A NOTE OR MEMORANDUM sent by a
       Broker or Agent to his principal intimating the purchase or sale on account of such
       principal is not so exempt from stamp duty.)
3.23   The Stamp Act provides that no Stamp Duty shall be chargeable in respect of any
       instrument executed by or on behalf of or in favour of the Government in cases
       where but for such exemption Government would be liable to pay the duty
       chargeable in respect of such instrument. (Cases in which Government would be
       liable are set out in Section 29 of the Act).
3.24   The date of commencement of the obligations under the contract on the parties to a
       contract is referred as the contract effective date. This date should be invariably
       indicated    in   each   contract,   as   per   agreed   terms      and   conditions.   The
       Ministries/Departments are advised to set the effective date to be a date after the
       following:
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                                       CHAPTER 4
      SPECIFICATION AND ALLIED TECHNICAL PARTICULARS OF STORES
Basic Guidelines
4.1   The important aspects to be kept in view while formulating the specifications and
      other technical particulars of the Stores to be purchased are indicated in the
      following paragraphs. The specifications of the Stores shall meet only the actual and
      essential needs of the user because “over-specification” will unnecessarily increase
      the cost and may stifle competition. Specifications should aim at procuring the latest
      technology and avoid procurement of obsolete Stores. Specifications should have
      emphasis on factors like efficiency, optimum fuel/power consumption, use of eco-
      friendly materials, reduced noise and emission levels, low maintenance cost, etc.
      Further, the specifications should not be too restrictive as the aim should be to attract
      reasonable number of competitive tenderers. The specifications should also take care
      of the mandatory and statutory regulations, if any, applicable for the Stores to be
      purchased. Wherever Indian Standards exists for the required Stores, the same
      should be adopted. Preference should be given to procure the Stores, which carry BIS
      (Bureau of Indian Standards) mark. For any deviations from Indian Standards or for
      any additional parameters for better performance, specific reasons for deviations /
      modifications should be duly recorded with the approval of the competent authority.
      Some Departments publish their own standards, which, apart from specifying the
      technical parameters also specify special requirements of packing, marking,
      inspection etc. The technical parameters in such cases may be marginally different
      from the Indian Standards. In such cases, the general principle shall be to adopt
      Indian Standards and the departmental specifications could cover only such
      additional details as packing, marking, inspection etc. as are specially required to be
      complied for a particular end use. In cases where Indian Standards do not exist or,
      alternatively, decision has been taken to source the foreign markets also,
      International Standards (like ISO etc.) may be adopted. Where no widely known
      standards exist, the specifications shall be drawn in a generalized and broad based
      manner to obtain competitive bids from different sources. Except in case of
      proprietary purchase from a selected single source, the specifications must not
      contain any brand name, make or catalogue number of a particular manufacturer
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      and if the same is unavoidable due to some compelling reasons, it should be
      followed by the words “or equivalent”.
4.2   All dimensions incorporated in the specifications shall be indicated in metric units. If
      due to some unavoidable reasons, dimensions in FPS (Foot, Pound, Seconds) units
      are to be mentioned, the corresponding equivalents in the metric system must also be
      indicated.
4.3   The specifications and the technical details should be expressed with proper clarity
      without any ambiguity or double meaning. Wherever necessary, the written
      specifications should be supplemented with drawings for additional clarity. As far as
      possible, items with standard specifications only should be stipulated in the bid
      documents. In case items of non standard specifications are to be procured,
      reasoning for procuring such items should be recorded and reasonability of rates
      may be checked before placing order.
4.4   Deciding tender on the basis of tendered sample is too subjective. Therefore, unless
      specifically decided due to some reasons duly recorded with the approval of
      competent authority, tender sample clause shall not be incorporated in the
      specifications. If necessary, suitable stipulations for submission of advance sample
      (before starting bulk production) by the successful bidder may be incorporated in the
      specifications.
4.5   Technical particulars to be specified in the tender document shall include the
      following to the extent applicable for a particular purchase:
      (i)    Scope of supply including quantity required and, also, end use of the required
             Stores.
      (ii)   Specifications, technical parameters and product requirements, expressing the
             requirement in terms of functional characteristics.
      (iii) Drawings.
      (iv) Requirement of BIS mark, where applicable.
                                                                                           19
      (v)   Requirement of advance sample, if any, at post contract stage before bulk
            production.
      (vi) Special requirements of packing and marking, if any.
      (vii) Inspection procedure for Stores ordered and criteria of conformity.
      (viii) Requirements of special tests, if any.
      (ix) Requirement of type test certificate, if any.
      (x)   Requirement of type approval for compliance of statutory requirements w.r.t.
            pollution, emission, noise, etc.
      (xi) Training, technical support, after sales service and annual maintenance contract
            requirements, if any.
      (xii) Warranty requirements.
      (xiii) Qualification criteria of the tenderers.
      (xiv) Any other aspects peculiar to the Stores in question like shelf life of the
            equipment etc.
Certification
4.6   The official/authority formulating the specifications should ensure and also certify
      that the specifications and the allied technical details are complete and correct to
      meet the user‟s requirements fully.
                                                                                        20
                                         CHAPTER 5
            SOURCES OF SUPPLY AND REGISTRATION OF SUPPLIERS
5.1   Contract for supply of Stores is to be placed on a supplier who is eligible to receive
      the contract, and, also capable, i.e. qualified in all respects to „deliver the Stores‟. The
      supplier is required to fulfil and follow all applicable rules, regulations and
      conditions to transact business with the Government and it should be technically
      capable and financially sound to deliver the required Stores. There are thus two basic
      criteria to be fulfilled by the supplier to receive a government contract – Eligibility
      Criteria and Qualification Criteria. The suppliers/firms with whom government
      transactions have been banned/black listed/suspended due to any reason will not be
      eligible to receive government contract.
5.3   With a view to establish reliable sources for procurement of Stores commonly
      required for government use, the Stores Purchase Department will prepare and
      maintain item-wise Register of eligible and qualified (i.e., capable) suppliers. Such
      approved suppliers will be known as “Registered Suppliers”. All Departments may
      utilise the services of the Registered Suppliers as and when necessary. Such
      registered suppliers are prima facie eligible for consideration for procurement of
      Stores through Limited Tender Enquiry. They are also ordinarily exempted from
      furnishing earnest money deposit/bid security with their tenders. Credentials,
      manufacturing capability, quality control systems, past performance (for the Stores
      in question), facility for after-sales service, financial background, etc., of the
      supplier(s) should be carefully verified before registration.
5.4   Any firm, situated in India or abroad, who are in the business of manufacturing,
      stocking or marketing of Stores and operating operator of services of specified
      categories, shall be eligible for registration. Where registration is granted based on
                                                                                               21
      partly outsourced arrangements/agreements, it shall be the responsibility of the
      registered unit, to keep such arrangements/agreements renewed/alive at all times,
      to keep their registration valid for the period for which, it has been granted. Any
      failure in this regard may make the registration null and void/ineffective
      retrospectively, from any such dates, which the registering authority considers
      appropriate. Firm, against whom any punitive action has been taken, shall not be
      eligible for re-registration for a period of three years or as prescribed. Registration
      requests may not be entertained from such firms, stake holders of whom have any
      interest in deregistered/banned firms.
5.5   The supplier(s) will be registered for a fixed period of two years. At the end of this
      period, the registered supplier(s), who are willing to continue with registration, are
      to apply afresh for renewal of registration. New supplier(s) may also be considered
      for registration at any point of time, provided they fulfill all the required conditions.
      Performance and conduct of every registered supplier is to be observed by the
      concerned Department. The registered supplier(s) are liable to be removed from the
      list of approved suppliers if they fail to abide by the terms and conditions of the
      registration.
Registration of Firms
5.6   The Stores Purchase Department will maintain a Register of approved suppliers
      giving the names of firms who are registered with the Department as approved
      suppliers of stores.
      (i)   Classes of firms to be registered: Firms are classified into three groups
            according to the nature of their business.       The groups are Manufacturers
            (including service providers), Stockists and Commission Agents. Only
            Manufacturers and Stockists are eligible for registration, by the Stores Purchase
            Department.
            (a) In excluding Commission Agents, care should be taken not to exclude
               agents of manufacturers who may not necessarily be stockists.
            (b) The refusal to register commission agents does not amount to a denial of
               their right to submit tenders. They will remain free to participate in any
               tender.
                                                                                            22
(ii)        Manufacturers are divided into Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises. A
            certificate issued by the Director of Industries and Commerce or other
            appropriate authority will be accepted for purpose of this classification.
            Industrial co-operatives will also be included in the above classification, if they
            are certified as such by appropriate authority.
NOTE 2: The classification of enterprises into Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises
shall be as per Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises Development Act 2006. The
classification based on investment excluding land and building as per the Act is as
follows:
            Manufacturing Enterprises:
                 Micro Enterprises – Investment upto ` 25 lakh
                 Small Enterprises – Investment above ` 25 lakh & upto ` 5 crores
                 Medium Enterprises – Investment above ` 5 crores and upto ` 10 crores
            Service Enterprises:
                 Micro Enterprises – Investment upto ` 10 lakh
                 Small Enterprises – Investment above ` 10 lakh & upto ` 2 crores
                 Medium Enterprises – Investment above ` 2 crores and upto ` 5 crores
                                                                                            23
       NOTE 3: Procedures for registration of firms under the e-procurement system shall
       be notified separately.
       Authorities competent to deal with the applications for registration and grant
       registration
5.7    The Department shall notify the authorities competent to deal with the applications
       and grant registrations. The Appellate Authority shall be at least one level above the
       Registering authority or as designated by the Department. The Stores Purchase
       Department shall issue “guidelines” containing all relevant details to enable the
       interested firms to apply for registration.
5.8    The application form, complete in all respects and accompanied with the requisite
       processing fee and prescribed documents shall be submitted by the firms to the
       registering authority. Registration shall be granted to the firms, who fulfill all the
       specified requirements. Registration Certificates shall be issued to the firms with the
       approval of competent authority.
5.9    Every firm which wants to register its name should apply for registration in the form
       prescribed in Annexure 3. The application fee will be ` 500/- (Rupees five hundred
       only) plus taxes as applicable. The fee can be paid by DD or in cash, directly or
       through money order. Alternatively, the format may also either be typed or
       downloaded from the web site of Stores Purchase Department. In such cases also the
       application fee with taxes will be payable.
5.10   Every applicant is required to produce the following documents along with his
       application:-
                                                                                           24
       NOTE 1: Public Undertaking fully owned by Government of Kerala or in which the
       Government have more than 50 per cent of shares are exempted from producing the
       documents mentioned as (i) to (v) above.
       NOTE 2: If only copies of the documents mentioned as (i) to (v) above are produced
       they should be attested either by a Gazetted Officer or by a Notary Public.
Registration Fee
5.11   Stores usually purchased for Government Departments are classified into nine
       groups (Annexure 4). Registration is effected in groups of stores. Every applicant has
       to pay a prescribed fee of ` 5000/- for each group along with the application.
       However, in the case of Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises, the fee payable is only
       `2500/- for each group. No refund of Registration fee will be made if a firm is
       denied Registration on valid grounds.
                                                                                            25
5.13   A register of approved suppliers (Annexure 5) should be maintained by the Stores
       Purchase Department for entering the details of registration. When the registration is
       decided on, the necessary entries should be made in the Register. Simultaneously, a
       Registration Certificate in the prescribed form (Annexure 6) should be issued to the
       applicant.
5.14   A Registration number will also be assigned to each firm. This number will indicate
       at once the category of the firm (i.e., the manufacturer or stockists and class
       according to financial status) in which it is included, e.g. - No.   123/12/M/MSME/
       III, where 123 is the serial number, 12 the year 2012; M, the manufacturer; MSME,
       Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises and III, the class of the firm.
5.15   For the purpose of classification according to Financial Status, firms are divided into
       four classes as follows:-
5.16   List of firms registered during each quarter should be prepared with sufficient
       details, got printed and circulated to all Heads of Departments by the Stores
       Purchase Department. In addition, the name of each firm as soon as it is registered
       should be communicated to the Departments concerned. The updated list of
       registered firms should be put in the website of Stores Purchase Department.
Refusal of Registration
                                                                                            26
       Communication of Deficiencies to Firms
5.18   Firms whose registration is refused should be informed of the fact, by registered post
       with acknowledgement due, stating briefly the reasons thereof. Such firms can apply
       for re-verification and review along with a fee of ` 1000/-, within three months from
       the date of receipt of communication. Requests for re-verification after expiry of the
       said period would be treated as fresh application and should be accompanied by the
       prescribed fee of ` 5000, for each group.
Performance of Contracts
5.19   Once a firm is registered, it is necessary to verify its competence to remain on the
       Register with reference to its performance in the fields of tenders and contracts. This
       can be done only by watching the tender invitations and purchases made by all the
       Departments. To enable the Stores Purchase Department to do this, the following
       procedure should be adopted:
       (i)    Registered firms should be asked to quote without fail their registration
              numbers in all their tenders and quotations to the several Departments of the
              State.
       (ii)   All Purchasing Departments should furnish to the Stores Purchase Department
              the following items of information:-
              (a) List of registered firms who have been specifically invited to quote in each
                  instance.
              (b) List of registered firms who have submitted tenders against enquiries.
              (c) List of registered firms who have won contracts and who did not.
              (d) Those who have performed contracts satisfactorily and those who failed.
       (iii) The above information should be submitted at the appropriate time in each
              case to the Stores Purchase Department.
       (iv) The registered firms themselves should be asked to submit, at the end of one
              year, details of their attempts and success.
5.20   The reports from the Departments and the firms should be compared to assess the
       fitness of the latter to remain on the Register, at the end of the expiry of the
                                                                                            27
       registration period. Those who prove fit should be allowed to renew registrations
       and the others refused renewal.
Renewal of Registration
5.21   All registered firms should renew their registration on expiry of the period of current
       registration. The fee for renewal is fixed at ` 2500/- for each group.
       (i)    Payment of renewal fee should be made within one month from the date of
              expiry of the previous registration or renewal. The fee will be accepted for a
              period of two years with a penalty of ` 150/- per month. Thereafter the firm
              will forfeit its claim for renewal of registration and will have to apply for
              registration afresh as detailed in paragraphs 5.5 to 5.10 of the Stores Purchase
              Manual.
       (ii)   Application for renewal should be made in simple letter form, should be
              preceded by payment of prescribed fee and accompanied by the following
              documents duly attested by a Gazetted Officer or Notary Public.
              (a) Latest copies of annual returns filed before Income Tax authorities.
              (b) Latest VAT Clearance Certificate.
              (c) List of contracts won and executed during the current registration period
                 (within and outside the State).
              (d) List of contracts/supply orders at least three or four orders/contracts won
                 and executed during the current registration period (within and outside the
                 State).
              (e) Changes in ownership, constitution etc., if any.
              (f) Attested copy of the Latest registration/renewal certificate.
       (iii) Firms who prove to be good at work or worthy of retention in the Register
              should be given Renewal Certificates in the prescribed form (Annexure 7).
       (iv) If the formal application for renewal with the prescribed fee is received in the
              Stores Purchase Department by the appointed date, it should be deemed that
              the firm has applied in time.
        (v) No refund of renewal fee will be made if firm is denied renewal of registration
              on valid grounds.
                                                                                           28
       Cancellation of Registration
5.22   In case of violation of terms and condition of the registration, the registration of the
       firm will be cancelled by giving prior notice. A registered firm is liable to be removed
       from the list of approved contractors, when,
       (i)      fails to renew registration within the prescribed time
       (ii)     fails to abide by the terms and conditions under which the registration has been
                given.
       (iii)    fails to secure a contract consecutively for three years
       (iv)     makes any false declaration to Government
       (v)      supplies Stores of inferior quality or uninspected Stores
       (vi)     renders services (including after sales services and maintenance services) of
                inferior quality than the contracted ones
       (vii)    fails to execute a contract or fails to execute it satisfactorily
       (viii)   the required technical/operational staff or equipment are no longer available
                with the firm or there is change in its production/service line affecting its
                performance adversely
       (ix)     is declared bankrupt or insolvent
       (x)      fails to submit the required documents/information for review of registration,
                where required
       (xi)     adopts unethical business practices, not acceptable to the government, and
       (xii)    any other ground which, in the opinion of the registering authority, is not in
                public interest
5.23   Firms whose names have been removed from the Register for any of the above
       reasons will be allowed to re-register after two years, if an assurance is forthcoming
       that the failure will not be repeated.
5.24   List of firms registered during each half year should be prepared with sufficient
       details, got printed and circulated to all Heads of Departments by the Stores
       Purchase Department. In addition to the above the name of each firm as soon as it is
       registered shall be hosted in the website of Stores Purchase Department.
5.25   Business dealings with a firm, whether it is registered or not registered, may be
       ordered to be suspended or banned, in public interest by the competent authority. In
       accordance with the provisions in the Standardised Code of Blacklisting prescribed
                                                                                             29
       by the Government of India which is adopted on a reciprocal basis by the State
       Government, Government can impose on a firm penalties such as Blacklisting,
       Banning and Suspension of Business, and Removal from the list of approved
       suppliers according to the magnitude of the irregular performance of their contacts.
       Such orders will be issued from the Stores Purchase Department on the
       recommendations of the Purchasing Officers. The Purchasing Officers should bring
       to the notice of the Stores Purchase Department, cases of default, supply of defective
       materials, irregular supply and all cases of breach of the terms of contract.           A
       detailed report explaining the nature and extent of default of breach should be sent
       in each such case. A show cause notice shall be served to the firm before final orders
       are issued. The list of firms blacklisted/banned shall be displayed in the website of
       Stores Purchase Department
5.26   Suspension of business dealings may be ordered where pending full enquiry into the
       allegation, it is considered not desirable that business with the firm should continue.
       Such an order may be passed: -
       (i)   If the firm is suspected to be of doubtful loyalty to India.
       (ii)  If the Central Bureau of Investigation or any other investigating agency
             recommends such a course in respect of a case under investigation and
       (iii) If a prima- facie case is made out that the firm is guilty of an offence involving
             moral turpitude in relation to business dealings which, if established, would
             result in business dealings with it being banned.
                                                                                              30
(iv) If the firm continuously refuses to return government dues without showing
      adequate cause and the Government are satisfied that this is not due to
      reasonable dispute which would attract proceeding in arbitration or court of
      law, and
(v)   If the firm employs a government servant, who has been dismissed or removed
      on account of corruption or employs a non-official convicted for an offence
      involving corruption or abetment of such an offence, in a position where he
      could corrupt government servant.
                                                                               31
                                           CHAPTER 6
      FORECAST OF REQUIREMENTS, ASCERTAINMENT OF SURPLUS STORES,
         PREPARATION OF INDENTS AND ADMINISTRATIVE SANCTION
Forecast of Requirements
6.1    A Government servant who has to purchase stores for the Public Service should
       estimate his requirements for the year so far as they can be foreseen. At the end of
       the each financial year, he should prepare a list of articles required during the next
       financial year. The list may be prepared on the basis of the consumption during the
       previous 3 to 5 years and with reference to factors if any, which justify an increase or
       decrease compared with the average. The lists should also be based on the probable
       budget estimate for the next year and should be prepared duly allowing for the
       carrying over of stock for at least one quarter of the succeeding year. As far as
       possible, a purchasing officer should lay in sufficient stock during the cheapest
       season.    When necessary, he should get advice about the best time for making
       purchases and assistance in obtaining tenders from Government servants of other
       Departments who are in close touch with the market for the articles required and
       know the usual course of their price. For example, it is usually advantageous to buy
       food grains required for rations just after the harvest and the Civil Supplies
       Department is likely to be able to give useful advice and assistance in regard to such
       purchases.     Articles which are likely to depreciate or deteriorate during storage
       should not, however, be bought long in advance of requirements. It should also be
       remembered that the purchase of any article in advance of requirements involves the
       locking up of Government money and is, therefore not desirable unless it is
       reasonably likely to prove advantageous in regard to price.
6.2    The following formula may be applied for calculating the future requirements of
       each item of articles in the Stationery Department.
                                         F = S+I (S  E)
       Where F = Forecast for the next year,
                 S = Sanctioned quantum for last year
                 I = Imponderable factor, and
                 E = Estimate (or Forecast) of the last year
       The imponderable factor will always remain as 0.1.
                                                                                            32
      Ascertainment of Surplus Stores
6.3   Before orders are placed, the surplus stock of articles, if any, available with other
      Departments of the Government should first be utilized, irrespective of the cost at
      which it is available. The following instructions should be observed in regard to the
      utilization of the surplus stores in the Departments of the Government:
      (i)    Each Head of Department should circulate from time to time lists of all usable
             stores found surplus to the requirements of his Department to other Heads of
             Departments as soon as the surpluses are noticed.
      (ii)   Every head of Department should see from the list received by him under
             instruction (i) above whether he can utilize the stores available with the other
             Departments before he places, or allows his subordinates to place orders for the
             purchase of such stores in the open market, or submits proposal to the
             Government for such purchases. Even in cases where no list has been received
             by him covering the particular articles required by him, he should make
             enquiries of the Heads of Departments with whom such stores may be
             available ordinarily.
      (iii) When proposals are submitted to Government or any authority authorized by
             Government for according sanction to the purchase of any stores it should
             invariably be stated whether action was taken with reference to instruction (ii)
             above and if so, with what result.
Preparation of Indents
6.4   After the list of articles required for the year is got ready, an annual indent of stores
      in Form No. 13 of Kerala Financial Code (KFC), Volume II (Annexure 8) should be
      prepared in accordance with the instructions contained in article 139 of the KFC,
      Volume I. The indent should show the approximate cost of articles to be purchased
      including incidental expenses and should be got sanctioned by competent authority.
Administrative Sanction
6.5   It is the duty of each purchasing officer to satisfy himself that funds are available for
      meeting the expenditure in respect of purchase of stores and that there is valid
      administrative sanction for effecting the purchase.
                                                                                            33
6.6   Heads of Departments and other Officers empowered on this behalf are competent to
      accord administrative sanction for all purchases up to the limit of financial powers
      vested on them. For purchases involving higher amounts, the sanction of
      Government is necessary.
6.8   Administrative sanction for a project in which the component items and their cost are
      listed out in detail will be taken as equivalent to administrative sanction for the
      purchase of components.
6.9   While issuing or recording administrative sanctions, mention should not be made of
      makes, specifications, rate contracts and such other details relating to the stores, the
      purchase of which is administratively sanctioned.
                                                                                           34
                                       CHAPTER 7
          MODES OF PURCHASE, RECEIPT AND OPENING OF TENDERS
General
7.1   Depending on the nature of the required Stores, the quantity & value involved and
      the period of supply, the competent authority is to decide the appropriate mode of
      purchase. The various modes of purchase to be adopted for this purpose are
      indicated in the subsequent paragraphs.
7.2   Demand for Stores should not be divided into smaller quantities for making piece
      meal purchases for the sole purpose of avoiding the necessity of obtaining the
      sanction of higher authority required with reference to the estimated value of the
      total demand.
7.3   Purchase of Stores upto a value of ` 15,000/- (Rupees Fifteen Thousand only) on each
      occasion may be made without inviting quotations/bids by the competent authority
      on the basis of a certificate to be recorded by him in the following format:
      "I, ________ am personally satisfied that these Stores purchased are of the requisite
      quality and specification and have been purchased from a reliable supplier at a
      reasonable price."
7.4   Purchase of Stores costing above ` 15,000/- (Rupees Fifteen Thousand only) and
      upto `1,00,000/- (Rupees One lakh only) on each occasion may be made on the
      recommendations of a duly constituted Local Purchase Committee consisting of
      three members of an appropriate level as decided by the Head of the Department
      shall be made after inviting quotations. The committee will survey the market to
                                                                                        35
      ascertain the reasonableness of rate, quality and specifications and identify the
      appropriate supplier. Before recommending placement of the purchase order the
      members of the committee will jointly record a certificate as under:
7.5   Except for the purchase of Stores through the methods given in the preceding
      paragraphs, a Purchasing Officer should obtain stores by inviting tenders/
      quotations in all cases except the following:
      (i)    The purchase of books and periodical in all departments involving less than
             `15,000/- at a time, subject to conditions in items (ix) below
      (ii)   Petty purchases of less than ` 15,000/- at a time
      (iii) Purchase from Government sources subject to the provisions contained in
             paragraphs 9.21 to 9.25.
      (iv) Special purchases in which any other procedure is approved by Government.
      (v)    Controlled items of Stores from controlled stocks.
      (vi) Purchase of articles covered by rate or running contracts settled by Director
             General of Supplies and Disposals, New Delhi or the Stores Purchase
             Department, Government of Kerala, by operating such contracts. It should be
             indicated while issuing Administrative Sanction.
      (vii) During the instant of natural calamity or any other emergency as declared by
             Government.
      (viii) Purchase of proprietary items where no alternative or substitute exists, on the
             recommendations of a technical expert from a Government organisation in such
             line and the approval of Government.
      (ix) All the rules relating to the purchase of stores need not strictly be applied to the
             purchase of books and periodicals. In the case of purchase of books and
             periodicals above ` 15,000/- at a time, the Purchasing Officer shall, however,
             invite simple quotations from leading publishers and book sellers and place
             orders on the basis of competitive quotations so that maximum discount may
                                                                                            36
             be obtained. In cases of such purchases, where advance payment is insisted on,
             the purchasing officer shall obtain beforehand a written undertaking from the
             selected firm/contractor to the effect that they shall supply the books and
             periodicals ordered in time and in satisfactory condition, with a view to
             securing the interest of Government against any loss.
7.6   Quotations may be invited if the estimated value of the stores is between ` 15,000/-
      to less than ` 1,00,000. Copies of Quotation Notice regarding the general conditions
      of the supply, specification of article etc., should be supplied to all firms to whom
      enquiries were/are sent. A specimen form of Quotation Notice is given in Annexure
      10. It is not obligatory to publish quotation Notices in the Gazette. Short Quotation
      Notice as in Annexure 11 may, however, be published in the newspapers and
      Government Website.
Types of Tenders
7.7   Tenders should be invited, if the estimated value of the stores to be purchased is
      `1,00,000/- or above, through any one of the three types of the Tender mentioned
      below, as the case may be.
Limited Tender
7.8   The limited tender system may be adopted whenever the estimated value of the
      order to be given is between `1,00,000/- lakh to less than `10,00,000/-.
7.9   The limited tender system may also be adopted instead of the open tender system
      even when the estimated value of the stores to be purchased is above `10,00,000/- in
      the following cases:-
      (i)    When there are sufficient reasons for holding that it is not in the public interest
             to call for tenders by advertisement. In every such case the purchasing officer
                                                                                             37
              must record the reasons and communicate them to the Accountant General,
              confidentially, if necessary.
       (ii)   When the Purchasing Officer is satisfied that there is serious risk or
              inconvenience or loss to the public service by arranging the purchase by the
              Open Tender system or when the articles are urgently required. In every such
              case the Purchasing Officer must place on record the nature of the urgency and
              the reasons why a deviation from the general rule has been rendered necessary.
7.10   Copies of the bidding document should be sent, free of cost, directly by speed
       post/registered post/courier/e-mail, simultaneously to all the firms, which are
       borne on the list of registered suppliers for the Stores in question. The number of
       supplier firms in Limited Tender should be more than three. Efforts should be made
       to identify a higher number of approved suppliers to obtain more eligible bids on
       competitive basis. Website publicity should also be given for Limited Tenders;
       however, the Department can limit the access of the tender documents to only the
       selected prospective suppliers by issuing them password to have access to the
       document.
7.11   The open tender system, i.e., invitation to tender by public advertisement, should be
       used as a general rule and must be adopted, subject to the exceptions mentioned in
       paragraphs below, whenever the estimated value of the contract is ` 10,00,000/- or
       more.
7.12   In the case of purchases of manufactured goods or stores (eg. purchase of printing
       paper), invitation of tenders can be restricted from manufacturers, provided the
       Purchasing Officer considers it necessary in the interest of the public and the
       Departmental Purchase Committee approves.
7.13   In all cases of open tender, it is essential that wide publicity is given to the tender
       notification. Short tender notices as in Annexure 12 should be published in the
       Stores Purchase Sheet of the Kerala Gazette and in the Government website. If the
       nature of the articles required is such that better results can be obtained by
       advertisement, short tender notices may also be published in one or more leading
                                                                                           38
       regional language newspapers and also in one or two issues of a leading English
       newspaper published in India having wide circulation in the area from where the
       supplies are normally obtained.
7.14   In the case of purchases of heavy machinery, imported Stores and other stores which
       cannot be obtained without wide publicity at all India level, the tender notices may
       be published in English National Newspapers, in addition to their publication in the
       Government Gazette and Website.        The same may also be published in the Indian
       Trade Journal, published weekly from Calcutta by the Director General of
       Intelligence and Statistics.
7.15   In addition to the publication, the short tender notices, should be sent to all
       registered firms in the line and also to other reputed dealers.
7.16   For the purpose of notifying dealers and contractors a list of approved firms both
       Indian and Foreign of known reliability should be maintained in the Office of every
       purchasing officer. The list should be prepared commodity-wise on the basis of the
       list of registered firms maintained by Stores Purchase Department. The list will be
       examined and revised periodically. Applications from firms received by the several
       departments for inclusion in the approved lists should be forwarded by them to the
       Stores Purchase Department. There is no objection to sending enquires to firms
       outside the Approved List.
7.17   There are items for which there is no list of registered firms in the Stores Purchase
       Department, e.g. bottles, earthenware jars, Ayurveda medicines, food materials etc.
       In such cases when tenders are invited the Purchasing Departments should see that
       notices are sent direct to all known suppliers, particularly to reputed manufacturers
       and stockist and any others who might ask to be intimated especially when such
       notices are published only in the Gazette/Website and not in newspapers.
7.18   The Heads of Departments and offices may make arrangements with the
       Superintendent, Government presses to get printed sufficient number of spare copies
       of Tender Forms (as in Annexure 2) containing details of specifications, conditions of
       supply, etc., to be supplied to the intending purchasers.         To facilitate matters,
                                                                                            39
       particulars regarding the quality are quite essential. The Heads of Departments will
       incorporate specifications regarding quality also in addition to quantity wherever
       possible in the tender forms and short tender/quotation notices. The Superintendent
       of Government Presses will print and supply the spare copies of the Tender Forms to
       the Officers concerned within 8 to 10 days of requisition from the Heads of
       Departments.
7.19   Where a Department feels that the Stores of the required quality, specifications, etc.,
       may not be available in the country and/or it is also necessary to look for suitable
       competitive offers from abroad, the Department may send copies of the tender notice
       to the Indian Embassies abroad as well as to the Foreign Embassies in India
       requesting them to give wide publicity of the requirement in those countries. They
       may also be requested to put the tender notice in their web sites. The selection of the
       Embassies will depend on the possibility of availability of the required Stores in such
       countries. Publicizing the requirement globally as above is also known as Global
       Tender Enquiry.
       NOTE: Under the e-procurement system, the invitation to tender is only to registered
       vendors. The tender notifications, bid clarifications, corrigendum and addendum,
       minutes of the pre-bid meeting, etc., will be published in the eGP portal and shall be
       the sole mode of official communication to the vendors. However, consolidated
       advertisements in one regional and one national daily may be issued for e-
       procurement. Short tender notices should also be published in the Stores Purchase
       Sheet of Kerala Gazette.
7.20   Obtaining quotation by issuing single tender enquiry to a selected source amounts to
       purchase without generating competition. Therefore this mode of purchase should
       be resorted to only in unavoidable situations. The single tender system may be
       adopted:
       (i)   In the case of a small order or when the articles required are of a proprietary
             character and competition is not expected to be advantageous.           For this
             purpose, a small order means an order the value of which does not exceed `
                                                                                           40
              5000/- or, if more than one kind of article is ordered at one time, the total value
              of which does not exceed ` 10000/-.
       (ii)   When, owing to the greater promptitude of supply by particular agencies of the
              special manufacturer of some articles by certain firms, substantial economy can
              be effected by deviating from the tender system, officers may purchase direct
              such articles from the firms or agencies concerned.
       (iii) In a case of emergency, the required Stores are necessarily to be purchased
              from a particular source subject to the reason for such decision being recorded
              and approval of the competent authority obtained.
       (iv) For standardization of machinery or components or spare parts to be
              compatible to the existing sets of machinery/equipment (on the advice of a
              competent technical expert and approved by the competent authority), the
              required Stores are to be purchased only from a selected firm.
7.21   When the bill for a purchase made under „Single Tender‟ is sent for audit, the
       drawing officer should record a statement explaining briefly the necessity for
       deviating from the Open Tender system.
7.22   Every Officer who proposes to purchase materials by the open tender system should
       obtain tenders in a prescribed format issued by him or on commercial letter papers of
       the tendering firms. For all purchases involving ` 1,00,000/- or more, Tender forms
       should ordinarily be prescribed and issued by the purchasing officer at prices
       according to the scale approved by Government.
7.23   The tenderers are to furnish their quotations as per the prescribed format and also as
       per the instructions incorporated in the tender documents. Quotations sent by telex,
       cable or facsimile are to be ignored and rejected.
                                                                                              41
       NOTE: Under e-procurement the tender forms can be downloaded from the Library
       of eGP portal and Department Website. The tender forms can be downloaded by all
       the registered vendors free of cost.
7.24   Price of the tender document should take care of the preparation and delivering cost
       only. If it is too high, it will discourage the prospective bidders to purchase the
       document and participate in the bidding process.
7.25   The following scales of prices (exclusive of VAT) are prescribed by Government for
       tender forms to be issued by Government Departments.
(ii) Special tenders with drawing, etc., involving erection of plant and machinery.
                                                                                              42
7.26   General conditions of the contract for plant, machinery and manufactured equipment
       should be usually supplied with the special tender form and extra copy at ` 200 per
       copy.
7.27   Ordinarily duplicate copies of tender forms should be issued only to firms or
       individuals who have purchased the original copy. But in the case of special tenders
       duplicate can be issued to applicants for reference even if they have not purchased
       the original copy. But in such cases care should be taken to see that the tenders are
       submitted only in original copies.
7.28   The cost of tender forms may be accepted in cash, DD or by M.O. only. Postal
       orders, postal stamps or bank cheques should not be accepted. No forms should be
       sent by V.P.P. or in advance.
7.29   In certain other cases even though the amount involved is more than ` 1,00,000/-
       priced tender forms may not be desirable e.g., fuel oils, motor vehicles, etc.
7.30   In all cases of Rate/Running contracts priced tender forms are essential irrespective
       of the amount involved unless otherwise decided by Government.
7.31   Free tenders (or quotations) may be invited in all cases of Limited Tender or Single
       Tender system. In such cases, the tendering firms can submit their tenders in their
       own commercial letter papers.
7.32   A tenderer may download the tender form from the official website of Government
       of Kerala. In that case the tenderer should remit the cost of the tender form by
       Demand Draft of Nationalised Banks and should submit such Tenders along with the
       cost as detailed in para 7.26 of the Manual.
Invitation of Tenders
7.33   Whenever tenders are invited, the procedure in the following rules should be
       followed. This procedure will apply to all Departments except those for which
       special rules have been laid down in their Codes or Manuals.
                                                                                         43
(i)    Before inviting tenders every officer should estimate his requirements for the
       year as far as he can foresee and regulate the time of his purchases according to
       the state of market and stock position of stores of his Department. A phased
       programme may be drawn up for inviting the tenders so that there is no rush of
       tenders at any time and priority is given to articles which are in urgent need.
       (a) Tenders can be invited even during the previous financial year for normal
          and recurring supplies likely to be required by various Departments in the
          succeeding year. But actual financial commitment should be entered into
          only after the Budget is passed by the Legislature.
       (b) In the case of requirements of bulk or costly machinery for which
          competitive quotations can be obtained for forward delivery, tenders
          should be invited well in advance of the requirements so that stock
          purchases at prohibitive prices are avoided.
       (c) Rush purchases towards the end of the financial year should be avoided.
          The Financial Rules require that expenditure which might otherwise be
          postponed should not be incurred in the last month of the financial year
          solely with a view to prevent lapses of the budget grants.          Such rush
          purchases have an undesirable effect; in that the strict observance of the
          rules regarding invitation of the tenders, proper scrutiny of offers, etc., are
          rendered impossible at such high pressure and leads to waste, confusion
          and delay.
(ii)   The articles should properly be classified under different trade groups
       according to the approved classification (See Annexure 4). Tenders should then
       be invited separately for each group.
       (a) The tenders should not be made unwieldy by including too many items of
          different kinds of materials in the same tender. Where purchases are large
          one tender notice should normally contain only one kind or class of articles.
       (b) Requirements should be correctly estimated.       After inviting tenders the
          quantity should not be varied materially. It is wrong economy to purchase
          bulk quantities at retail prices.
       (c) Indents of the different institutions or sections under the same Head of
          Department should be classified and bulked into a single list. They need
          not be shown separately in the tender list or schedule.
                                                                                         44
         Example: Laboratory glassware is required for the Physics, Chemistry,
         Botany and Zoology Laboratories of a College. Each of these Departments
         should not invite tenders separately, nor should the Principal invite tenders
         separately for each Department. On the other hand the requirements of all
         the four Departments should be properly classified and bulked.          If, for
         example, each of the four Departments requires 2 beakers with spout 500
         c.c., the quantity should be mentioned as 8 Nos. and this should occur only
         at one place in the tender notice.
      (d) The names of Stores should be arranged in a clear, intelligible manner.
         Alphabetical arrangement is desirable. Each item should be given correct
         and adequate specifications.     Mere reference to catalogue numbers and
         mention of patent/brand names should be avoided.
(iii) The requirements of the same or similar materials should be consolidated and
      tenders invited in order to secure the advantage of competitive prices for bulk
      supply. Tenders should not be invited by the same Department for the same
      class of materials several times during the same year. Apart from losing the
      advantage of bulk purchases, piecemeal purchase results in avoidable work
      and delay.
(iv) Tender specifications should be carefully and correctly drawn up so that there
      is no ambiguity about the correct type, size, packing etc., of materials required.
      There should be no room for changes in specification after inviting tenders.
(v)   (a) Indenting Department should endeavour to adopt the Indian Standard
      Specifications wherever available and where such specifications have not been
      laid down, should consistent with the requirements of safety, security and use
      of the stores, permit relaxation of standard, having regard to technical
      limitations in indigenous production (Annexure 13).
      (b) In respect of articles purchased by Government, other things being equal,
      preference will be given to goods bearing Indian Standards Institution
      certification mark or agmarking and to products conforming to I. S. I.
      specifications.
(vi) (a) Comprehensive specifications of plant, machinery and specialized
      equipment should be given with the term “or similar” added wherever
      possible.
                                                                                     45
     (b) Where there is lack of experience of any particular type of equipment and
     full specifications cannot be furnished, preliminary enquiries should be made
     in the first instance and the offers got examined by technical experts who
     should then draw up comprehensive specification for inviting the formal
     tender.
     (c) Tenderers should be allowed to quote for all the items included in a tender
     or a part thereof. They should also be allowed to make suitable alternative
     offers.
(vii) A Purchasing Officer who invites tenders for the supply of stores may exercise
     full discretion regarding the place of delivery to be specified in the invitation of
     tender. The conditions should as far as possible be such as to give all tenderers
     equal opportunities of tendering at their lowest rates. He may stipulate for
     delivery cost, insurance and freight (c.i.f.). or free on board (f.o.b.) at an Indian
     Port or free on rail (f.o.r.) at the place of despatch in India or f.o.r. destination or
     for free delivery at the receiving stores/office. When tenders are invited for the
     supply of plant and equipment and the successful tenderer is to erect the plant
     at site, the appropriate conditions in regard to delivery at site should be
     included in the invitation of tender or in the general specifications.
(viii) As provided in Article 148 (b) of Kerala Financial Code, Volume I, all articles
     required for use in the public service shall be purchased on the condition that
     delivery shall be made in India for payments in Rupees in India. Except in
     special cases, full payment should not be made for any stores against shipping
     or railway documents, and payment should be completed only after the
     Receiving Officer has taken delivery of stores and found them to be satisfactory
     in every respect.
(ix) In all cases of invitation of tenders, care should be taken to see that sufficient
     time is allowed to the tenderers to submit their tenders. In fixing the date for
     the receipt of tenders, the Purchasing Officer should take into account the time
     required for publicity, for the receipt of the tender forms by the tenderers and
     the preparation and despatch of the tenders. He may exercise his discretion
     about the last date for the receipt of tenders keeping in mind the nature and
                                                                                          46
      supply position of the articles required to be purchased. The following minima
      are suggested:-
      (a) For ordinary stores which can be procured from the Indian Market - 15
          days.
      (b) For machinery and plant which have necessarily to be imported-Two
          months
      (c) For heavy equipment involving foreign manufacture of plant and
          machinery, their import and erection – Three months.
NOTE 1: Under the e-procurement system the bids shall be submitted online and
parallel submission of bids through paper format is not allowed. Virtual Tender Box
shall be treated at par with the physical Tender Box. Time for submission of the bids
online will be as given under the particular tender notice.
NOTE 2: The CVC has issued guidelines on publishing details of tender documents
in the web site of the department/organisation with a view to providing widest
possible publicity. The instructions issued are with regard to all cases where open
tender system is resorted to for procurement of goods and services or for
auction/sale, etc., of goods and services. This may be followed (refer CVC Order
No.98/ORD/1, dated 18th December, 2003). The CVC has also issued guidelines to be
followed while implementing e-tendering solutions to contain the security related
loopholes (refer Circular No. 29/9/09, dated 17th September, 2009 and Circular No.
18/04/2010, dated 26th April, 2010, given in Appendix). These may be considered by
the authority responsible for e-tendering solutions.
(x)   The invitation should also specify a period of firmness during which the
      tenderers are to keep their rate firm. The time fixed for firmness of offers
      should be enough to cover the normal delay expected in placing supply orders
      after going through all the formalities. It is necessary that regard should be had
      to the fluctuating nature of the markets in fixing these periods. Long firmness
      periods such as 6 or 8 months should be avoided. The following periods of
      firmness may generally be prescribed:-
       (a) All ordinary items of stores-Two months.
       (b) Important tenders involving manufacturer, supply and erection such as
          heavy electrical plants, machinery, steel structures etc.-Three months.
                                                                                     47
      (c) For stores which are in short supply in the country and the prices of which
          are subject to violent fluctuations, a maximum period of one month or
          even less may be fixed. A week or two is better.
      (d) It is important that in all cases decisions regarding the selection of offers
          are taken promptly and acceptances communicated to, or supply orders
          placed with the selected firms before the period of firmness expires.
NOTE: All Purchasing Officers who: (i) fail to draw up a suitable time schedule as
required under sub para (ix) for each tender and fail to scrupulously adhere to it; and
(ii) fail to specify a validity period as required under sub para (xi), will be held
personally responsible for the lapse, loss, if any, sustained by Government due to
such non-specification of the firmness period or non-adherence of the time schedule
will be recoverable from the officers concerned.
(xi) In all cases, tenders should be obtained in sealed envelopes. In special cases
     tenders in duplicate may be called for or even in triplicate.          The tender
     invitation should include the general conditions of tender, and a list of the
     materials required, each item carrying full specifications and special conditions,
     if any. The tenderers should be asked to superscribe the name and number of
     tender as well as their own name, on the envelopes containing the tenders. The
     advertisement should specify the price of tender forms and state the place, the
     date and the time when the tenders are to be submitted, and will be opened.
     The tenderers or their authorized representatives may be invited to be present
     at that time to scrutinize the several competitive tenders received.
(xii) Tenders shall be invited in India and when considered desirable also from
     abroad for the supply of articles in order to obtain adequate publicity and to
     ensure that the purchase is made to the best advantage. These considerations
     apply mainly to the categories of stores which have usually been obtained in
     the past by import.
                                                                                    48
            procedures for utilizing the service of Central Purchase Organisation are
            contained in Annexure 14.
       (xiv) The Stores Purchase Department should publish in their website an updated
            list of registered and blacklisted/banned firms for reference to other
            departments.
       (xv) The CVC has issued clarification with regard to a clause that is normally
            included in the Notice inviting tenders that the „tender applications could be
            rejected without assigning any reason‟. Though the CVC has not objected to
            having this clause in the Notice inviting tenders, it has made clear that the said
            clause in the bid document does not mean that the „tender accepting authority
            is free to take decision in an arbitrary manner. He is bound to record clear,
            logical reasons for any such action of rejection/recall of tenders on the file‟
            (refer Office Order No. 15/3/05 dated, 24th March 2005 in Appendix).
       (xvi) The CVC has also instructed that pre-qualification criteria, performance criteria
            and evaluation criteria should be incorporated in the bid documents in clear
            and unambiguous terms as these are very important to evaluate bids in a
            transparent manner. The CVC has also advised that, whenever required, the
            departments/organisations should follow the two-bid system, i.e. technical bid
            and price bid. The price bids should be opened only of those vendors who are
            technically qualified by the Department/Organisation (refer Order No.
            98/ORD/1 (Office Order No.44/9/03), dated 04.09.2003, in Appendix).
7.34   The tender notice for an Open Tender should be carefully drafted. It should contain
       all the salient features of the requirement in brief to give a clear idea to the
       prospective tenderers about the requirements. Superfluous or irrelevant details
       should not be incorporated in the tender notice, as it will increase the cost of the
       advertisement. The Tender Notice should contain:
                                                                                           49
       (iv)     Place(s) and timing of sale of tender documents
       (v)      Place and deadline for receipt of tenders
       (vi)     Place, time & date for opening of tenders
       (vii)    Amount & Form of Bid Security/Earnest Money Deposit
       (viii)   Any other important information
7.35   Tender documents should preferably be sold upto one day prior to date of opening
       of tenders and the same should be clearly indicated in the documents. The
       organization should also post the complete tender document in the website and
       permit prospective tenderers to make use of the document downloaded from the
       website. If the tender document is a priced one, there should be clear instructions for
       the tenderers in the document (which has been downloaded) to pay the amount
       along with the tender, prepared in the downloaded document.
7.36   The sale of tender documents against Open Tender should not be restricted. The
       purchase department shall maintain proper records about the number of tender
       documents sold, list of parties to whom sold, details of the amount received through
       sale and, also, the number of unsold tender documents, which are to be cancelled
       after the opening of the tenders.
Pre-bid Conference
7.37   In case of turn-key contract or contract of special nature for purchase of sophisticated
       and costly equipment, a suitable provision is to be kept in the tender enquiry
       document for a pre-bid conference for clarifying issues and clearing doubts, if any,
       about the conference for clarifying specification and other allied technical details of
       the plant, equipment and machinery projected in the tender enquiry document. The
       date, time and place of pre-bid conference should be indicated in the tender enquiry
       document for information of the interested tenderers. This date should be sufficiently
       ahead of the tender opening date.
7.38   The tender document is to indicate the total number of tender sets (e.g., in duplicate
       or in triplicate, etc.) required to be submitted. The tenderer is to seal the original and
                                                                                              50
       each copy of the tender in separate envelopes, duly marking the same as “original”,
       “duplicate” and so on and also putting the address of the purchase office and the
       tender reference number on the envelopes. Further, the sentence „‟NOT TO BE
       OPENED” before ……….. (due date & time of tender opening) are also to be put on
       these envelopes. The inner envelopes are then to be put in a bigger outer envelope,
       which will also be duly sealed marked, etc., as above. If the outer envelope is not
       sealed and marked properly as above, the purchaser will not assume any
       responsibility for its misplacement, premature opening, late opening, etc. All the
       above instructions are to be suitably incorporated in the tender documents.
7.39   Sometimes, situations may arise necessitating modification of the tender documents
       already issued (Limited Tenders) or already put on sale (Open Tenders). Also, after
       receiving the documents, a tenderer may point out some genuine mistakes
       necessitating amendment in the tender documents. In such situations, it is necessary
       to amend/modify the tender documents suitably prior to the date of submission of
       bids. Copies of such amendment/modification should be simultaneously sent to all
       the selected suppliers by registered/speed post/courier/e-mail in case of Limited
       Tender. In case of Open tender, the copies of such amendment/modification are to
       be simultaneously despatched, free of cost, by registered/ speed post/courier/e-
       mail, to all the parties who have already purchased the tender documents and copies
       of such amendments are also to be prominently attached in the unsold sets of the
       tender documents (which are available for sale), including the tender documents put
       in the website. When the amendment/modification changes the requirement
       significantly and/or when there is not much time left for the tenderers to respond to
       such amendments, and prepare revised tender, the time and date of submission of
       tenders are also to be extended suitably, along with suitable changes in the
       corresponding time-frames for receipt of tender, tender validity period, etc., and
       validity period of the corresponding EMD/bid security. Depending on the situation,
       such an amendment may also need fresh publication adopting the same procedure as
       for publication of the original tender enquiry.
                                                                                         51
       Amendments/Modifications to Tenders by Tenderers
7.40   The tenderer, after submitting its tender, is permitted to submit alterations/
       modifications to its tender so long such alterations/modifications are received duly
       sealed and marked like original tender, upto the date & time of receipt of tender.
       Any amendment/modification received after the prescribed date & time of receipt of
       tenders are not to be considered. Para 8.15 (Forfeiture of EMD) of Chapter 8 also
       refers in this regard.
7.41   Receipt and custody of tenders shall be done in a transparent manner. Tenders are to
       be received through tender box and, in its absence, by hand delivery to the
       nominated officials of the purchasing authority. The tender box should be located in
       a place, which is easily accessible to the parties for dropping their tenders. The
       tender box shall have two locks. Key of one lock will be with the Head of the Office
       and the other key with the official nominated by him. On each occasion of tender
       opening, the tender box will be opened by two officials at the prescribed date and
       time (as per the date & time specified for receipt of tenders) and the relevant tenders
       will be taken out. In the tender box, there may be tenders for other cases due for
       opening later; such tenders are to remain in the tender box under lock and key. The
       tenders so taken out are to be entered in a challan in duplicate, duly signed with date
       and time by the two officials and sent to the officials authorized to open the tenders.
       Signatures of the receiving officials will be obtained on the duplicate copy of the
       challan for record.
7.42   There may be cases where the tenders are too bulky to be put in the tender box or the
       purchase office is yet to install tender box and, therefore, the tenders are to be
       submitted by hand. In such cases, it should be ensured that names and designations
       of at least two officers, who will receive the tenders, are prominently mentioned in
       the tender documents. The information about these officers should also be displayed
       at the entrance/reception of the premises where tenders are to be deposited. The
       officer receiving a tender is to give the bearer of the tender a receipt duly signed by
       him with date and time of receipt of the tender. A separate register is to be
                                                                                           52
       maintained for keeping records of the bids, received by hand. Such bids will be kept
       in safe custody with the head of the office or his authorized representative till the
       date & time of bid opening and then such bids will be handed over to the bid
       opening officer through challan, in identical manner as mentioned in the previous
       paragraph. Sometimes, tenders are also received by post. Such tenders shall be
       received and documented in identical manner as applicable for tenders received
       through hand delivery.
Late Tender
7.43   In the case of Open Tenders or Limited Tender, late tenders (i.e., tenders received
       after the specified date and time for receipt of tenders) should not be considered.
Opening of Tenders
7.44   All the tenders received on time shall be opened in the presence of authorized
       representatives of the tenderers (who have submitted regular tenders) at the
       prescribed time, date and place. The authorized representatives, who intend to
       attend the tender opening, are to bring with them letters of authority from the
       corresponding tenderers. Tenders should be opened immediately after the deadline
       of receipt of tenders with minimum time gap in between. At least two duly
       authorized officials of the Department should jointly open the tenders. The tender
       opening officials are to announce the salient features of the tenders like description
       and specification of the Stores, quoted price, terms of delivery, delivery period,
       discount if any, whether EMD furnished or not and any other special feature of the
       tender for the information of the representatives attending the tender opening. After
       opening, every tender shall be numbered serially, initialed, and dated on the first
       page by all the officials authorized to open the tenders. Each page of the price
       schedule or letter attached to it shall also be initialed by them with date, particularly
       the prices, delivery period etc., which shall also be circled and initialed with date.
       Blank tenders, if any, should be marked accordingly by the tender opening officials.
7.45   The original, duplicate, triplicate copies in a tender set are to be marked accordingly
       by the tender opening officials. Alterations in tenders, if any, made by the tenderers,
       shall be initialed with date & time by the officials opening the tenders to make it
                                                                                             53
       perfectly clear that such alterations were present on the tenders at the time of
       opening. Wherever any erasing or cutting is observed, the substituted words should
       also be encircled and initialed with date & time to make clear that such
       erasing/cutting of the original entry was present on the tender at the time of
       opening.
7.46   In order to maintain the sanctity of tendering system, the CVC has advised that the
       purchases should preferably be made directly from the manufacturers. Either the
       Indian Agent on behalf of the foreign principal or the foreign principal directly could
       bid in a tender but not both. Further, in cases where an agent participates in a tender
       on behalf of one manufacturer, he should not be allowed to quote on behalf of
       another manufacturer along with the first manufacturer in a subsequent/parallel
       tender for the same item (refer Office Order No. 25/04/04, dated the 21st April, 2004,
       in Appendix).
7.47   In addition to what has been mentioned in paragraphs 7.42 and 7.43, the tender
       opening officials will prepare a list of the representatives attending the tender
       opening and obtain their signatures on the same. The list will also contain the
       representatives‟ names and the corresponding tenderers‟ names & addresses. The
       authority letters brought by the representatives will be attached with this list. This
       list will be signed by both the tender opening officials with date & time. An on-the-
       spot report containing the names of the tenderers (serial number wise) salient
       features of the tenders, as read out during public opening of tenders will be prepared
       by the tender opening officers duly signed by them with date & time.
7.48   The tenders, which have been opened, the list of the representatives attending the
       tender opening and the on-the spot report are to be handed over to the nominated
       purchase officer and acknowledgement obtained for the same.
7.49   The CVC has advised that the members of the Tender Committee should give an
       undertaking at the appropriate time, that none of them has any personal interest in
       the Companies/Agencies participating in the tender process. It has instructed that
                                                                                           54
       any Member having interest in any Company should refrain from participating in
       the Tender Committee (refer Order No. 005/VGL/66, (Office Order No. 71/12/05),
       dated the 9/12/2005, in Appendix).
7.50   For purchasing capital equipment, high value plant, machinery, etc., of complex and
       technical nature, tender enquiry document, complete in all respects, may be issued as
       usual. However, the tenderers should be asked to bifurcate their quotation in two
       parts. The first part is to contain the relevant technical specifications and allied
       commercial details as required in terms of the tender enquiry documents and the
       second part should contain only the price quotation. The first part is commonly
       known as „Technical Bid‟ and the second part „Financial Bid‟. The technical bid and
       the financial bid should be sealed by the tenderer in separate covers duly
       superscribed and both these sealed covers are to be put in a bigger cover which
       should also be sealed and duly superscribed following similar procedure as
       prescribed under para 7.39 of this chapter. The technical bids are to be opened in the
       first instance, at the prescribed time & date and the same will be scrutinized and
       evaluated by the competent committee/authority with reference to parameters
       prescribed in the tender documents and the offers received from the tenderers.
       Thereafter, in the second stage, the financial bids of only the technically acceptable
       offers (as decided in the first stage above) are to be opened for further scrutiny,
       evaluation, ranking and placement of contract.
       Note: The CVC while noticing instances where the equipment/plant to be procured
       is of complex nature and the procuring organization may not possess the full
       knowledge of the various technical solutions, has advised that it would be prudent to
       invite expression of interest and proceed to finalise specifications based on technical
       discussions/presentations with the experienced manufacturers/suppliers in a
       transparent manner. The CVC suggests two stage tendering process in such cases
       (refer Circular No. 01/02/11, dated 11th February, 2011 in the Appendix).
                                                                                           55
                                       CHAPTER 8
                   EARNEST MONEY AND PERFORMANCE SECURITY
8.1   In order to safeguard against a bidder‟s withdrawing /altering its bid during the bid
      validity period in the case of Open or Limited tender enquiry, Earnest Money
      Deposit (EMD) is to be obtained from the bidders.
8.2   The bidders are required to furnish EMD along with their bids. Earnest money
      should ordinarily be taken for every tender involving ` 1,00,000/- or more and for
      special tenders [vide also article 132(b) of the Kerala Financial Code, Vol. I]. The
      amount of EMD shall be one percent (rounded to the nearest rupees) of the total cost
      of the articles tendered for. This is subject to a minimum of ` 1,500/-.
8.3   In certain special cases, a lumpsum earnest money may be prescribed with reference
      to the nature of articles required and to the extent of possible competition.
8.4   Heads of Departments may by general or special orders dispense with EMD in the
      case of firms of established repute.
8.6   Firms who are registered with the Stores Purchase Department or the Directorate
      General of Supplies & Disposals, New Delhi are exempted from furnishing Earnest
      Money for tenders in respect of Stores for which they have registered as suppliers of
      stores.   However, this exemption is not applicable to tenders for Rate/Running
      Contracts.
8.7   Micro and Small Enterprises and Industrial Co-operatives within the State which are
      certified as such by the Director of Industries and Commerce or by the General
      Manager, District Industries Centre, are exempted in respect of certified items from
      furnishing earnest money deposits in support of tenders submitted by them to
      Government Departments.
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8.8    The Khadi and Village Industries Co-operative Societies and the institutions
       registered under The Travancore-Cochin Literary, Scientific and Charitable Societies
       Registration Act, 1955 within the State which are certified as such by the Secretary,
       Kerala Khadi and Village Industries Board are exempted from furnishing earnest
       money deposits in support of tenders submitted by them to Government
       Departments.
8.9    Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises registered with the National Small Industries
       Corporation Limited, New Delhi and in respect of which competency certificates are
       issued by the Corporation will be exempted from payment of earnest money
       deposits. Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises having DGS &D Registration will also
       be exempted from payment of performance security. This will not, however, apply
       in the matter of purchase of stores on Rate or Running Contract basis.
8.11   Kerala State Small Industries Development Corporation Ltd., when it participates in
       tender on behalf of Small Scale Units will be exempted from furnishing Earnest
       Money. This concession will not apply in the matter of purchase of stores on Rate or
       Running Contract basis.
       NOTE: Under e-procurement system the authorized exemption list will be published
       in the e-procurement portal.
Payment of EMD
8.12   Earnest money may be accepted either in cash or crossed Bank Drafts or Treasury
       Savings Bank Deposits or Government Promissory Notes or Bank Guarantee or
       National Savings Certificate.   A model format for the same is provided in the
       Annexure 15. The tenderers should be specially instructed in the advertisement not
       to enclose in the envelope any Earnest Money in cash, but only in crossed drafts.
       Fixed deposit in the State Bank of Travancore, in the name of the Purchasing Officer
       or in the name of the depositor with due endorsement thereon to the Purchasing
       Officer, may also be accepted provided the period is not less than six months.
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       Note: The CVC has advised all organizations to streamline the system of acceptance
       of bank guarantees from contractors/suppliers to eliminate the possibility of
       acceptance of any forged/fake bank guarantees. The organizations have been
       instructed to frame their own detailed guidelines to ensure that BGs are genuine and
       encashable. CVC has suggested that the guidelines issued by Canara Bank in this
       matter could be utilised for the purpose (refer Circular No. 01/01/08, dated 31st Dec.
       2007 in Appendix).
8.13   In the case of firms doing business within the State, cash remittance of earnest money
       should be made into any of the Government Treasuries and the receipted Chelan
       produced with the tender.
       NOTE: Under e-procurement system the tender submission fees and earnest money
       deposit will be through modes other than cash/DD/MO/cheque. Electronic mode
       of payment as defined in the tender notice will be applicable.
Validity of EMD
8.14   The EMD should remain valid for a period of 45 days beyond the final tender
       validity period.
Forfeiture of EMD
8.15   EMD of a tenderer will be forfeited, if the tenderer withdraws or amends its tender
       or impairs or derogates from the tender in any respect within the period of validity
       of its tender. Further, if the successful tenderer fails to furnish the required
       performance security within the specified period, its EMD will be forfeited.
Refund of EMD
8.16   EMD furnished by all unsuccessful tenderers should be returned to them without
       any interest whatsoever, at the earliest after expiry of the final tender validity period
       but not later than 30 days after conclusion of the contract. EMD of the successful
       tenderer should be returned, without any interest whatsoever, after receipt of
       performance security from it as called for in the contract.
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       Performance Security
8.19   The Performance Security should be equivalent to 5% of the total value of the
       contract rounded to the nearest rupee. The security may be taken in any of the
       following forms.
       (i)    By Cash
       (ii)   Demand Draft from Nationalised Banks
       (iii) Bank Guarantee from Scheduled Banks in India
       (iv) Government Promissory Notes
       (v)    Stock Certificates of the Central or State Governments.
       (vi) National Savings Certificates, Government of India 12 years National Plan
              Savings Certificates and 10 year Treasury Savings Certificate
       (vii) Treasury Savings Bank Deposits
       (viii) Post Office Savings Bank Deposits
       (ix) Post Office Cash Certificates
       (x)    Deposit receipts of recognized bank and co-operative societies approved by
              Government for the purpose
8.20   The personal securities of two persons of known probity and substance may also be
       accepted in exceptional case when there are special reasons for doing so.
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8.21   The Government or any authority authorized by Government may, when desirable,
       exempt a firm of established repute from the obligation to furnish security in respect
       of all contracts or for a particular contract or class of contracts made with any
       Department of Government.
8.22   No security should be demanded or taken from any Government institutions or any
       institutions listed in Annexure 16, which supply stores. This provision will apply in
       the matter of purchase of stores from Government of India undertakings as well.
8.23   Micro and Small Enterprises and Industrial Co-operatives within the State, which
       have been registered as such with the Industries Department/Directorate of
       Industries and Commerce, on furnishing proof of such registration are exempted
       from furnishing performance security against contracts for supply of stores
       manufactured by them, provided that an officer of and above that the rank of Deputy
       Director of Industries and Commerce having jurisdiction over the area also certifies
       to the soundness and reliability of the concerns to undertake the contracts.
8.24   The Khadi and Village Industries Co-operative Societies within the State which have
       been registered as such with the Kerala Khadi and Village Industries Board and the
       institution registered under The Travancore-Cochin Literary, Scientific and
       Charitable Societies Registration Act, 1955 and which are financed by the Board
       within the State on furnishing proof of such registration are exempted from
       furnishing performance security against contracts for supply of stores manufactured
       by them provided that the Secretary, Kerala Khadi and Village Industries Board also
       Certifies to the soundness and reliability of the concerns to undertake the contracts.
8.25   In the matter of purchase of stores by the State Government Departments, Micro,
       Small & Medium Enterprises sponsored by the National Small Industries
       Corporation Ltd., New Delhi and in respect of which competency certificates are
       issued by the Corporation will be exempted from furnishing performance security.
       This will not, however, apply in the matter of purchase of stores on rate or running
       contract basis.
8.26   No fresh performance security need be demanded from firms for extended period of
       the rate contract originally concluded with them. The performance security obtained
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       against the original rate contract may be considered as security for the extended
       period of the rate contract. In all such cases a Supplemental Agreement should be
       entered into with the rate contract holder for the satisfactory fulfillment of the
       extended contract.     A standard form of supplemental agreement is given in
       Annexure 17.
8.27   All the small scale industrial units that are registered with the Stores Purchase
       Department of Kerala and working within the State of Kerala will be exempted from
       payment of EMD and performance security.
8.28   The Public Sector Undertakings that are working on competitive basis need not allow
       the above exemption to Micro and Small Enterprises. These exemptions will be
       allowed only by the State Government Departments, Local Self Government
       Institutions, Development Authorities, Kerala Khadi and Village Industries Board,
       KINFRA, KSEB and Kerala Water Authority.
8.29   The earnest money deposit may be treated as part of performance security of the
       successful bidder and only the balance amount of performance security need be
       called for from the firm.
8.30   Performance security is to be forfeited and credited to the Government in the event
       of a breach of contract by the supplier, in terms of the relevant contract.
8.32   Suitable mechanism for safe custody and monitoring of EMDs and Performance
       Securities and other Instruments should be evolved and implemented by each
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Department. The Departments shall also make institutional arrangements for taking
all necessary actions on time for extension or encashment or refund of EMDs and
Performance Securities, as the case may be. Monitoring should also include a
monthly review of all Bank Guarantees and other instruments expiring after 3
months, along with a review of the progress of the corresponding contracts.
Extension of Bank Guarantees and other instruments, where warranted, should be
sought immediately and implemented within their validity period.
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                                       CHAPTER 9
                     RECEIPT AND EVALUATION OF TENDERS,
                     FORMULATION OF PURCHASE PROPOSAL
                        AND PLACEMENT OF CONTRACT
Introduction
9.1   Evaluation of tenders is one of the most significant areas of Purchase Management.
      The entire process of tender evaluation and placement of contract must be
      transparent. All the aspects, which are to be taken into account for evaluating the
      tenders including the method to be adopted for evaluation of tenders and the
      techniques for determining the lowest evaluated eligible tender for placement of
      contract are to be incorporated in the tender enquiry document in clear and
      comprehensive manner without any ambiguity and/or confusing stipulations
      therein, so that the interested tenderers can formulate their competitive offers in a
      meaningful manner and participate in the tendering process with confidence. The
      Purchase Officer should prepare a comparative statement of quotations received in
      the order in which tenders were opened. This statement will have information about
      specifications of the material offered by the tenderer, rates quoted (including taxes or
      otherwise), discount, if any, delivery schedule, earnest money deposit, validity of the
      offer, payment schedule, etc. This action should be taken before preliminary
      examination of the tenders. The comparative statement so prepared should be signed
      by the concerned officers. All the tenders are to be evaluated strictly on the basis of
      the terms & conditions incorporated in the tender enquiry document (based on
      which offers have been received) and the terms, conditions, etc., stipulated by the
      tenderers in their tenders. No new condition should be brought in while evaluating
      the tenders. Similarly, no tender enquiry condition (specially the significant/essential
      ones) should be over looked while evaluating the tenders. Aim should be to ensure
      that no tenderer gets undue advantage at the cost of other tenderers and/or at the
      cost of the purchaser.
9.2   All Departments shall maintain a register in Form No. 15 of the Kerala Financial
      Code, Volume II (Annexure 18) to show the details of the tenders invited; the names
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      of tenderers, the date of receipt, date of opening, etc., of tenders and quotations. The
      tenders received should be serially numbered and entered in this register and then
      kept under lock and key by the Head of Office until taken out on the opening date.
      Late tenders should also be entered in the Register and the reason for their inclusion
      or exclusion recorded in the remarks column.
9.3   The tenders should be opened (in the presence of any of the tenderers who may be
      present) by the Head of Office or by other Responsible Officer but not by
      subordinates. The tenders should be taken out from lock and key by the Officer
      opening the tender at the appointed hour only.          Each tender/quotation opened
      should be serially numbered and initialed by the Officer with date and time. The
      names of the representatives of tenderers present should be entered in the
      appropriate column of the Register referred to above.
9.4   The envelope in which tenders are received should be preserved along with the
      tenders for the purpose of record. The file of tenders and the envelopes with the
      orders of the Purchasing Officer or of Government accepting one or more tenders
      should be carefully preserved for five years at the least.
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      e) In case of multi-cover tenders the system shall ensure that technical bids are not
         opened prior to completion of pre-qualification evaluation; financial bids are not
         opened prior to technical evaluation.
      f) The system shall maintain audit trails for entire tender life-cycle.
      g) The system shall protect the submitted bids from being viewed/edited (even by
         System Administrators) before the bid opening date and time prescribed.
9.5   The CVC while stressing the need to maintain transparency in receipt and opening of
      the tenders has advised that the receipt of tenders should be through tender boxes
      and in cases where the tenders are required to be submitted by hand, it is advised
      that the names and designation of atleast two officers are mentioned in the bid
      documents, whose details are displayed at the entrance/reception of the premises
      (refer Order No. 05-04-1-CTE-8, dated: 8.6.2004, in Appendix).
9.6   The purchase officer nominated for handling the tenders for initial scrutiny, etc., will
      receive the tenders along with other documents from the tender opening Officials. In
      this context, it should be ensured that no tender is rejected by the tender opening
      Officials at the tender opening stage; they are to open all the tenders as received and
      send them to the Purchase Officer.
9.7   (i) Tenders which are in the prescribed form where forms are prescribed and are
      accompanied by the requisite earnest money (if earnest money is prescribed) shall be
      included for consideration provided they have been received before the time
      prescribed for their receipt. Tenders shall be excluded in the following cases:-
      (a) Where the tenders are not in the prescribed form (where forms are prescribed).
      (b) When the tender is not accompanied by requisite earnest money (where earnest
         money is prescribed).
      (c) When the tender is not signed by the tenderer.
      (d) The tenderer is ineligible.
      (Example: The tender enquiry condition says that the bidder has to be a registered
      Micro and Small Enterprises; but the tenderer is a, say, a Large Scale Unit).
      (e) When the tender is from a black-listed or a banned firm
      (f) When the tender is received late.
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   (1) On no account tenders received after the time fixed for the opening of the
   tenders shall be considered.
   (2) Tenders received by post after the date and time fixed for their receipt, but
   before the time fixed for opening of the tenders shall also be considered,
   provided the officer concerned is satisfied that the delay occurred in postal
   transit.
(ii) No tender may be rejected for quoting for a part only, unless it is otherwise
demanded in the tender notice.
(iii) The tender validity is shorter than the required period.
(iv) The tenderer has quoted for Stores manufactured by a different firm without the
required authority letter from the proposed manufacturer.
(v) Tenderer has not agreed to give the required performance security.
(vi) The Stores quoted are sub-standard, not meeting the required specification, etc.
(vii) Against a schedule in the List of Requirement (incorporated in the tender
enquiry), the tenderer has not quoted for the entire requirement as specified in that
schedule.
(Example: In a schedule, it has been stipulated that the tenderer will supply the
equipment, install and commission it and also train the purchaser‟s operators for
operating the equipment. The tenderer has however, quoted only for supply of the
equipment).
(ix)The tenderer has not agreed to some essential condition(s) incorporated in the
tender enquiry.
(Example: Some such important essential conditions are – terms of payment,
liquidated damages clause, warranty clause, dispute resolution mechanism,
applicable law and any other important condition having significant bearing on the
cost/utility/performance of the required Stores, etc.
(x) The tenderers who do not meet the required qualification criteria are to be
declared ineligible and not to be considered further.
(Example: The qualification criteria incorporated in the tender enquiry document
stipulates, inter alia, that the tenderer should have successfully manufactured and
supplied 150 pieces of the required Stores during the last one year from the date of
tender opening. A tender during the initial scrutiny is found to be eligible; however,
thereafter, while scrutinizing the data furnished by it with reference to qualification
criteria, it is observed that they had manufactured and supplied only, say, 100 pieces
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      of the required item during the last one year. This tender will, therefore, become
      ineligible).
      NOTE: Under e-procurement system the tenders shall be submitted online through
      the official e-procurement system.
9.8   Where an advance sample is required to be submitted along with tender, the
      tendering firm shall submit the sample along with the tender or immediately after
      the opening of the tenders within the time specified, if any. In such cases, tenders
      not accompanied by sample (s) are liable to be rejected. All samples thus required
      shall be supplied by the firm free of cost unless the special conditions of the tender
      provide otherwise.    Where the sample which is supplied free is rejected after
      examination and/or test, will be returned to the tenderers at their cost on request
      made within a reasonable time of the date of rejection.
      NOTE 1: The Officer who receives the samples should acknowledge receipt of the
      samples. The officer who is authorized to inspect the sample should be furnished
      with a list of all samples received and he should also acknowledge receipt of the list.
      The Inspecting Officer should be made aware of the price of each item quoted in the
      tender before the inspection of the samples. The inspecting officer shall inspect each
      item and assess their suitability with respect to quality of materials used, size,
      conformity to specifications in the tender, etc. He should offer his specific remarks in
      respect of each item mentioned in the list of samples acknowledged by him
      considering the prices also.
9.9   In respect of rate contracts settled by the Stores Purchase Department of Officer who
      is authorized to inspect the samples should inspect each item and record in the
      inspection report that all items of samples received have been inspected by him. The
      Stores Purchase Department will verify the list of samples and the inspection report
      and record that all items of samples have been inspected.
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       when such goods are offered to be supplied by sellers who are not established
       manufacturers or Suppliers of reputation”.
9.10   Tenders not stipulating the period of firmness or tenders with price variation clause
       and/or „subject to prior sale‟ condition may also be rejected since in these case
       contracts for purchase of Stores may sometimes have to be dissolved.                 Such
       dissolution will be to the disadvantage of Government from the points of view of
       both economical and timely purchase.
9.11   During the preliminary examination, the purchaser may also find some minor
       informality and/or irregularity and/or non-conformity in some tenders. The
       purchaser may waive the same, provided the same does not constitute any material
       deviation and financial impact and, also, does not prejudice or affect the ranking
       order of the tenderers. Wherever necessary, the purchaser is to convey his
       observation on such „minor‟ issues (as mentioned above) to the tenderer by
       registered letter/speed post, etc. asking the tenderer to respond by a specified date
       also mentioning therein that, if the tenderer does not confirm the purchaser‟s view or
       does not respond at all by that specified date, its tender will be liable to be rejected.
       Depending on the outcome, such tenders are to be rejected or considered further.
9.12   Non-conformities between the figures and words of the Quoted Prices: Sometimes,
       non-conformities/errors are also observed between the quoted prices in figures and
       that in words. The same is to be taken care of as indicated below:
       (i)   If, in the price structure quoted for the required Stores, there is discrepancy
             between the unit price and the total price (which is obtained by multiplying the
             unit price by the quantity), the unit price shall prevail and the total price
             corrected accordingly, unless in the opinion of the purchaser there is an
             obvious misplacement of the decimal point in the unit price, in which case the
             total price as quoted shall govern and the unit price corrected accordingly.
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       (ii)   If there is an error in a total corresponding to the addition or subtraction of
              subtotals, the subtotals shall prevail and the total shall be corrected; and
       (iii) If there is a discrepancy between words and figures, the amount in words shall
              prevail, unless the amount expressed in words is related to an arithmetic error,
              in which case the amount in figures shall prevail subject to (i) and (ii) above.
9.13   If there is such discrepancy in an offer, the same is to be conveyed to the tenderer
       with target date on the above lines and if the tenderer does not agree to the
       observation of the purchaser, the tender is liable to be rejected.
9.15   Details of all tenders, which are rejected, shall be recorded in the purchase file along
       with the grounds for rejection.
       NOTE: However, in case of Two Bid System (as described under para 7.49), the
       technical acceptability of the offers are first determined and, thereafter, the financial
       bids of only the technically acceptable offers are opened for further scrutiny and
       processing for placement of contract.
Acceptance of Tenders
9.16   After the tenders/quotations are opened, quick action has to be taken to tabulate the
       rates, make the selections and finalise the acceptance. Since the markets for almost
       all kinds of Stores are unsteady, quick action is of vital importance. In any case, the
       acceptance should be finalised within the period for firmness agreed to by the
       tenderers.
9.17   Tabulation statement of rates quoted should be correct, complete and informative
       and should be authenticated by the competent purchasing or recommending officer.
       Errors and omissions should be carefully avoided. The statements should be neat
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       and easy to handle. When the number of items is large, it is preferable to tabulate the
       rates for each item in a separate sheet.
       NOTE: Under the e-procurement system the process regarding acceptance of tender
       will be as follows:
       a) Once the tenders are opened, the bid documents related to the current tender
              evaluation stage will be accessible only to the authorized users.
       b) If an external person is part of the evaluation committee, system shall facilitate
              creation of user profiles for them as guests and such guest users shall have
              limited access to the system for specific activities.
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       c) All members of the evaluation committee shall be able to see the tender
          documents based on the current stage of bid evaluation.
       d) System shall sign off tender results using digital signatures by the Chairman of
          the Evaluation Committee and send automatic alerts to all the Members of the
          Evaluation Committee and the bidders after the final sign off.
       e) In case of L1 based selection, the technical evaluation shall be based on the
          aggregated scores given by the evaluators for the pre-defined criteria.
          Such ranking shall be done only for bidders who qualify above the cut-off.
       f) If two or more Tenders have the same score, the Evaluation Committee may
          decide.
       g) System shall allow online negotiations with the vendors through sending online
          requests for negotiation. Based on the negotiation request, bidders shall be able
          to resubmit their commercial quotation in the system. System shall ensure that
          all the activities related to the negotiation including negotiation request,
          negotiated bid submitted by the bidder, approval, etc., are captured and
          necessary audit trails are maintained in the system.
       h) The system facilitates auto-ranking of the bidders based on the vendor selection
          criteria defined for the bid (i.e. L1, QCBS, etc.)
Price Preference
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9.20   The following price preference may be allowed for products of private industries
       within the State of Kerala over the products made outside the State, as a measure of
       encouragement to local cottage industries.
       (i)    15 per cent for industries in which Government have taken shares.
       (ii)   10 per cent for other industries.
       (iii) 15 per cent for industries of Charitable Institutions registered under the
              Travancore-Cochin Literary, Scientific and Charitable Societies Registration Act
              XII of 1955, within the District of their location.
9.21   The following price preference shall be allowed for products of Micro, Small &
       Medium Enterprises, within the State of Kerala as a measure of encouragement to
       local Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises.:-
       (i)    5 per cent over the products of medium and large scale industries in the private
              sector within the state.
       (ii) 2 per cent additional price preference shall be given to the products of Micro
              and Small Enterprises having ISI certification marks over the products of Micro
              and Small Enterprises without ISI certification marks.
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       resorted to. When such outside the State purchase are considered necessary, the
       Purchasing Department should refer the matter for decision to a committee
       consisting of the Finance Secretary (Chairman), Secretary to Government of the
       concerned Administrative Department and the Director, Industries Department.
       c)    While it is necessary to ensure that the goods purchased are of requisite
       quality, too high specifications should not be resorted to.
       d)     The local Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises will not be eligible for any price
       preference over products of Government units and State Government‟s Public Sector
       Undertakings.
9.23   In the case of products of State Government Departmental Units and State Public
       Sector Industries and institutions which have been in production for more than five
       years, tenders should be invited as laid down in this Manual and purchase should be
       finalized giving the concerned State Government Departmental Unit and State Public
       Sector Industry and Institution/Government of India Departmental Unit and Public
       Sector Industry and institution within the State of Kerala a price preference of 10 per
       cent as against firm manufacturing outside the State and 5 per cent as against firms
       manufacturing within the State.
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9.24   In respect of purchase to be made from the institutions listed in Annexure 16, all
       purchasing officers should see that only those items are purchased which are
       normally manufactured by them. In the case of Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises
       under the Kerala State Small Industries Development Corporation Limited, in order
       to show that a particular item is normally manufactured by a particular unit, such
       unit should produce a certificate to that effect from the Managing Director, Kerala
       State Small Industries Development Corporation Limited, Trivandrum.
9.25   As regards direct purchase without calling for tenders or purchases on price
       preference from Public Sector Units of the Government of India the orders issued by
       the Government from time to time in respect of individual units will be followed.
9.26   Subject to the general price preference formula enunciated in respect of indigenous
       products in para 9.19 above, a price preference up to 10 percent may be allowed to
       products of Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises within the State, over those of
       similar industries outside the State, in the matter of purchase of stores for
       Governmental use, subject to the provisions in para 9.21. While comparing prices for
       the purpose of giving price preference under this Manual the basic price, namely, the
       price exclusive of VAT alone shall be considered. This concession will not however
       apply in the following cases:
       (a)   Where purchases are made on the basis of separate agreements entered into by
             industrial concerns with the State Government.
       (b)   Where pool prices for products have been fixed by the Government of India.
       (c)   Where a concern is making a reasonable profit. A concern may be deemed to be
             working with reasonable profit, if it is able to declare dividend of at least 5 per
             cent to its share-holders.
9.27   Where separate agreements exist with government or pool prices have been fixed by
       the Government of India for products, the purchases of such products will be made
       according to the terms of the agreement or the pool prices fixed by the Government
       of India as the case may be.
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9.28   Purchasing Departments will observe the above principles while accepting tenders
       and report to the Stores Purchase Department the additional amount involved in
       such purchases made by giving details of price preferences on a periodical basis
       (quarterly) to the Stores Purchase Department.
9.29   When the conditions regarding quality, price, terms of delivery, terms of payment,
       etc., are equal, preference in making purchases should be given in the following
       order:
9.30   With a view to applying the principles of preference given above, a purchasing
       officer who invites tenders for supplying stores should instruct the tenderers to
       furnish information as to the country of origin in the case of a raw material and as to
       both the country of manufacture and the country of origin of the materials used for a
       manufactured article. Other things being equal, preference may be given to products
       of private units in Industrial Estates over those outside the Estates except wherein
       Industries in which Government have taken shares and Industrial co-operatives are
       involved.
9.32   The tender accepting authority can reject all the tenders at any time before passing an
       order on ground of changes in the requirement, failure of anticipated resources,
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       calamities or any other ground with which the procurement is impossible. The
       authorities shall communicate the fact of rejection to the Tenderers.
9.33   Price variation conditions need be accepted only in very special cases and in
       unavoidable circumstances. In the case of articles which are usually subject to price
       variation, necessary conditions should be stipulated in the tender notice itself.
9.34   The following is the text of the standard price variation clause applicable to contracts
       for supply of stores by import from overseas sources, where the offers as finally
       accepted, are subject to price revision. This clause should be incorporated in the
       formal contract only in such cases where placing of contracts with the price variation
       clause appears to be inescapable. Where the Purchasing Department is of opinion
       that variation in f.o.b. prices is inescapable from past experience, etc., in such
       invitations to tender, this clause should be included. If, on the other hand, this clause
       has not been included in the invitation to tender, but it is found necessary to allow
       the same, the firm‟s confirmation should be obtained before the order is placed. It
       must be ensured that the percentage for the ceiling is stipulated by the firm before
       the clause is accepted. The ceiling as far as possible should not exceed 10 percent of
       the net f.o.b. prices.
       (i)   Tenderers who claim variation in net f.o.b. prices (that is to say a price
             exclusive of the contractor‟s profit, rebate, remuneration or commission called
             by any name whatsoever) should give detailed information in respect of each of
             the constituent items, e.g., labour, material, etc., for which variations may arise
             in the items mentioned below:-
             (A)Net f.o.b. price of store/equipment on which the tendered price is based
             …………………………………….. ………………………………………………… (as
             on …………………………………………………….. 20…….)
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       (B) Rates of labour and raw materials on which the quotation is based.
(ii)   If at any time after the submission of the tender, an increase or decrease takes
       place in the net f.o.b. price, an adjustment will be made in the contract price but
       only in respect of such portion of the net f.o.b. prices as represents the change
       therein on account of the two factors cost of labour and/or materials properly
       required for the manufacture of the contract stores, on account of any reason or
       cause beyond the control of the manufactures. The contractor may, after due
       completion of the contract and subject to and in accordance with the provisions
       of this clause, make proposals in writing to the Government for the adjustment
       in the contract price setting out the increases/decreases in the cost of labour
       and/or materials, the adjustment in respect of net increases being, however,
       limited to ……………… per cent of the net original f.o.b. prices.                 This
       percentage should be furnished by the tenderer at the time of his tender.
(iii) A claim by the contractor for the finalization of price shall be accompanied by
       the invoice and the document containing the original quotation of the foreign
       Principal/Manufacturer and supported by a certificate of the chartered or
       incorporated accountant of the Principal/Manufacturer, or if there is no
       qualified accountant of such foreign Principal/Manufacturer, the certificate of
       such other accountant as may be approved for the purpose by the Director
       General, India Store Department, London or India Supply Mission,
       Washington, etc., showing the increases/decreases in the cost of labour and/or
       material between the date of tender and the date of shipment together with the
       basic rates of materials and labour and their estimated and final cost and certify
       that they do not include any sum on account of profit or overheads.
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       (iv) Upon receipt of the Contractor‟s claim, it shall be lawful for the Government to
             make such inquiry as they may deem fit through the Director General, I.S.D.,
             London/I.S.M., Washington or any trade association or other authority
             nominated by the Director General, I.S.D., London/I.S.M., Washington for
             verification and certification of the claim and it shall further be lawful for the
             Government to require the manufacture‟s/foreign Principal‟s account‟s relating
             to the increase claimed to be examined by the Director General, I.S.D.
             London/I.S.M., Washington or other authority nominated by the Director
             General, I.S.D., London/I.S.M., Washington.
       (v)   The decision of the Government as to the increase or decrease in price under
             this clause shall be final and binding on the parties.
       (vi) Any change in the customs duty payable by reason of and corresponding to the
             account of the change in the f.o.b. price shall be to the buyer‟s account.
       (vii) No charges other than customs duty shall be affected by the change in the f.o.b.
             price.
       (viii) This clause shall remain in operation only up to the date of shipment
             corresponding to the delivery period specified in the schedule to the acceptance
             of tender and notwithstanding any extension of time nothing contained herein
             shall entitle the contractor to an increase in the contract price where the
             increase in net f.o.b. price occurs after expiry of the said date of shipment
             unless the contractor proves to the satisfaction of the Government that the
             delay in shipment was due entirely to causes beyond the control of the foreign
             Principal/Manufacturer, and the decision of the Government in this behalf
             shall be final and binding.
       (ix) Tenders should declare that in addition to the profit, commission, rebate, etc.,
             specified, they do not get any other discount or any credit to their account or to
             any other account in their behalf adjusted either immediately or at the end of
             the year on the gross turnover for the year.
9.35   In contracts for imported stores incorporating the above price variation clause, the
       Officer should ensure that an automatic check is carried out immediately after
       placement of the contract, of the net f.o.b. price prevailing at the time of placement of
       the contract through the Director General, I.S.D., London or Director, I.S.M.,
       Washington as the case may be, where the value of the contract is over ` 1 lakh. A
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       list of stores on the cost of which variations are to be allowed is given in Annexure
       20.
9.36   The acceptance or rejection of a tender is a matter entirely within the discretion of the
       officer responsible for the purchase of the material, but a superior authority or the
       Accountant General may require him to justify the manner in which he has used his
       discretion and give his reasons for rejecting any tender. However, the reasons for
       rejection need not be communicated to any tenderer, unless requested for.
9.37   No Government servant shall deal with a tender in which he or any of his relations
       has any pecuniary or other interest. If any such case comes before him is the course
       of his official duties, he should refrain from dealing with the case and should submit
       the case to the next higher authority for passing orders, indicating at the same time
       that he is not dealing with the case because of the interest. The relationship for the
       purpose of rule will be as specified in section 6 of the Indian Companies Act, 1956
       (extract given as Annexure 21). If any violation of this rule is detected it will be dealt
       with severely.
9.38   When owing to inadequate publicity or some other reason, no satisfactory tender is
       received in response to an invitation to tender, fresh tenders should be invited and
       the invitation to tender should be specially brought to the notice of all possible
       tenderers. If considered desirable, the services of the Director General Supplies and
       Disposals, New Delhi, may be requested.
9.39   When the total cost of the articles to be purchased at a time is beyond the financial
       powers of the Purchasing Officer, he should forward the tenders received and other
       relevant record together with his recommendations to the higher authorities or the
       Departmental Purchase Committee or Government (Stores Purchase Department) as
       the case may be, for orders. The Head of the Department or the Purchasing Officer
       while submitting to the Stores Purchase Department or any other authority
       authorized by Government his recommendation about the offers to be accepted
       should furnish a certificate in the following form:-
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       “I Certify that the purchase of the goods proposed in this report has been
       administratively sanctioned by Competent Authority (here mention the sanctioning
       authority with the Order No. and date) and that funds are available to meet the
       expenditure during the current financial year.”
Conversion of Currencies
9.40   If offers have been received containing different currencies (as in the case of
       purchasing imported Stores), all the quoted prices (with different currencies) are to
       be converted into a single currency for evaluation and comparison of offers on
       equitable basis. For this purpose, all such quoted prices are to be converted into
       Indian rupees, as per the selling exchange rates established by a competent authority
       (like RBI/SBI) as prevailing on a particular date to be specified in the tender enquiry.
       Generally, this date is the date of tender opening.
9.41   Depending on the terms of delivery and the projected requirement, all the applicable
       components of the costs, as quoted in the eligible tenders, are to be added to work
       out the ultimate evaluated costs of the tenders. The evaluation is also to include
       applicable taxes, duties, etc., in the tender prices. Further, if the tender enquiry
       document provides for any price preference and/or purchase preference for Micro,
       Small & Medium Enterprises/PSU, etc., the same is also to be kept in view while
       evaluating such tenders.
9.42   Sometimes, while purchasing sophisticated and costly equipment, machinery, etc.,
       the purchase department also gives special importance to factors like high quality
       performance, environmental friendly features, low running cost, low maintenance
       cost, etc. To take care of the same, relevant details are to be incorporated in the
       tender enquiry document and the criteria adopted to assess the benefit of such
       features while evaluating the offers are also to be clearly stipulated in the tender
       enquiry document so that the tenderers are aware of the same and quote accordingly.
       While evaluating such offers, these aspects are also to be taken into account. Such
       details, whenever considered necessary, should be evolved by competent technical
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       authority for incorporation in the tender document, so that there is no ambiguity
       and/or vagueness in the same.
9.43   After completing the entire evaluation process for the eligible tenders on equitable
       basis as above, they are to be entered into a ranking statement in ascending order of
       the evaluated prices (like L1, L2, L3…etc) along with other relevant details, so that a
       clear picture of their standing as well as comparative financial impact is available at a
       glance.
9.44   If the schedule of requirements contains more than one schedule, then offers for each
       schedule are to be evaluated and ranked separately in a self contained manner on
       above lines. In case a tenderer offers special discount if more than one schedule is
       ordered on it (and if the same is permissible as per terms of the tender enquiry
       document), the same should also be taken note of in the ranking statement.
Reasonableness of Price
9.46   Before placing the contract on the lowest evaluated eligible tender (L1), the purchase
       department is to ensure that the price to be paid is reasonable.
9.47   The broad guidelines for judging the reasonableness of price are as under:
       (i)    Last purchase price of same (or, in its absence, similar) Stores
       (ii)   Current market price of same (or, in its absence, similar) Stores
       (iii) Price of raw materials, which go into the production of the Stores
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       (iv) Receipt of competitive offers from different sources
       (v)   Quantity involved
       (vi) Terms of delivery
       (vii) Period of delivery
       (viii) Cost analysis (material cost, production cost, over-heads, profit margin)
9.48   Price not Reasonable – If L1‟s price is not reasonable, then, in the first place, the
       purchase department is to review its own data & details to recheck whether the
       reasonable price so arrived is correct or not. If it is correct, the purchase department
       may, strictly as an exception, negotiate the price only with the lowest evaluated
       eligible tender (L1) in an attempt to bring down the same. If L1 reduces the price to
       the desired level, contract may be placed on it but if it does not agree, then further
       action like re-tendering, etc., may be decided by the purchase department depending
       on the merits of the case.
9.49   Lack of Competition – Sometimes the purchase department may not receive
       sufficient number of tenders. A situation may also arise where, after analyzing the
       tenders, the purchase department ends up with one eligible tenderer. In such
       situations, the purchase department is first to check whether, while floating/issuing
       the tender enquiry, all necessary requirements like standard tender enquiry
       conditions, industry friendly specification, wide publicity, sufficient time for
       formulation of tenders, etc. were fulfilled. If not, the tender is to be re-issued/re-
       floated after rectifying the deficiencies. However, if after scrutiny it is found that all
       such aspects were fully taken care of and in spite of that the purchaser ends up with
       one eligible tender only, then contract may be placed on that tenderer provided the
       quoted price is reasonable.
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       Dividing the Quantity
9.50   As per standard procedure, each schedule of requirement incorporated in the tender
       enquiry document is to be covered on the lowest eligible tenderer for that schedule
       without dividing the same. The tenderer who does not quote for the complete
       schedule as required is normally to be treated as ineligible and ignored. However,
       there may be special occasions of purchase of very large quantities of Stores which
       are beyond the capacity of a single tenderer and the lowest eligible tenderer is unable
       to take the load of the entire quantity. In such cases, the remaining quantity may be
       ordered on the second lowest eligible tenderer (L2) at the rates offered by the lowest
       eligible tenders (L1), as far as feasible and for this purpose negotiation may be held
       with the above tenderer (viz. L2). In such cases, it may also become necessary to
       divide the requirement under a schedule by placing multiple contracts for part
       quantities on more than 2 eligible tenderers. Such eventuality should normally be
       foreseen and provided for in the notice inviting tenders. The formula proposed to be
       adopted for allocation of orders to multiple (eligible) tenderers should be clearly
       brought out in the notice inviting tenders. The splitting of order by purchasing
       organization should be an exception rather than a rule.
9.51   When tender has been once accepted finally such acceptance shall be communicated
       to the successful tenderer in the most expeditious manner and in any case before the
       period of firmness expires, if such period of firmness exists, by suitable foolproof
       method, that its tender (briefly indicating therein relevant details like quantity,
       specification of the Stores ordered, prices etc.) has been accepted. In the same
       communication, the successful tenderer is to be instructed to furnish the required
       Performance Security within a specified period (generally 21 days). Promptly after
       the above notification, the purchase department is also to issue the contract to the
       successful tenderer asking therein, inter alia, to send its unconditional acceptance of
       the contract within fifteen days. It should also be made known to the successful
       tenderer that in case, it does not furnish the required performance security or does
       not accept the contract within the stipulated target dates, such non-compliance will
       constitute sufficient ground for forfeiture of its EMD and processing the case for
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       further action against it (the successful tenderer). A formal supply order should also
       be placed with the successful tenderer simultaneously (Annexure 22). The supply
       order should furnish the description, quantity and price of the articles to be supplied.
       It should also prescribe the terms of delivery and the terms of payment. Clear
       despatch instructions should also be given to the supplying firm.
9.52   In cases where railway freight to be borne by Government the stores should be got
       down by goods train.      In exceptional cases, transport by passenger train, lorry
       transport or by post may be resorted to, but the purchasing officer should record the
       reasons for adopting such a course.
9.53   Copies of the supply orders should be forwarded to the Accountant General, to the
       Officer who actually receives the stores and to the Sales Tax and Income Tax
       authorities.
9.54   When the supply of Stores is subject to the condition that the Department should
       produce Import license, formal supply order should be placed only after receipt of
       the license.
       a) The e-procurement system shall facilitate sending the results to all bidders who
           have qualified for technical/commercial bid evaluation.
       b) The e-procurement system shall facilitate sending online notification to the
           successful bidder on the outcome of the bid evaluation and the selection of the
           vendor.
       c) The e-procurement system shall facilitate issue of the Letter of Acceptance (LoA)
           online to the successful to the bidder on the ward of the contract.
       d) The e-procurement system shall facilitate provide delivery schedule (Supply
           Order) along with the letter of award and shall also facilitate obtaining sign-off
           on the LoA and the delivery schedule.
       e) The system shall facilitate the successful supplier/contractor to respond to the
           LoA using his DSC authentication.
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       Tolerance Clause
9.55   To take care of any change in the requirement during the period starting from issue
       of tender enquiry till placement of the contract, a plus/minus tolerance clause is
       incorporated in the tender document, reserving purchaser‟s right to increase or
       decrease the quantity of the required Stores upto that limit without any change in the
       terms & conditions and prices quoted by the tenderers. While awarding the contract,
       the quantity ordered may be increased or decreased, if necessary, within the
       prescribed plus/minus tolerance limit. The tolerance limit should be reasonable.
       Higher the tolerance limit more is the uncertainty for the tenderers in formulating
       their prices. Therefore, higher the tolerance limit more is the chance of loading on the
       prices quoted by the tenderers to take care of such uncertainties. Generally, the
       tolerance limit should not be more than plus/minus fifteen percent. The practice of
       incorporating in the tender document a tolerance clause reserving purchaser‟s right
       to increase the ordered quantity upto a specified percentage with same terms &
       conditions and prices during the currency of the contract creates much more
       uncertainty for the tenderers due to such long stretch of time. In such cases, the
       tenderers tend to put much higher cushion in their quoted prices, which is not a
       healthy sign. Therefore, generally such tolerance clause running through the tenure of
       the contract should not be incorporated in the tender document.
9.56   The name of the successful tenderer awarded the contract should be mentioned in
       the notice board/bulletin/web site of the concerned Department. The Central
       Vigilance Commission has given directions on posting of details of all the
       contracts/purchases made above a threshold value (to be fixed by the
       departments/organisations) in their websites. Further CVC has also instructed that
       the   departments/organisations      may    post    the      summary   of   details   of
       contracts/purchases awarded so as to cover 75% of the value of the transactions
       (refer Order No.005/VGL/4 (CIRCULAR No. 17/7/09), dated the 14th July, 2009, in
       Appendix). In the State, the Departments/Organisations may publish in their
       website details of all purchases of value above ` 25 lakh.
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       Tenderer’s Right to Question Purchaser
9.57   A tenderer shall have the right to be heard in case it feels that proper procurement
       process is not being followed and/or its tender has been rejected wrongly. The
       tenderer is to be permitted to send its representation in writing, which is to be
       examined by appropriate administrative authority of the purchasing department.
       But, such representation has to be sent within one month from date of placement of
       contract and to be replied (by the Department) within one month from date of receipt
       of the representation.
9.58   The entire process of scrutiny & evaluation of tenders, preparation of ranking
       statement and notification of award must be done within the original tender validity
       period. The validity period should not be unreasonably long as keeping the tender
       unconditionally valid for acceptance for longer period entails the risk of getting
       higher prices from the tenderers. Generally, the validity period should not be more
       than three months from the date of tender opening.
9.59   If however, due to some exceptional and unforeseen reasons, the purchase
       department is unable to decide placement of the contract within the original validity
       period, it should request, before expiry of the original validity period, all the eligible
       tenderers to extend their tenders upto a specified period. While asking for such
       extension, the tenderers are also to be asked to extend their offers as it is, without any
       changes therein. They may also be told to extend the validity of the EMD for the
       corresponding additional period (which is to be specified in the request). A tenderer
       may not agree to such a request and this will not tantamount to forfeiture of its EMD.
       But the tenderers, who agree to extend the validity, are to do so without changing
       any terms, conditions, etc., of their original tenders.
Agreement
9.60   An agreement should be entered into with the successful tenderer for the satisfactory
       fulfillment of the contract embodying the conditions of the order and providing for
       the necessary penal clauses for any breach of the conditions of the contract. The
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       agreements are liable to stamp duty but registration is optional. A standard form of
       Agreement is given in Annexure 23.
9.61   In the case of purchase costing above ` 1,00,000/-, the purchasing officer shall
       forward a draft agreement to the firms along with the supply order directing them
       that the consignments need be sent only after execution of the agreements. If any
       firm despatch the goods before the execution of the agreement, they should be held
       liable for the demurrage charges, if any.
9.62   The following rules are laid down for the destruction of agreement relating to Stores
       Purchase Contracts:
       (i)    Agreement relating to plant and machinery will be destroyed after a period of
              30 years after the date of the agreements if the rights, duties under the
              agreements have been settled; and
       (ii)   Other agreements will be destroyed after a period of ten years after the rights
              and duties under the agreements have been settled.
9.63   Some goods, especially sophisticated equipment and machinery (like Machineries,
       Electric/Electronics equipment, Computer Hardware, Software, all kinds of vehicles,
       etc.), need proper maintenance for trouble free service. For this purpose, the
       purchase department may enter into maintenance contract. It must however be kept
       in mind that maintenance contract is to start after the expiry of the warranty period,
       during which period the goods are to be maintained free of cost by the supplier.
9.64   Maintenance contract may be entered into either with the manufacturer/supplier of
       the goods or with a competent and eligible firm, not necessarily the manufacturer/
       supplier of the goods in question. The purchase department should decide this
       aspect on a case to case basis on merit. If the contractor is not a manufacturer/
       supplier, the Purchasing Officer should verify whether the contractor is an
       authorized one/ reputed for the service and the maintenance contract is inclusive of
       the cost of consumables and spares or not.
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9.65   If the maintenance contract is to be entered into with the supplier of the goods, then
       suitable clauses for this purpose are to be incorporated in the tender enquiry
       document itself and while evaluating the offers, the cost component towards
       maintenance of the goods are also to be added in the evaluated tender value on
       overall basis to decide the inter se ranking of the eligible tenderers. An equipment
       with a lower quoted price may carry a higher maintenance liability. Therefore, total
       cost on purchase and maintenance of the equipment over its projected lifecycle
       should be assessed to consider its suitability for purchase. However, if the
       maintenance contract is to be entered into with a competent and eligible supplier
       separately, then a separate tender enquiry is to be floated for this purpose and
       tenders evaluated and ranked accordingly for placement of maintenance contract.
       Here, the supplier of the goods may also quote and its quotation, if received, is to be
       considered along with other quotations received. While evaluating the tenders for
       maintenance of goods covering a longer period (say, more than one year), the quoted
       prices pertaining to maintenance in future years are to be discounted to the net
       present value (NPV) as appropriate for comparing the tenders on equitable basis and
       deciding the lowest evaluated eligible tender.
9.66   The details of the services required for maintenance of the goods, the required period
       of maintenance and other relevant terms & conditions including payment terms are
       to be incorporated in the tender enquiry document. The terms of payment for the
       maintenance service will depend on the nature of the goods to be maintained as well
       as the nature of the services desired. Generally, payments for maintenance are made
       on half-yearly or quarterly basis.
9.67   A suitable provision should be incorporated in the tender enquiry document and in
       the resultant maintenance contract indicating that the prices charged by the
       maintenance contractor should not exceed the prevailing rates charged by it from
       others for similar services. While claiming payment, the contractor is also to give a
       certificate to this effect in its bill.
9.68   If the goods to be maintained are sophisticated and costly, the tender enquiry
       document should also have a provision for obtaining performance security. The
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       amount of performance security should be 2.5 % of the value of the equipment to be
       maintained.
9.69   Sometimes, the maintenance contractor may have to take the goods or some
       components of the goods to its factory for repair, etc. On such occasions, before
       handing over the goods or components, suitable bank guarantee/other guarantee is
       to be obtained from the firm to safeguard purchaser‟s interest.
       “The purchaser reserves its right to terminate the maintenance contract at any time
       without assigning any reason. The contractor will not be entitled to claim any
       compensation against such termination. However, while terminating the contract, if
       any payment is due to the contractor for maintenance services already performed in
       terms of the contract, the same would be paid to it as per the contract terms”.
9.70   Depending on the cost and nature of the goods to be maintained, suitable notice
       period for such cancellation to come into effect is to be provided in the documents.
9.71   The Administrative Department of the Secretariat may without previous consultation
       with Finance Department sanction expenditure related to Annual Maintenance
       Contract up to a limit of ` 3,00,000/- subject to the rules in force. In case of AMC of
       IT related items, for eg. computer and peripherals, other hardware, software and
       other programmes, concurrence of IT Department shall be required. In the case of
       other equipment/machineries, concurrence of PWD or accredited agencies shall be
       required.
9.72   With respect to Annual Maintenance Contract for computer, printer, photocopiers,
       machinery, lab equipment, AC & all other electronic & electrical equipment used for
       the functioning of the offices, Heads of Departments is delegated financial power
       upto ` 2 lakh subject to observance of Rules & procedures and subject to budget
       provision. In case of other equipment/machineries, concurrence of PWD or
       accredited agencies shall be required.
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                                         CHAPTER 10
                     DELIVERY PERIOD, TERMS OF DELIVERY,
                    TRANSPORTATION, TRANSIT INSURANCE,
                 DELAY IN SUPPLY, CANCELLATION OF CONTRACT
Delivery Period
10.1   The period for delivery of the ordered Stores and completion of any allied service(s)
       thereof (like installation and commissioning of the equipment, operators‟ training,
       etc.) are to be properly specified in the contract with definite dates and the same shall
       be deemed to be the essence of the contract. Expressions such as „immediate‟, „ex-
       stock‟, “as early as possible‟, „off the shelf‟, etc., shall not be used to indicate
       contractual delivery period. The Central Vigilance Commission has advised the
       departments/organizations concerned to fix a reasonable time for the bids to remain
       valid while issuing tender enquiries, keeping in view the complexity of the tender,
       time required for processing the tender and seeking the approval of the Competent
       Authority, etc., and to ensure the finalization of tender within the stipulated original
       validity. It has instructed that any delay, which is not due to unforeseen
       circumstances, should be viewed seriously and prompt action should be initiated
       against those found responsible for non-performance (refer Order No.008/VGL/083,
       (Circular No.31/11/08), dated 6th November 2008, in Appendix).
Terms of Delivery
10.2   The terms of delivery is decided depending on the nature of Stores to be purchased,
       transportation facility available, location of the user, location of the prospective
       suppliers etc. Terms of delivery inter alia determine the delivery point of the ordered
       Stores from where the purchaser is to receive/collect the Stores. Terms of delivery
       have direct bearing on the quoted prices.
Specification of Stores
10.3   Generally the stores shall be of the best quality and workmanship and comply with
       the contract and in all respects be to the satisfaction of the purchaser.
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10.4   In particular and without prejudice to the foregoing condition and in addition
       thereto, when tenders are called for in accordance with particulars like specification,
       drawing pattern, proprietary make denoting product of an individual firm, etc., the
       contractor‟s tender to supply in accordance with such particulars shall be deemed to
       be an admission on his part that he has fully acquainted himself with the details
       thereof and no claim on his part which may arise on account of non-examination or
       insufficient examination of the “particulars” should in any circumstances be
       considered.    The Contractor shall supply the stores in accordance with the
       particulars, unless any deviation is authorized as an exceptional case and expressly
       specified in the acceptance of tender.
10.5   If a specification and/or drawing exists, then the sealed pattern or certified sample
       thereof will govern supply only to the extent of workmanship and finish. If neither a
       specification nor a drawing exists, then the sealed pattern or certified sample thereof
       will govern supply in all respects.      When specification, drawing nor pattern is
       available to govern supply, the supply must be quality material, pattern and
       workmanship which the purchaser has agreed to and the contractor has undertaken
       to supply. And when under these circumstances a contractor‟s sample has been
       approved the stores supplied must be equal in all respect to such sample.
Sample
10.6   Where an advance sample is required to be approved under the terms of the contract,
       the contractor shall submit the sample to the purchaser within the time specified in
       the acceptance of Tender.     If the contractor is unable to do so, he must apply
       immediately to the Officer issuing the acceptance of tender for extension of time,
       stating the reasons for the delay. If the Officer is satisfied that a reasonable ground
       for an extension of time exists, he may allow such additional time as he considers to
       be justified without altering the delivery period stipulated in the acceptance of
       tender. In the event of the failure of the contractor to deliver the advance sample by
       the date specified in the acceptance of tender or any other date to which the time
       may be extended as aforesaid, the Officer shall be entitled cancel the contract and if
       so desired purchase the stores at the risk and cost of the contractor.
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10.7    All samples required for test shall be supplied by the contractor free of cost unless
        the contract provides otherwise. Where the sample which is supplied free is rejected
        after examination and test, the same or whatever remains of the sample after
        examination and test will be returned to the contractor at his cost on request made
        within a reasonable time of the date of rejection.
10.8    Packing: The contractor will be held responsible for the stores being sufficiently and
        properly packed for transport by rail, road and sea so as to ensure their being free
        from loss or injury on arrival at their destination. The packing of the stores shall be
        done by and at the expense of the contractor unless otherwise stated in the
        acceptance of tender.    All packing cases, containers, packing and other similar
        materials shall be supplied free by the contractor and the same will not be returned
        unless otherwise stated in the acceptance of tender.
Delivery
10.9    The term “delivery” shall mean delivery by the dates specified in the acceptance of
        tender of stores which are found acceptable by the purchaser, and not the submission
        of stores which are not of the required standard or which are not delivered by due
        dates.
10.10   The time and the date for delivery of the stores stipulated in the acceptance of tender
        shall be deemed to be of the essence of the contract, and delivery must be completed
        not later than the dates specified. If the supplier is unable to complete the supply
        within the stipulated delivery period for which the supplier is responsible, the
        supplier is required to request for extension of delivery period. If the officer is
        satisfied that a reasonable ground for an extension of time exists, and if such an
        extension is in the interests of Government, he may allow such extension, provided
        he is competent to do so. In case the reasons stated by the firm are not acceptable in
        public interest, appropriate penalty as the Purchasing Officer deems fit can be
        imposed on the firm, for the belated supply. If not, the sanction of the competent
        authority should be taken.
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10.11   If the purchase department agrees to extend the contractual delivery schedule, the
        same may be done by issue of an amendment to the contract with suitable denial
        clauses and with imposition of liquidated damages for delay. The amendment letter
        is to mention, inter alia that, in addition to imposition of liquidated damages, no extra
        price or additional cost for any reason whatsoever beyond the contractual cost will
        be paid to the supplier for the delayed supply; at the same time, if for any reason,
        whatsoever the cost of the Stores to be supplied/services to be performed by the
        supplier decreases that benefit will be passed on to the purchaser. Supplier‟s
        unconditional acceptance of the amendment by a specified date is to be watched and
        if the supplier does not agree to accept the amendment letter, further action is to be
        taken against the supplier in terms of the contract. Two model amendment letters for
        extension of contract delivery period on above lines for Free on Board (FOB)/FAS
        (Free Alongside Ship)/CIF (Cost, Insurance and Freight) contract and other forms of
        contract are given at Annexures 26& 27.
10.12   Heads of Departments can accept late supplies after recording the reasons therefore
        upto three months after the prescribed date of delivery provided no loss on account
        of such extension of time is incurred by the Government. For further period in the
        case of purchases costing below ` 40 lakh the orders of the Secretary to Government
        of the concerned department should be taken and in the case of purchases costing
        above ` 40 lakh the proposals should be send to the concerned Departmental
        Purchase Committee.
10.13   Normally, in the following circumstances, the contractual delivery period needs to be
        re-fixed to take care of the lost period, without imposing any penalty to the supplier.
        (i)    Cases where the manufacture of stores is dependent on the approval of the
               advance sample and delay occurs in approving the sample though submitted
               by the supplier in time.
        (ii)   Where extension in delivery period is granted on account of some omission on
               the part of the purchaser which affects the due performance of the contract by
               the supplier.
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        (iii) Cases where the purchaser controls the entire production, the delivery cannot
               be re-fixed to make a contract a „severable‟ contract without the specific
               agreement of the supplier, if the delivery originally stipulated in the contract
               was in the form of an „entire‟ contract.
10.14   As per the contract terms, the supplier is not to supply the Stores when there is no
        valid delivery period. In case the supplier makes any supply after expiry of delivery
        period, the purchaser/consignee can reject the supplies and inform the supplier
        accordingly; the purchaser shall also have the right to cancel the contract (w.r.t.
        unsupplied Stores) in terms of the contract. If, however, the purchaser/consignee
        requires the Stores (which has been supplied after expiry of the delivery period), the
        purchaser may accept the Stores and issue a delivery extension letter with usual Late
        Delivery clause and denial clauses, as mentioned earlier, to regularize the
        transaction.1
10.15   Delivery dates in respect of contracts incorporating standard and commonly used
        terms of delivery shall be deemed to be as follows:
        (i)    Terms of Delivery
        (ii)   Date of Delivery
        (iii) Ex-Works: The date the supplier delivers the Stores to the purchaser at its
               (supplier‟s) factory/premises.
        (iv) FOR, Station of Despatch (FOR stands for Free on Rail): The date on which the
               Stores are placed by the supplier on rail with clear RR (Rail Receipt).
        (v)    FOR, Destination: The date on which the ordered Stores reach the destination
               railway station specified in the contract.
        (vi) CIP, Destination (CIP stands for Carriage and Insurance Paid): The date on
               which the delivery is effected at the destination mentioned in the contract.
        (vii) Local Delivery at Site: The date on which the delivery is made at the
               consignee‟s site mentioned in the contract.
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        (viii) FAS, port of shipment (FAS stands for Free Alongside Ship): The date on which
              the supplier deliver the Stores alongside the vessel at the specified port of
              shipment. This date is reflected in the Bill of Lading.
        (ix) FOB, port of shipment (FOB stands for Free on Board): The date on which the
              supplier delivers the Stores on vessel‟s board at the specified port of shipment.
              This date is reflected in the Bill of Lading.
        (x)   CIF, port of destination (CIF stands for Cost, Insurance and Freight): The date
              on which the Stores arrived at the destination port.
        NOTE: The FAS, FOB & CIF terms of delivery are applicable for Stores which are
        directly imported from foreign countries against the subject contract and not
        imported already by the supplier under its own arrangement. The CIP terms of
        delivery may be applied both for domestic as well as imported supplies.
10.16   As per the general policy of Government of India, all import contracts are to be
        concluded on FOB/FAS basis. In case a Department desires any departure from the
        above policy including placement of contracts for import of foreign Stores on CIF
        Indian Port/CIP Destination Basis, prior permission is required to be obtained from
        Ministry of Surface Transport. In case of FOB/FAS contracts, shipping arrangements
        shall be made by the Shipping Co-ordination and Chartering Division/Shipping Co-
        ordination and Officer, Ministry of Surface Transport, New Delhi, India. Notice
        about the readiness of Cargo for shipment shall be given by the supplier from time to
        time at least 6 (six) weeks in advance for finalising the shipping arrangement,
        through Fax/Telex and courier, to the Chief Controller of Chartering, Shipping Co-
        ordination Officer, Ministry of Surface Transport, Government of India, New Delhi.
        Within 3 (three) weeks of receipt of the advance notice, as above, the said Chief
        Controller of Chartering, Shipping Coordination Officer will advise the supplier,
        through Fax/Telex and courier when and on board what vessels, these Stores or such
        part thereof are to be delivered. If the advice for shipping arrangement is not
        furnished to the supplier within 3 (three) weeks as aforesaid or if the vessel arranged
        is scheduled to arrive at the specified port of loading later than 15 (fifteen) days of
        the date of readiness of cargo, as aforesaid, the supplier may arrange for such
        transport on alternative carriers with the prior written consent of the purchaser.
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        Where the supplier is required under the contract to deliver the Stores on FOB/FAS
        basis and to arrange on behalf and at the expense of the purchaser for ocean
        transportation on Indian flag vessels or vessels of conference lines in which India is a
        member country, the supplier may arrange for such transportation on alternate
        carriers if the specified Indian flag vessels or conference vessels are not available to
        transport the Stores within the time period(s) specified in the contract, with the prior
        written consent of the purchaser. Should the Stores or any part thereof be not
        delivered on the nominated vessel (except in case where prior written consent of the
        purchaser was obtained), the supplier will be liable for all payments and expenses
        that the purchaser may incur or be put to, by reason of such non-delivery including
        dead and extra freight, demurrage of vessels and any other charges, whatsoever
        incurred by the purchaser. The supplier shall not arrange part-shipments and/or
        transshipment without the express/prior written consent of the purchaser. Where
        the supplier is required under the contract to deliver the Stores under CIF/CIP
        terms, no further restriction shall be placed on the choice of the ocean carrier except
        that the shipment shall be made by Indian flag vessel or by vessels belonging to the
        conference lines in which India is a member country. The relevant rules etc. for
        shipping of imported Stores are contained in the notifications dated 27.02.1996 and
        11.02.1998 issued by Ministry of Surface Transport (chartered wing). Copies of the
        same are provided at Annexures 24 & 25. Before processing any case for placement
        of contract on FAS/FOB/CIF/CIP basis for imported Stores, the purchase
        department should check the contemporary government instructions in this regard.
INCOTERMS
10.17   Unless otherwise specifically agreed to by the purchaser and the supplier and
        incorporated in the contract, the applicable rules & regulations for transportation of
        Stores from foreign countries will be as per the contemporary version of
        International Commercial Terms (INCOTERMS) evolved by International Chamber
        of Commerce, Paris. INCOTERMS are the official rules for worldwide interpretation
        about the duties, obligations, etc. of the buyer and the seller for transportation of the
        Stores from seller‟s country to buyer‟s country. INCOTERMS are recognised by the
        United Nations Commission on International Trade Law 57 (UNCITRAL) as the
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        global standard for such interpretation. The purchasing Departments, while ordering
        Stores for importation from foreign countries, are to take note of the same.
Air Consignment
10.18   As per the extant directive of the Government, airlifting of the imported goods from
        abroad will be done only through the National Carrier i.e. Air India wherever
        applicable. However, before processing any contract involving import of goods
        through air, contemporary instructions in this regard should be followed.
Insurance
10.19   Wherever necessary, the Stores supplied under the contract, shall be fully insured in
        a freely convertible currency against loss or damage incidental to manufacture or
        acquisition, transportation, storage and delivery in the manner specified in the
        contract. If considered necessary, the insurance may be done for coverage on “all
        risks” basis including war risks and strike clauses. The amount to be covered under
        insurance should be sufficient to take care of the overall expenditure to be incurred
        by the purchaser for receiving the Stores at the destination.
10.20   In the case of goods imported from a broad, insurance charges are payable by
        Government, when the purchase price includes cost, insurance and freight of the
        goods as delivered at any port of entry in the State. In free on board or free alongside
        ship contracts insurance charges are payable by Government. In all cases of contracts
        where the supplying firm do not undertake insurance at their cost, the purchasing
        officer should arrange for insurance himself against risks in transit, such as loss,
        damage, etc.
10.21   Insurance is essential in the case of fragile goods, costly machinery, equipment,
        delicate machines and instruments and such articles which deteriorate or otherwise
        become useless in transit.
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        Insurance on Railways or Lorry Transport or Inland Water Transport
10.22   When the terms of delivery accepted by the purchasing officer are ex-factory or ex-
        godown or free on rail/free on board place of dispatch, the charges for onward
        transmission including freight and insurance have to be borne by Government.
        Insurance of articles supplied from sources in India is optional, but in all cases in
        which damage is likely, insurance is advisable.
10.23   The supplier shall send all the relevant despatch documents well in time to the
        purchaser to enable the purchaser clear or receive (as the case may be) the Stores in
        terms of the contract. Necessary instructions for this purpose are to be incorporated
        in the contract. The usual documents involved and the drill to be followed in general
        for this purpose are as follows:
10.24   Within 24 hours of despatch, the supplier shall notify the purchaser, consignee and
        others concerned, the complete details of despatch and also supply following
        documents by registered post/speed post (or as instructed in the contract):
        (i)      Supplier‟s Invoice indicating, inter alia description and specification of the
                 Stores, quantity, unit price, total value;
        (ii)     Packing list;
        (iii)    Certificate of country of origin;
        (iv)     Insurance certificate;
        (v)      Railway receipt/Consignment note;
        (vi)     Manufacturer‟s guarantee certificate and in-house inspection certificate;
        (vii)    Inspection certificate issued by purchaser‟s inspector and
        (viii)   Any other document(s) as and if required in terms of the contract.
10.25   Within 24 hours of despatch, the supplier shall notify the purchaser, consignee and
        others concerned, the complete details of despatch and also supply following
        documents by air mail/courier (or as instructed in the contract):
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        (i)      Supplier‟s Invoice giving full details of the Stores including quantity, value,
                 etc.;
        (ii)     Packing list;
        (iii)    Certificate of country of origin;
        (iv)     Manufacturer‟s guarantee and Inspection certificate;
        (v)      Inspection certificate issued by the Purchaser‟s Inspector;
        (vi)     Insurance Certificate;
        (vii)    Name of the Vessel/Carrier;
        (viii)   Bill of Lading/Airway Bill;
        (ix)     Port of Loading;
        (x)      Date of Shipment;
        (xi)     Port of Discharge & expected date of arrival of Stores and
        (xii)    Any other document(s) as and if required in terms of the contract.
Installment Delivery
        (i)      Entire Contract: Total number of units of the required Stores is 100.
                 Delivery Schedule: Delivery to commence after 30 days of placement of
                 contract and to be completed within 4 months @ 25 units per month i.e.,
                 completion by 30.06.2006 or earlier.
        (ii)     Severable Contract: Total number of units of the required Stores is 100.
                 Delivery Schedule: 25 units by 31.03.2006; 25 units by 30.04.2006; 25 units by
                 31.05.2006; 25 units by 30.06.2006. In the case of a severable contract, each
                 instalment constitutes a separate contract and extension in delivery period, if
                 needed is to be done for each installment separately. If Stores are accepted after
                 expiry of the delivery date of a particular installment without extension in
                 delivery period being given with reservation of right to liquidated damages
                 etc., the purchaser will not be legally entitled to claim the liquidated damages
                 etc. Therefore, in case of severable contract, the purchaser should watch
                 delivery position of each installment as per the specified date for that
                 installment, and, whenever necessary, extend the corresponding date for the
                 installment in question or cancel that installment, in which there is delay in
                 supply.
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        Force Majeure
10.27   Force Majeure means an event beyond the control of the supplier and not involving
        the supplier‟s fault or negligence and which is not foreseeable. Such events may
        include, but are not restricted to, acts of the purchaser either in its sovereign or
        contractual capacity, wars or revolutions, hostility, acts of public enemy, civil
        commotion, sabotage, earthquake, fires, floods, explosions, epidemics, quarantine
        restrictions, strikes, lockouts, and freight embargoes. If there is delay in performance
        or other failures by the supplier to perform its obligation under its contract due to
        event of a Force Majeure, the supplier shall not be held responsible for such
        delays/failures.
10.28   If a Force Majeure situation arises, the supplier shall promptly notify the purchaser
        in writing of such conditions and the cause thereof within twenty one days of
        occurrence of such event. Unless otherwise directed by the purchaser in writing, the
        supplier shall continue to perform its obligations under the contract as far as
        reasonably practical, and shall seek all reasonable alternative means for performance
        not prevented by the Force Majeure event. If the performance in whole or in part or
        any obligation under this contract is prevented or delayed by any reason of Force
        Majeure for a period exceeding sixty days, either party may at its option terminate
        the contract without any financial repercussion on either side. There may be a Force
        Majeure situation affecting the purchase department only. In such a situation the
        purchase department is to take up with the supplier on similar lines as above for
        further necessary action.
10.29   The purchaser has the following options depending upon the circumstances of the
        case:
        (i)     Extend the delivery with imposing of liquidated damages and other denial
                clauses
        (ii)    Forfeit the performance security
        (iii) Cancel the contract
        (iv) Impose other available sanctions/penalties
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        Liquidated Damages
10.30   There should be a suitable provision in the terms & conditions of the contract for
        claiming liquidated damages of appropriate amount from the supplier to take care of
        delays in supplies and performance, for which the supplier is responsible. Such
        recovery through liquidated damages should be without prejudice to the other
        remedies available to the purchaser under the terms of the contract. Depending on
        the nature and value of the Stores to be ordered and the urgency of the requirement,
        a specific percentage of the delivered price of the delayed Stores (or delayed services)
        for each week or part thereof delay, is to be incorporated in the contract terms.
        Generally, the percentage is 0.5% per week or part thereof. There should also be an
        appropriate maximum limit of such deduction, to be shown as a specific percentage
        of the contract value of delayed supplies/services and incorporated in the contract
        terms. This percentage is generally 10%. Any lower ceiling should be clearly justified
        while formulating the contract.
10.31   If the contractor fails to deliver all or any of the stores or perform the service within
        the time/period(s) specified in the contract, and do not intimate the purchase officer
        satisfactory reasons for the same or apply for extension of delivery period, the
        purchaser shall without prejudice to its other remedies under the contract, deduct
        from the contract price as liquidated damages, a sum equivalent to 0.5% to 1% of the
        delivered price of the delayed stores or unperformed services for each week of delay
        until actual delivery or performance, upto a maximum deduction of 10% of the
        contract prices of the delayed stores or services. Once the maximum is reached, the
        purchaser may consider termination of the contract at the risk and cost of the
        contractor.
10.32   There may be situations when charging full Liquidated Damages may not be justified
        as the reasons for delay in delivery by the supplier may be largely due to
        circumstances well beyond under his control but nevertheless these may not
        considered adequate to waive off liquidated damages altogether or there may be
        such deficiencies in service for which quantification may not be feasible and no other
        remedy may be available. In such cases, Token Liquidated Damages upto 10% of the
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        normal Liquidated Damages may be imposed by the Competent Authority.
        Stipulations to this effect, prescribing the kind of deficiencies and scale of Token
        Liquidated Damages chargeable should be clearly brought out in the tender
        documents. This provision should be consistent with the provisions of Performance
        Security (para 8.17 to 8.30 of this Manual).
Performance Notice
10.33   A situation may arise where the supply/services has not been completed within the
        stipulated period due to negligence/fault of the supplier; however the supplier has
        not made any request for extension of delivery period but the contracted
        Stores/services are still required by the purchaser and the purchaser does not want
        to cancel the contract at that stage. In such a case, a Performance Notice (also known
        as Notice-cum-Extension Letter) may be issued to the supplier by suitably extending
        the delivery date and by imposing liquidated damages with denial clauses, etc., on
        identical lines as in para 10.30 above. Supplier‟s acceptance, etc. of the performance
        notice and further action thereof should also be processed in the same manner as
        mentioned above. The text of the Performance Notice will be on similar lines to the
        model extension letters available at Annexures 26 & 27 with suitable modifications as
        required. First two paragraphs of a model Performance Notice is given at Annexure
        28.
10.34   The purchaser or its authorized representative is not to enter into correspondence
        after expiry of the delivery date stipulated in the contract because such a
        correspondence will make the contract alive. This situation will not allow the
        purchaser to cancel the contract straight away without first serving a performance
        notice to the supplier. However, even after expiry of the delivery period of the
        contract, the purchaser may obtain information regarding past supplies, etc., from
        the supplier, simultaneously making it clear to the supplier that calling of such
        information is not intended to keep the contract alive and it does not amount to
        waiving the breach and that it is without prejudice to the rights and remedies
        available to the purchaser under the terms of the contract. A model communication
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        which may be issued by the purchaser to ascertain the supply position, etc., after
        expiry of the delivery period is given at Annexure 29.
10.35   The purchaser may, without prejudice to any other remedy for breach of contract, by
        written notice of default sent to the supplier, terminate the contract in whole or in
        part:
        (i)     if the supplier fails to deliver any or all of the stores within the time period(s)
                specified in the contract, or any extension thereof granted by the Purchaser; or
        (ii)    if the supplier fails to perform any other obligation under the contract within
                the period specified in the contract or any extension thereof granted by the
                purchaser.
10.36   In the event the purchaser terminates the contract in whole or in part; the purchaser
        may take recourse to any one or more of the following action.
10.37   If the supplier becomes bankrupt or otherwise insolvent, the purchaser may, at any
        time, terminate the contract, by giving written notice to the supplier, without
        compensation to the supplier provided that such termination will not prejudice or
        affect any right of action or remedy which has accrued or will accrue thereafter to the
        purchaser.
10.38   After placement of contract, there may be some unforeseen situation compelling the
        purchaser to cancel the contract. In such a case, the purchaser is to send a suitable
        notice to the supplier for cancellation of the contract, in whole or in part, for its
        (purchaser‟s) convenience, inter alia, indicating the date with effect from which the
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        termination is to become effective. Suitable provisions to this effect are to be
        incorporated in the tender document as well as in the resultant contract.
10.39   Purchasing Officers should see that in the case of loss or damages of imported stores,
        claims are promptly made against the shippers, the landing and clearing contractors
        or the suppliers, according to circumstances or the Marine Insurance Company. A
        loss will be chargeable against Marine Insurance only when the responsibility for the
        loss or damage cannot be fixed on the shippers, the landing contractors or the
        suppliers and recoveries should be made accordingly. In any case, loss or damage
        has to be reported promptly to the authorities concerned.
10.40   The report of loss or damage should show the particulars contained in the
        instructions in the packing account viz., description of stores, details of numbers and,
        where necessary sizes and quantities, and when articles are missing the gross
        weights of packages as received. In all cases where defects noticed can be rectified
        locally the probable cost of such local repairs should be specified. The “details of
        recoveries” already effected or proposed to be effected should also be mentioned. If
        no recovery has been made the fact and reasons therefore should also be reported.
10.41   Marine Insurance does not cover risks after the moment when the stores leave the
        Ship‟s side i.e., during landing, and it is, therefore, essential that brittle stores such as
        stoneware, pipes, R.C. pipes, glassware etc. should be landed at places of safety.
        Such stores should be landed at the ports only when the risk of breakage is at a
        minimum. Indenting Officers should clearly indicate in their indents whether any of
        the indented articles should be so delivered.
10.42   In all cases in which stores from foreign countries are purchased, arrangements shall
        be forwarded at the earliest possible date to receiving agents or clearing agents if
        such agents are appointed; one set will be caused to be similarly sent to the indenting
        officer and the third set to the Secretary, Stores Purchase Department or the Head of
        the Department. On receipt of the shipping documents, the indenting officer will
        issue necessary instructions to the receiving agents in the matter of transmission of
        packages etc., copies of such correspondence being simultaneously forwarded to the
        Secretary, Stores Purchase Department or the Head of the Department.
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                                       CHAPTER 11
          QUALITY CONTROL AND INSPECTION OF ORDERED STORES
Introduction
11.1   Before accepting the ordered Stores, it must be ensured that the Stores have been
       manufactured as per the required specifications and are capable of performing the
       functions as specified in the contract. To achieve the same, the tender document and
       the subsequent contract should specify the details of inspection and tests to be
       carried and stages and manner for carrying out the same. When required (stores of
       sophisticated nature, machinery, equipment, etc.), the inspections and tests should be
       carried out by the technically qualified and competent personnel. If the purchasing
       Department does not have such qualified personnel, it may engage competent
       professionals from outside agencies. The Officer authorized to receive stores should
       himself verify the articles received with reference to the approved samples if any and
       take them to stock soon after they are received. Any article which is not new, or
       which does not conform to standard specification or to approved samples or which is
       different from those ordered for or which is damaged or defective in any respect
       should not be accepted.
11.2   Stores which arrive by ship or railway or any other mode of transport should be
       taken delivery of immediately after arrival to avoid demurrage etc. Sanction of
       Government is necessary to pay demurrage, subject to however, the powers
       delegated to the Purchasing Officers.
11.3   Any loss, shortage or damage or any defects noticed on checking stores should be
       promptly brought to the notice of all concerned. Any claim for loss etc., should be
       preferred on the suppliers or transporting agents or insurance company as the case
       may be, immediately after the stocks are received.
11.4   The stages and modes of inspection will depend on the nature of the Stores, total
       value of the contract, location of the supplier, location of the user, etc. Usually,
       following types of inspection are adopted:
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       (i)    Pre-despatch Inspection: This type of inspection is conducted during the
              manufacturing process (which is known as Stage Inspection) and on the
              finished products before despatch of the Stores from supplier‟s premises.
       (ii)   Inspection of Stores on receipt at consignee’s / user’s site: Such inspection is
              done on receipt of Stores at site before accepting the same.
       (iii) Inspection after Installation & Commissioning of the equipment at site: This
              method is adopted to check the performance and output of the equipment/
              machinery after the same is commissioned at site.
Inspection Procedure
11.5 The inspection procedure will be as per the provisions contained in the contract.
11.6   After satisfactory inspection and tests, the acceptable Stores shall be stamped,
       labelled, marked or sealed, according to the circumstances in such a way as to make
       subsequent identification of accepted lots easy for the consignee/user. For Stores, not
       meeting the contract requirements the rejection inspection notes shall be issued
       immediately. A time limit shall be fixed for issue of inspection documents. Facsimile
       of the inspection stamps and their position should be put on the inspection notes to
       help identifying the inspected Stores at the consignee's end.
Inspection Document
11.8   Inspection notes in the form prescribed by the Department shall be issued in
       significance of the acceptance of the Stores. Inspection note should have provision for
       entering consignee‟s receipt certificate (confirming receipt of Stores) on it.
       Consignee's receipt certificate portion of the inspection notes shall be filled by the
       consignee after receipt of the Stores, verification of quantity and inspection marks on
       the accepted Stores and taking the supplies in its stocks, signifying its (i.e.
       consignee‟s) acceptance. Inspection note shall also indicate the validity period, by
       which period the supplier must despatch the accepted Stores to the consignee in
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        terms of the contract. The number of copies of the inspection notes and their
        distribution for different types of inspections will be as prescribed by the
        Department. Each inspection note issued shall invariably bear the name, stamp with
        designation and code No. of the officer authorized to sign and issue inspection
        documents.
11.9    Sometimes it becomes necessary for the purchase department to conduct type test,
        acceptance test or special test at outside laboratories, when facilities for these tests
        are not available in-house with the supplier or carrying out of confirmatory tests is
        considered desirable before accepting the Stores. Purchasing department should
        draw up a list of approved laboratories for this purpose, to whom the samples drawn
        from the lots offered by the supplier can be sent for tests. The list should also contain
        approved laboratories, which can be used as referral/appellate laboratories for retest,
        when samples tested at one laboratory are decided to be re-tested. The Department
        shall lay down a Liability Statement for cost of samples expended in tests, despatch
        of samples, transportation costs, test charges etc. in respect of samples tested at
        outside laboratories as applicable in various situations. In cases where the samples
        are to be tested at supplier‟s cost on account of non-availability of their own testing
        arrangements, the responsibility of depositing the testing fee, etc. would rest with the
        supplier.
11.10   Each Inspecting Officer shall be supplied with Acceptance stamps, Lead Seals, Pliers,
        Rubber Stamps, Stencils, Labels, Stickers, Holograms, etc., according to the
        requirements, for sealing and marking the inspected Stores in terms of the contract.
        He will be responsible for safe keeping of these articles and shall ensure that they are
        not misused by unauthorized persons. Unserviceable Seals, Pliers, Stamps, stickers,
        Holograms etc. shall be returned to the concerned issuing official. The Purchasing
        Department shall lay down detailed guidelines covering all these aspects, with the
        approval of Stores Purchase Department.
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        Custody of Inspection Notes
11.11   For reasons of security and to avoid irregular or incorrect issue, the inspection notes
        should be machine numbered and wherever possible different colour copies marked
        for each user. An account of the inspection notes issued with serial number wise
        details shall be maintained in an appropriate register. The Purchasing department
        should also develop a foolproof system to avoid any fraudulent and unauthorized
        use of the inspection notes, with the approval of Stores Purchase Department.
        Inspection of Stores tendered at the fag end or on the last date of the Contract
        Delivery period
11.12   As far as possible, the inspection should be commenced and finished and inspection
        notes issued during the validity period of the contract so that the contract is not kept
        alive after expiry of delivery period. In cases where the supplier offers stores for
        inspection during the last few days of the contract delivery period or even on the last
        day of the contract delivery period, efforts should be made by the Inspecting Officer
        to commence the inspection before the expiry of the delivery period. In cases where it
        is not possible to commence/conclude the inspection before the expiry of the
        delivery period, the Inspecting Officer should immediately on receipt of the
        intimation or request for inspection of the stores, bring to the notice of the supplier
        orally as well as in writing that the stores have been submitted for inspection at the
        very late stage and that it is not possible to commence/conclude the inspection
        before the expiry of the delivery period.
11.13   The supplier should also be informed that the Stores offered for inspection will,
        however, be inspected till the completion of the inspection which can be after the
        expiry of the delivery period and such an inspection continuing after the expiry of
        the delivery period is neither intended nor is to be construed as keeping the contract
        alive.   The Inspecting Officer should invariably issue such notice to avoid the
        contract being kept alive after the expiry of the delivery period. In a case, where the
        inspection is commenced before the expiry of the delivery period and the Inspection
        Note is issued after the expiry of the delivery period, the Inspection Note, whether
        accepting or rejecting the Stores, shall be duly franked as per the standard franking
        clause as given below as an abundant precaution against keeping the contract alive:
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        a) Franking Clause to be adopted in the case of Acceptance of Stores
        “The fact that the Stores have been inspected after the delivery period and passed by
        the Inspecting Officer will not have the effect of keeping the contract alive. The Stores
        are being passed without prejudice to the rights of the purchaser under the terms
        and conditions of the contract.”
        “The fact that the Stores have been inspected after the delivery period and rejected
        by the Inspecting Officer will not bind the purchase in any manner. The Stores are
        being rejected without prejudice to the rights of the purchaser under the terms and
        conditions of the contract.”
11.15   Purchaser has the right to reject the Stores on receipt at site during final inspection
        though the Stores have already been inspected and cleared at pre-despatch stage by
        the purchaser‟s inspector. However, such rejection should be strictly within the
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        contractual terms & conditions and no new condition should be adopted while
        rejecting the Stores during final inspection.
11.16   Stores accepted by the purchaser at initial inspection and in final inspection in terms
        of the contract shall in no way dilute purchaser‟s right to reject the same later, if
        found deficient in terms of the warranty clause of the contract.
11.17   In case a written complaint is received from the supplier disputing rejection of Stores
        by the purchaser‟s inspecting officer, the same should be jointly investigated by a
        team consisting of an authorized representative of the purchase department, a senior
        representative of the inspecting agency, who is well conversant with the Stores and
        an authorized representative of the supplier. Detailed procedure to be followed in
        this regard and the format of the joint inspection report (to be signed by all the team
        members) are to be prescribed by the purchasing Department and the matter
        processed accordingly for further necessary action.
11.18   The CVC has issued advisory checkpoints to identify fraudulent practices in the
        supply of computer hardware and software and help guard against spurious and
        refurbished/duplicate/second hand components/parts/assembly/software being
        received by purchasers and consignees who may not have much technical
        knowledge. The advisory may be followed in the State, except in the case of
        Operating System (refer CVC Order No.007/CRD/008 (Circular No. 07/02/08),
        dated the 15th February 2008, in Appendix).
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                                        CHAPTER 12
                   ELEMENTS OF PRICE AND TERMS OF PAYMENT
Introduction
12.1   The elements of price included in the quotation of a tenderer depend on the nature of
       the Stores to be supplied and the allied services to be performed, location of the
       supplier, location of the user, terms of delivery, extant rules and regulations about
       taxes, duties, etc. of the seller‟s country and the buyer‟s country.
12.2   In case of indigenous Stores, the main elements of price are raw material price,
       production cost, overhead, packing & forwarding charges, margin of profit, transit
       insurance, excise duty and other taxes and duties as applicable.
12.3   In case of imported Stores, in addition to similar elements of price as above (other
       than excise duty and taxes), there may be elements of custom duty, import duty,
       landing and clearing charges and commission to Indian agents. Further, depending
       on the nature of the Stores (whether domestic or imported), there may be cost
       elements towards installation & commissioning, operator‟s training etc. It is,
       therefore, necessary that, to enable the tenderers to frame their quotations properly
       in a meaningful manner, the tender documents should clearly specify the desired
       terms of delivery and, also the duties and responsibilities to be performed by the
       supplier in addition to supply of Stores. Where the price has several components like
       price of the Stores, costs for installation & commission, operators‟ training etc. the
       tenderers should be asked to furnish the cost break-up indicating the applicable
       prices for each such component (as specified and desired in the tender enquiry
       document) along with the overall price.
12.4   For short term contracts where delivery period does not extend beyond 18 months,
       contract should be concluded with firm and fixed price by inviting tenders
       accordingly. Where it is decided to conclude the contract with variable price, an
       appropriate clause incorporating, inter alia, suitable price variation formula should
       also be provided in the tender enquiry documents. In the price variation clause, the
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       price agreed upon should specify the base level viz, the month and year to which the
       price is linked, to enable variations being calculated with reference to the price levels
       prevailing in that month and year. A formula for calculation of price variation that
       has taken place between the base level and the scheduled delivery date is to be
       included in the price variation clause. The variations are to be calculated by using
       indices published by Governments/Chamber of Commerce periodically. Suitable
       weights are to be assigned to the applicable elements viz. fixed overheads & profits,
       material and labour in the price variation formula. If the production of the Stores
       needs more than one raw material, then the input cost of material may be further
       sub-divided for different categories of material, for which cost indices are published.
       The price variation formula is also to stipulate a minimum percentage of variation of
       the contract price, only above which the price variation will be admissible (e.g.,
       where the resultant increase is lower than, say, 2% of the contract price, no price
       adjustment will be made in favour of the supplier).
12.6   In case of a contract involving substantial import content(s) and having a long
       delivery period (exceeding one year from the date of contract), an appropriate
       Foreign Exchange Variation clause may be formulated by the Stores Purchase
       Department in consultation with the Finance Department, as needed, and
       incorporated in the Tender Enquiry Document. In that clause, the tenderers are to be
       asked to indicate import content(s) and the currency(ies) used for calculating the
       value of import content(s) in their total quoted price, which (i.e. the total quoted
       price) will be in Indian Rupees. The tenderers may be asked to indicate the Base
       Exchange Rate for each such foreign currency used for converting the foreign
       exchange content into Indian Rupees and the extent of foreign exchange rate
       variation risk they are willing to bear. To work out the variation due to changes (if
       any) in the exchange rate(s), the base date for this purpose can be the due date of
       opening of tenders. The variation may be allowed between the above base date and
       the date of remittance to the foreign principal. The applicable exchange rates as
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       above will be according to the Trade Terms Selling Rates of Exchange as quoted by
       authorized Exchange Bankers approved by the Reserve Bank of India on the dates in
       question. No variation in price in this regard will be allowed if the variation in the
       rate of exchange remains within the limit of plus/minus 5 percent. Any increase or
       decrease in the Customs Duty by reason of the variation in the rate of exchange in
       terms of the contract will be to the buyer‟s account. In case delivery period is
       refixed/ extended, ERV will not be admissible, if this is due to default of the
       supplier. The purchase department may formulate an appropriate ERV clause on
       similar lines as above in consultation with their Finance Wing.” The following
       documents should be furnished by the supplier for claiming ERV:
12.7   The duties and taxes including excise duty and VAT levied by the Government on
       domestic Stores vary from product to product. As a general policy, the statutory
       variations in such duties & taxes are to be allowed during the period from the date of
       tender to the date of acceptance of the tender (i.e. placement of contract) and during
       the original/re-fixed delivery period of the contract so that both the supplier and
       purchaser are equally compensated for rise or fall in the prices of the Stores on
       account of such statutory variations. (Note: Re-fixed delivery period means the fresh
       delivery period which is arrived at by recasting the original contractual delivery
       period after taking care of the lost period, for which the supplier was not responsible.
       In the tender enquiry conditions, the tenderers, wherever applicable, should be asked
       to specifically state in their offer whether they intend to ask for the duties and taxes
       as extra over and above the prices being quoted. In the absence of any indication to
       this effect by the tenderers, it is to be assumed that the prices quoted include these
       elements and no claim for the same will be entertained after opening of tenders and
       during the currency of the resultant contract. However, where the tenderer in its
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       quotation mentions that the prices are exclusive of statutory duties & taxes and the
       same will be payable extra, this condition should be incorporated in the resultant
       contract in clear terms. At times, the tenderer, in its tender, mentions that its
       quotation includes current rates of taxes and duties as applicable and that statutory
       variations, if any at the time of supply, will be applicable. This condition may be
       acceptable. However, correctness of the taxes and duties quoted by a tenderer as
       applicable during that period is to be verified while considering its tender. Also, only
       statutory variations, and not any other type of variations are allowed.
       NOTE: VAT is not leviable on transactions of sale in the course of import. Categories
       of cases constituting sale in course of Import are:
       a)   Where the movement of Stores from the foreign country to India is occasioned
            directly as a result of the sale.
       b)   Where there is a privity of contract between the foreign supplier and the
            purchase department.
       c)   Where the Indian supplier acts as the agent of the foreign manufacturer in the
            agreement of the sale.
12.8   The Stores supplied against contracts placed by Departments are generally exempted
       from Levies of local bodies. The suppliers should be informed accordingly by
       incorporating suitable instructions in the tender enquiry document and in the
       resultant contract. Wherever required, the suppliers should obtain the exemption
       certificate from the purchase department to avoid payment of such levies and taxes.
       In case, where the municipality or the other local bodies insist upon such payments
       (in spite of purchase department‟s exemption certificate), the supplier should make
       the payment to avoid delay in supplies and forward the receipt of the same to the
       purchase department for reimbursement and, also, for further necessary action by
       the purchase department.
12.9   In respect of imported Stores, the tenderers shall also specify separately the total
       amount of custom duty included in the quoted price. The tenderers should also
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        indicate correctly the rate of custom duty applicable for the Stores in question and
        the corresponding Indian Customs Tariff Number. Where customs duty is payable,
        the contract should clearly stipulate the quantum of duty payable etc. in
        unambiguous terms. The standard clauses to be utilized for this purpose are to be
        incorporated in the tender enquiry documents. The Government of India has allowed
        exemption from payment of customs duty in respect of certain types of Stores for use
        by the following organizations:
12.10   However, to avail of such exemptions, the organizations are required to produce
        “Custom Duty Exemption” certificate and “Not Manufactured in India” certificate at
        the appropriate time. The relevant contemporary instructions covering these aspects
        should be incorporated in the tender enquiry document and in the resultant contract.
12.11   The purchaser is not liable to any claim from the supplier on account of fresh
        imposition and/or increase (including statutory increase) of excise duty, custom
        duty, sales tax etc. on raw materials and/or components used directly in the
        manufacture of the contracted Stores taking place during the pendency of the
        contract, unless such liability is specifically agreed to in terms of the contract.
12.12   Cases where Installation, Erection and Commissioning (if applicable) are not the
        responsibility of the Supplier – 100 % net FOB/FAS price is to be paid against
        invoice,   shipping     documents,      inspection    certificate   (where     applicable),
        manufacturers‟ test certificate, etc.
12.13   Cases where Installation, Erection and Commissioning are the responsibility of
        the Supplier – 80% - 90% net FOB/FAS price will be paid against invoice, inspection
        certificate (where applicable), shipping documents etc. and balance within 21 - 30
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        days of successful installation and commissioning at the consignee‟s premises and
        acceptance by the consignee.
12.14   Payment of Agency Commission against FOB/FAS Contract – Entire 100% agency
        commission is generally paid after all other payments have been made to the
        supplier in terms of the contract.
12.15   Stores that are required to be air lifted are to be despatched through Air India/Indian
        Airlines only on a `Charge forward basis'. All air freight charges, which are shown
        on the relevant consignment note as chargeable to the consignee, are to be paid to Air
        India/Indian Airlines in Rupees.
12.16   Ordinarily, payments for supplies made or services rendered should be released to
        the supplier only after the supplies have been made or services have been rendered.
        However, it may become necessary to make advance payments in the following
        types of cases: -
        (i)     Advance payment demanded by firms holding maintenance contracts for
                servicing of Air-conditioners, computers, other costly equipment, etc.
        (ii)    Advance payment demanded by firms against fabrication contracts, turn-key
                contracts, etc.
        Such advance payments should not exceed the following limits:
        a) Thirty per cent of the contract value to private firms;
        b) Forty per cent of the contract value to a State or a Public Sector Undertaking;
        c) In case of maintenance contract, the amount should not exceed the amount
               payable for six months under the contract.
12.17   In exceptional cases, the Departments may, in consultation with Finance Department,
        relax the ceilings mentioned above. However, while making any such advance
        payment, adequate safeguards in the form of bank guarantee etc. should be obtained
        from the supplier. Further, such advance payments should be generally interest
        bearing, suitable percentages for which are to be decided on case to case basis.
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        Documents for Payment
12.18   The documents, which are needed from the supplier for release of payment, are to be
        clearly specified in the contract. The paying authority is also to verify the documents
        received from the supplier with corresponding stipulations made in the contract
        before releasing payment. The important documents, which the supplier is to furnish
        while claiming payment, are:
Modes of Payment
12.19   As a general rule payment for supplies is not permissible unless stores have been
        received, verified and taken to stock and provision for the observance of this rule
        should ordinarily be made in all contracts for the supply of goods.
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12.20   Payment prior to verification of quantity and quality of material is permissible only
        in very exceptional cases in which the operation of the rule in the above paragraph
        might result in hardship, as for example when costly stores are ordered from a
        distant firm and delay in payment is anticipated. In such cases a part of the cost of
        the consignments not exceeding 90 percent to a distant firm may be paid in advance
        on receipt of the railway receipt for despatch or bill of lading provided the firm or
        contractor is of well-known standing and provided a security bond is taken
        beforehand, with the contractor or firm to secure Government against all loss in the
        event of materials being found short or defective on checking. A standard form of
        security bond is given in Annexure 30. The said security bond is chargeable with
        stamp duty as provided in Article 50 of the Schedule to the Kerala Stamp Act, 1959
        (Act 17 of 1959) as amended from time to time which is given as Annexure 31.
12.21   In very exceptional cases, payment up to the full value against proof of despatch may
        be made with the prior sanction of Government subject to the conditions mentioned
        in 12.9 above. Heads of Departments may however effect 100 per cent payment in
        very exceptional cases provided the amount involved is less than ` 50000/- and
        subject to the conditions mentioned in 12.9 above.
12.22   The Officer who maintains the stock register must himself receive new stock.
        Whenever a new purchase had been sanctioned and the bill for drawing the money
        required is ready, it must be forwarded to the officer entrusted with the maintenance
        of the stock register, who should certify on the office copy of the bill that the new
        purchase in question has been duly taken on to the stock account. In those rare cases
        in which, it is not possible to receive stock before payment is made, e.g. when articles
        are received by rail, or post and payment is made against documents, the officer-in-
        charge of stock accounts should verify the new stock on receipt and furnish a
        certificate of verification which should be filed with the office copy of the bill
        concerned.
12.23   Payment should be made immediately after the stores are taken to stock. In no case
        should the payment be delayed for more than two months from the date or receipt of
        stores. If in any case delay in payment is anticipated, the paying officer should
        intimate the supplier concerned the reasons for such delay. It is important that
        payment of bills should be made as expeditiously as possible after their presentation,
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        as otherwise claims for interest might arise ending in litigation. Also, firms have to
        incur some expenditure for financing a transaction and to the extent they are able to
        effect a saving of financing cost by getting prompt payment, they would be able to
        pass on the saving to the purchaser. Inordinate delays in payment affect the fair
        name of the administration and the firms also tend to quote harsher terms and higher
        prices where they anticipate delay. Prompt payment is, therefore, very important in
        bringing about economy in purchases.
        NOTE: In the case of MSME units the payment should be effected within 30 days,
        from the date of receipt of stores.
12.24   The firms will produce stamped pre-receipted invoices in all cases where payments
        (advance/final) for release of railway receipts/shipping documents are made
        through banks. In exceptional cases where the stamped receipts of the firms are not
        received for the payments (in advance) the unstamped receipt of the bank (i.e.,
        counterfoils of payment-in-slips issued by the bank) alone may be accepted as a valid
        proof for the payment made.
12.25   Payments to foreign suppliers should be made in rupees in India. Payment in any
        other currency and in any other country requires prior sanction of Government. The
        payments may be effected as per the provisions given below:
        (i)    Payment to firms abroad is made by the Accountant General through the State
               Bank of India or any other Bank on production of invoices, etc., supported by
               the certificates of the inspection agents if any. The invoice received by the
               Purchasing Officer will be transmitted to the Accountant General after
               countersignature by competent authority with the stock certificates and the
               head of debit noted thereon.
        (ii)   Payment for supplies arranged by India Store Department, London or the India
               Supply Mission, Washington will be made in accordance with the terms of
               payment agreed to by those bodies with the contractors. All such payments
               will be arranged by the Accountant General.
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(iii)   In respect of foreign orders in which payment of a portion or full value of the
        articles against shipping documents or on arrival of the goods at the port is
        stipulated in the contract, under proper authority, such payments will be
        authorized by the Accountant General immediately on receipt of information
        from the purchasing officer that the documents have been received by the bank
        from the suppliers or that the goods have arrived at the port. The balance
        value, if any, will be arranged to be paid on receipt by the Accountant General
        on a requisition from the purchasing officer with the necessary certificates in
        the invoice.
(iv) In the case of balances withheld in the first instance from the firms‟ invoices
        and which have to be authorized for payment after verification of the materials
        by Departments, the Officers concerned should see that the materials are
        verified immediately on receipt and that requisitions to the Accountant General
        for the payment of the balances withheld are issued not later than a month
        from the date of receipt of the materials.
(vi) In the case of advance payment to be made with order or during the course of
        manufacture or before despatch of materials the prior sanction of Government
        is necessary.
(vii) Since payments in any foreign currency require the sanction of the Government
        of India, no Purchasing Officer should make any commitments to pay in
        foreign currency before obtaining such sanction.
(viii) The firms will produce stamped pre-receipted invoices in all cases where
        payments (advance/final) for release of railway receipts/shipping documents
        are made through banks. In exceptional cases where the stamped receipts of
        the firms are not received for the payments (in advance) the unstamped receipt
        of the bank (i.e. counterfoils of pay-in-slips issued by the Bank) alone may be
        accepted as a valid proof for the payment made.
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        Payment by Letter of Credit
12.26   Payment to foreign suppliers are ordinarily made by Letters of Credit (LC) opened
        by the State Bank of India/State Bank of Travancore /authorized Bank as decided by
        the purchasing department. While opening the Letters of Credit, the Department
        should follow the provision of Uniform Customs and Practices for Documentary
        Credit (UCPDC). If Letter of Credit is not opened, payment can also be made to the
        seller through Direct Bank Transfer for which buyer has to ensure that payment is
        released only after the receipt of prescribed documents.
12.27   Two banks are involved for payment to the supplier by Letter of Credit – purchaser‟s
        bank and supplier‟s bank. The purchaser is to forward the request to its bank in the
        prescribed format as formulated by State Bank of India/State Bank of Travancore,
        along with all relevant details including authenticated copy of the contract. Based on
        the same, the purchaser‟s bank opens letter of credit on behalf of the purchaser for
        transacting payment to the supplier through the supplier‟s bank. Care should be
        taken to ensure that the payment terms and the documents to be produced for
        receiving payments through letter of credit are identical with those shown in the
        contract. Generally, irrevocable letter of credit is opened so that the supplier is fully
        assured of its payment on fulfilling its obligations in terms of the contract. In case,
        the delivery date of the contract is extended to take care of delay in supply, for which
        supplier is responsible, the tenure of the letter of credit is also to be extended, but the
        expense incurred for such extension (of letter of credit) is to be borne by the supplier.
E – Payment
12.28   E - Banking and E - Payments are now used by various banks by adopting Electronic
        Clearing System (ECS) and Electronic Fund Transfer (EFT) procedure. Payments to
        suppliers may be made through such mechanism where such facilities are available.
        The Central Vigilance Commission has also instructed that the payment to all
        suppliers/vendors, refunds of various nature, and other payments shall be made
        through electronic payment mechanism at all centres where such facilities are
        available in the banks, so as to avoid delay and curb malpractices (refer Order No.
        98/ORD/1 (Office Order No. 20/4/04), dated the 6th April, 2004, given in
        Appendix).
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        Deduction of Income Tax, Service Tax, etc. at Source from Payments to Suppliers
12.29 This will be done as per the existing law in force during the currency of the contract.
12.30   Sometimes, requests are received from a different Department for withholding some
        payment of a supplier out of the payment due to it against a contract. Such requests
        are to be examined by the Department (which has received the request) on the merits
        of the case for further action. It will however, be the responsibility of the Department
        asking for withholding of payment to defend the Government against any legal
        procedure arising out of such withholding as also for payment of any interest
        thereof.
12.31   Sometimes, the suppliers, after claiming and receiving reimbursements for sales tax,
        excise duty, custom duty etc. from the purchaser, applies to the concerned
        authorities for refunds, on genuine grounds, of certain portions of such duties and
        taxes paid by it and receives the allowable refunds. Such refunds contain the
        purchaser‟s share also (out of the payments already made by the purchaser to that
        supplier). The tender enquiry document and the contract are to contain suitable
        provisions for obtaining such refunds from the supplier.
12.32   Payment against Time Barred Claims will be settled as per the provisions under
        Article 56, Volume 1 of the Kerala Financial Code.
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                                        CHAPTER 13
                             OTHER MODES OF PURCHASE
13.1   All Stores of standard types other than those required in small quantities only, which
       are in common and regular demand and the prices of which are not subject to
       appreciable market fluctuations may be purchased on the basis of a Rate or Running
       Contract, whichever is most suited to the circumstances of each particular case.
13.2   In the case of articles which cannot be stocked conveniently in the departmental store
       with safety and convenience, the system of Running Contracts should be adopted. A
       Running Contract is a contract for the supply of an approximate quantity of stores at
       a specified price during a certain period. The approximate requirements of a number
       of indenters for the period in question are combined by the Department and the
       contracts provides that any of these indenters may demand his requirements at any
       time or at specified periods during the currency of the contract either direct from the
       firm or by indent on the Department. In terms of the conditions governing these
       contracts the purchaser has the right to take a certain quantity (usually 25 per cent)
       over or below the approximate quantity mentioned in the contract. Drawals against
       these contracts should be carefully watched and the guaranteed quantity (usually 75
       per cent of the contractual quantity) taken at before the expiry of contract.
13.3   Running contracts may be settled for the supply of articles at intervals during a
       whole year or a part thereof. Dietary articles, firewood, charcoal, raw materials for
       Ayurvedic medicines etc. come under the group. In settling running contracts all the
       rules relating to the ordinary contracts like invitation of tenders, earnest money., etc.,
       should be followed, and in addition special provision should be made to safeguard
       Government interests and to ensure regular supplies. It is important that for all
       running contracts, tenders with earnest money should be invited irrespective of the
       amount involved and that performance security are also furnished by the
       Contractors.
13.4   A Rate Contract is a contract for the supply of stores at specified rates during the
       period covered by the contract. No quantities are usually mentioned in the contract,
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       and the contractor is bound to accept any order which may be placed upon him at
       the rates specified within the contract period. As a reciprocal consideration, the
       Government undertakes to order from the contractor all stores under the contract
       which are required to be purchased, subject to certain reservations for submitting
       prices to competition and for dividing the contract between one or more contractors.
13.5   Rate contracts should be settled for such articles as are required frequently by many
       Departments during the course of a year for which the quantity cannot be forecast.
       Rate contracts also may be settled for one year or shorter definite period. Indenting
       Officers can draw their requirement direct from the contractors as and when
       required.   Steel furniture, steel cupboards and safes, Motor Truck batteries and
       Tubular batteries of UPS, Tyres of Motor Vehicles, etc.., are some of the items coming
       under this group.    No exemption from earnest money deposit or performance
       security will be granted in respect of rate contract, irrespective of the amount
       involved.
13.7   The Directorate General of Supplies & Disposals (DGS&D), New Delhi is concluding
       every year rate and/or running contract for a number of articles. Purchasing Officers
       can avail themselves of these contracts, wherever it is economical and easier to do so.
       They should keep themselves conversant with the rules and procedure of the D.G.S.
       & D Rate Contracts. The Stores Purchase Department is also concluding every year
       rate contract for a number of articles. In respect of purchase as per rate contracts
       settled by the Director General Supplies and Disposals and the State Government,
       purchase sanction from Government is not necessary even if the value of the
       purchase exceeds the purchase power of the Purchasing officer provided that it is
       specified while issuing administrative sanction that the purchase will be made as per
       D.G.S. & D./State Rate Contracts. In such cases, the selection of the type and make
       of the articles to be purchased will be made by the Purchasing Officers. It is not
       necessary to mention the name of the firm or description of stores, etc., in the
       administrative sanction issued for the purchase.
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13.8    In respect of the rate contracts concluded by Directorate General of Supplies &
        Disposals, the Departments of the State Government are entitled to operate as Direct
        Demanding Officers. If any of the State Government Departments are interested in
        availing these facilities they may address the Directorate General of Supplies &
        Disposals intimating the names of officers along with designations and addresses for
        declaring them as Direct Demanding Officers and also indicate the items of rate
        contract in which they are interested. The names and full address of the Accounts
        Officers with whom the accounting has to be done by the Controller of Accounts
        should also be indicated. The State Government undertakings can also make their
        purchases, through the Directorate General of Supplies & Disposals either as pre-
        deposit parties or as revolving deposit parties. Otherwise they have to place their
        indents on Directorate General of Supplies & Disposals along with Demand Drafts in
        favour of the Controller of Accounts concerned towards the estimated cost of stores +
        1 per cent departmental charges.
13.9    In the case of items for which rate/running contracts settled by the Stores Purchase
        Department exist or a running contract settled by the Head of a Department exists, it
        is obligatory for Government Departments to avail themselves of those contracts.
        The agreement form to be used in the case of running rate contract is given in
        Annexure 32.
Bringing more and more common user items on the Rate Contract
13.10   The Stores Purchase Department shall bring more and more common user items on
        rate contracts. For this purpose, regular interactions should be held by Stores
        Purchase Department with the trade and the user departments. There shall be a
        Standing Review Committee (SRC), coordinated by the Stores Purchase Department
        consisting of representatives of major indenting departments, trade organizations,
        prospective suppliers, etc., to consider bringing new items on rate contracts.
13.11   The Departments will conclude rate contracts for Automobiles, Machine Tools,
        Information Technology Products, OEM & Ancillary Spares and similar products
        where the design feature, performance parameters, etc., of such products/goods
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        differ significantly among the products of different manufacturers and even between
        different models of the same manufacturer and where equitable comparison of prices
        of such products is not feasible. Such Rate Contracts are to be concluded on discount
        on Net Dealer Price (NDP) basis.
13.12   The period of a Rate Contract should normally be one year for stable technology
        products. However, in special cases, shorter or longer period may be considered. As
        far as possible, termination period of rate contracts should be fixed in such a way as
        to ensure that budgetary levies would not affect the price and thereby frustrate the
        contracts. Attempts should also be made to suitably stagger the period of rate
        contracts through out the year.
13.13   Rate Contracts shall be awarded to the firms who are registered for the goods in
        question and fulfill the laid down eligibility and qualification criteria including
        availability of ISI mark, service centres across the country, etc. Suitable stipulations
        are to be incorporated in the tender enquiry documents to this effect. In respect of
        new items being brought on rate contract for the first time where there is no
        registered supplier (for the subject items), the requirement of registration can be
        relaxed with the approval of competent authority. The award of such rate contracts
        will, however, be subject to the suppliers‟ satisfactory technical and financial
        capability.
13.14   Some of the tenderers (who are otherwise registered for the subject goods) may also
        be holding current rate contracts and/or held past rate contracts for the required
        goods. Their performance against such earlier/current rate contracts shall be
        critically reviewed before they are considered for award of new rate contracts.
        Specific performance and achievement criteria as on a selected cut-off date is to be
        evolved for this purpose and incorporated in the tender enquiry document. The
        tenderers will be asked to furnish the relevant details (along with their tenders) to
        enable the purchaser to judge their performance and achievement against the
        past/current rate contracts. These criteria are to be evolved and decided by the
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        purchase department during procurement planning stage for incorporation in the
        corresponding tender enquiry documents.
13.15   Some conditions of rate contract differ from the usual conditions applicable for ad
        hoc contracts. Some such important special conditions of rate contract are given
        below:
Fall Clause
13.16   Fall clause is a price safety mechanism in rate contracts. The fall clause provides that
        if the rate contract holder reduces its price or sells or even offers to sell the rate
        contracted goods following conditions of sale similar to those of the rate contract, at a
        price lower than the rate contract price, to any person or organization during the
                                                                                               127
        currency of the rate contract, the rate contract price will be automatically reduced
        with effect from that date for all the subsequent supplies under the rate contract and
        the rate contract amended accordingly. Other parallel rate contract holders, if any,
        are also to be given opportunity to reduce their price as well, by notifying the
        reduced price to them and giving them 15 (fifteen) days time to intimate their revised
        prices, if they so desire, in sealed cover to be opened in public on the specified date
        and time and further action taken as per standard practice. On many occasions, the
        parallel rate contract holders attempt to grab more orders by unethical means by
        announcing reduction of their price (after getting the rate contract) under the guise of
        Fall Clause. This situation is also to be dealt with in similar manner as mentioned in
        the preceding paragraph.
13.17   It is however, very much necessary that the purchase departments keep special
        watch on the performance of such rate contract holders who reduce their prices on
        one pretext or other. If their performances are not upto the mark, appropriately
        severe action should be taken against them including deregistering them,
        suspending business deals with them, etc.
13.18   Depending on the anticipated overall drawal against a rate contract and, also,
        anticipated number of parallel rate contracts to be issued for an item, the Department
        shall consider obtaining performance security of reasonable amount from the rate
        contract holders. A suitable clause to this effect is to be incorporated in the tender
        enquiry documents. Performance Security shall, however, not be demanded in the
        supply orders issued against rate contracts.
13.19   Supplies are to be obtained against a rate contract by placing on the rate contracted
        firm supply order containing the quantity of the goods to be supplied and
        incorporating the prices and other relevant terms and conditions of the rate contract.
        The officials placing such supply orders should be duly competent and authorized to
        do so. Copies of supply order are to be endorsed to all concerned. A supply order
        should generally contain the following important details:
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        (i)      Rate Contract No. and date.
        (ii)     Quantity (where there is more than one consignee, the quantity to be
                 despatched to each consignee is to be indicated).
        (iii)    Price.
        (iv)     Date of Delivery by which supplies are required.
                 (In the supply order, a definite delivery date based on the delivery period
                 stipulated in the rate contract is to be provided).
        (v)      Full address of the purchase department along with telephone. No., Fax No.
                 and E. mail address.
        (vi)     Complete and correct designation and full postal address of the
                 consignee(s)/goods receiving officer(s) along with telephone No., Fax No. and
                 E-mail address.
        (vii)    Nearest Railway Siding (NRS) of the consignee(s).
        (viii)   Despatch instructions
        (ix)     Designation and address of the inspecting officer.
        (x)      Designation and address of the paying authority to whom the bills are to be
                 raised by the supplier
13.20   It should be ensured that new rate contracts are made operative right after the expiry
        of the existing rate contracts without any gap for all rate contracted items. In case,
        however, it is not possible to conclude new rate contracts due to some special
        reasons, timely steps are to be taken to extend the existing rate contracts with same
        terms, conditions etc. for a suitable period, with the consent of the rate contract
        holders. Rate contracts of the firms, who do not agree to such extension are to be left
        out. Period of such extension should generally not be more than three months. Also,
        while extending the existing rate contracts, it shall be ensured that the price trend is
        not lower.
Negotiated Contracts
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        Supply of Articles in the High Ranges
13.22   The Supply of articles in the High Range may be arranged locally or otherwise as
        considered best by the authorities concerned.
Purchase of Furniture
13.23   Heads of Departments and Offices should see that the wooden furniture required for
        the offices and the institutions under their control is made of superior wood only,
        such as teak, hard wood, processed rubber wood, etc.
13.24   Officers authorized to make local purchase of furniture, when satisfied that such a
        measure is justified, arrange the supply of furniture locally up to the extent they have
        been empowered. Care should be taken to see that orders for the requirements of
        any one year are not split up with a view to place the order locally.
13.25   The Accountant General in the exercise of his functions in audit can examine
        contracts settled by the Department and report to the Government the facts of any
        case that come to his notice, in which competitive tenders were not invited though
        they should have been invited under the rules or a tender other than the lowest was
        accepted without sufficient justification or any other material irregularity which has
        been committed in connection with a contract.
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                                       CHAPTER 14
                              CONTRACT MANAGEMENT
Introduction
Text of Contract
14.2   The essential requirement for ensuring a trouble free contract management is
       placement of contract with unambiguous and transparent terms & conditions, which
       have already been agreed to by both the purchaser and the supplier in writing.
Performance Security
14.3   The purchaser is to ensure that the supplier receiving the contract furnish the
       required Performance Security in the prescribed form by the specified date, failing
       which necessary action including forfeiture of the Earnest Money Deposit is to be
       taken against the supplier.
Acknowledgement of Contract
14.4   The supplier should acknowledge and unconditionally accept the contract within the
       specified days from the date of issue of contract. While acknowledging the contract,
       the supplier may raise some issues and/or ask for some modifications against some
       entries in the contract; such aspects shall be immediately looked into for necessary
       action and, thereafter, supplier‟s unconditional acceptance of the contract obtained. If
       both the parties (viz. the purchaser and the supplier) simultaneously sign the
       contract across the table, further acknowledgement from the supplier is not required.
Coordination
14.5   All the authorities, who are entrusted with some responsibilities and also to perform
       some duties in terms of the contract are to work in unison in a coordinated manner to
       ensure completion of the contract without any time overrun, cost overrun and
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       related legal complication. It is, therefore, necessary for the purchase department to
       keep a proper watch and coordinate all such activities to avoid any bottleneck or
       problem in the passage of the contract.
Amendment to Contract
14.6   Many a time, due to various reasons, changes and modifications are needed even in a
       duly concluded contract. Requests for such changes and modifications mostly
       emanate from the supplier. Immediately on receiving such a request, the purchase
       department shall examine the same and take action as necessary with the approval of
       the Stores Purchase Department. Any amendment to contract terms requested by the
       supplier may have, inter alia, financial impact and/or technical impact and/or legal
       impact. Therefore, before agreeing to the request of the supplier, the purchase
       department should scrutinize the issue on its merits to ensure that the requested
       amendment will not have any adverse effect on the purchase department. Financial
       concurrence should be obtained before issuing any amendment having financial
       implications/repercussions. Further, there may be an occasion where consultation
       with Government will be necessary before issuing the proposed amendment. The
       Department/Officer should process such issues, as deemed fit, depending on the
       merit of the case.
14.7   Purchase department shall ensure that all the payments due to the firm including
       release of EMD/performance security are made on priority basis without avoidable
       delay after the contract has been fulfilled. An appropriate time schedule may be
       prescribed by the Stores Purchase Department for this purpose to be acted upon by
       the concerned purchase officers (refer para 8.16 also).
14.8   After a contract has been fulfilled and payment made, the performance security
       should be released or refunded to the contractor/firm without delay. As a rule, the
       performance security should be released or refunded within a period of three months
       of the expiration of the contract. In case of Rate Contract/Running contract
       Performance security should be released only after the Guarantee period and
                                                                                         132
        performance security will be released only after assessing the liabilities if any due to
        the defective supply/non supply or violation of any of the terms and conditions of
        the agreement.
14.9    Proper procedure for safe custody and monitoring of bank guarantees and other
        instruments should be laid down by the Stores Purchase Department and all
        purchasing departments should follow the procedures.
14.10   On completion of all activities against a contract, the purchase file should be
        preserved in the record room and destroyed after expiry of the applicable mandatory
        retention period with the approval of the competent authority.
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                                        CHAPTER 15
                               SETTLEMENT OF DISPUTES
General
15.1   Normally, there should not be any scope of dispute between the purchaser and the
       supplier after entering into a mutually agreed valid contract. However, due to
       various unforeseen reasons, problems may arise during the progress of the contract
       leading to disagreement between the purchaser and the supplier. Therefore, the
       conditions governing the contract shall contain suitable provision for settlement of
       such disputes/differences binding on both the parties.
Mode of Settlement
       (i)    When the contract is with domestic supplier, the applicable arbitration
              procedure will be as per Indian Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996.
       (ii)   When the contract is with foreign supplier, the supplier has the option to
              choose either Indian Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996 or Arbitration in
              accordance with the provision of UNCITRAL (United Nations Commission on
              International Trade Law) Arbitration Rules.
Venue of Arbitration
15.3   The venue of arbitration shall generally be the place from where the contract has
       been issued except when foreign supplier opts for Arbitration, in accordance with the
       provision of UNCITRAL, Arbitration Rules, the venue can be a neutral country.
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       Applicable Law
15.4 The contracts shall be interpreted in accordance with the laws of the Union of India.
Legal Advice
15.5   While processing a case for arbitration, the purchase department is to take legal
       advice, at appropriate stages from competent authorities like the Department of Law.
Panel of Arbitrators
15.6   For quick settlement of disputes the State Government shall constitute a panel of
       arbitrators and an updated list may be published in the website of Stores Purchase
       Department.
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                                        CHAPTER 16
                     PURCHASE POWERS OF HEADS OF DEPARTMENTS
        AND CONSTITUTION OF DEPARTMENTAL PURCHASE COMMITTEES
Introduction
16.1   The Heads of Departments (HODs) are classified into 3 groups on the basis of the
       approximate value of the purchases they are making each year.
Purchase Powers
16.2   The Administrative Department of the Secretariat may without previous consultation
       with Finance Department sanction expenditure, which does not exceed ` 100 lakh in
       respect of purchase of stores other than for works, computer & peripherals and
       furniture and in the case of Computer and peripherals (except laptop computers)
       sanction expenditure which does not exceed ` 50 lakh subject to budget provision
       being available and Stores Purchase Rules being observed (large scale purchase of
       computers is to be effected only after ensuring that all requirements for
       computerization with respect to both software and hardware are fully satisfied
       following the guidelines issued on the basis of the recommendations of the PAC vide
       Circular No.25/2006/Fin. Dated 01.06.2006).
16.3   The Administrative Department of the Secretariat may without previous consultation
       with Finance Department sanction expenditure for the purchase of furniture upto ` 5
       lakh subject to budget provision being available and observing Stores Purchase
       procedures and as per G.O. (P) 224/2000/Fin dated 27-1-2000.
16.4   The Administrative Department of the Secretariat may without previous consultation
       with Finance Department sanction repair of equipment and small machineries upto
       `3 lakh subject to production of essentiality certificate from the respective Engineer
       as the case may be. The Administrative Department of the Secretariat may without
       consultation with Finance Department sanction Temporary Advance up to ` 10,000/-
       subject to the condition stipulated in Article 99 KFC Vol. I.
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16.5   HODs in the Group I are authorized to purchase stores other than computers and
       peripherals and furniture upto ` 20 lakh at a time and ` 10 lakh for Heads of
       Departments in Group II and III. The Heads of Departments are also authorised to
       purchase stationery upto ` 1 lakh. With respect to purchase of furniture, Group I
       HODs are authorised to sanction upto ` 2 lakh and ` 1 lakh for HODs in Group II
       and III, subject to budget provision (Head of Department may obtain administrative
       sanction and purchase sanction as per G.O. (P) No. 224/2000/Fin. Dated 27-1-2000).
                                                                                       137
          3     Purchase between          1. Concerned Secretary to Government
                `40 lakh and ` 60            (Chairman and Convener
                lakh                      2. Joint Secretary/Deputy Secretary,
                                             Finance Department (nominated by
                                             Finance Secretary)
                                          3. Additional Secretary/Joint Secretary,
                                             Stores Purchase Department
                                          4. Concerned Head of Department
          4     Purchase upto `40         1. Concerned Secretary to Government
                lakh                         (Chairman and Convener
                                          2. Deputy Secretary/Under Secretary,
                                             Finance Department (nominated by
                                             Finance Secretary)
                                          3. Deputy Secretary/Under Secretary,
                                             Stores Purchase Department
                                          4. Concerned Head of Department
       NOTE 1: In order to co-ordinate the production programme and the purchase policy
       and to ensure that the concessions given to MSME are fully implemented, the
       Chairman of the Departmental Purchase committee shall invite the Director of
       Industries and Commerce or his representative to attend the meetings of the
       Departmental Purchase Committees in cases where Micro, Small & Medium
       Enterprises in the State also participate in the tenders.
16.8   All Purchase proposals which do not fall within the powers of the Head of the
       Department will be considered by the appropriate Departmental Purchase
       Committee. The factual accuracy of the materials placed before the Committee and
       the observance of the rules in undertaking the various steps before bringing the
       proposals before the Committee will be the sole responsibility of the Head of the
       Department. The Committee will scrutinize the proposals and take/make
       appropriate decision/recommendations. Any variation in the original sanction will
       require further reference to the Departmental Purchase Committee who made the
       original decision/recommendation of purchase sanction.          The sanction for the
       purchase should show the actual specifications quoted in the tender.
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16.9    Purchase proposals exceeding ` 6 crores up to ` 10 crores after being considered by
        the concerned Departmental Purchase Committee, should have the approval of the
        Minister concerned, whereas purchase proposals above ` 10 crores should be
        approved by both the Minister Concerned and the Minister in charge of the Stores
        Purchase Department, through the Principal Secretary, Stores Purchase Department.
        In all cases, the sanction will be issued by the Administrative Department.
16.10   The Departmental Purchase Committee may meet whenever necessary and at such
        time and place as may be decided by the Chairman. For effecting the Purchases
        needed for a year, the Committee should meet as far as possible before the
        commencement of that year. The steps necessary for this should be taken by the
        Head of the Department sufficiently early.
16.11   Subject to the condition that the reasons, in each case, should be clearly recorded and
        that the orders of the Minister concerned should be taken, the Departmental
        Purchase committee is authorized to exempt firms of established repute and standing
        from furnishing performance security, in special circumstances.
16.12   In respect of purchases costing below ` 60 lakh, the Secretary to Government and
        Chairman of the Departmental Purchase Committee is authorized:
        (i)    to cancel orders or unexecuted portion of orders and to order the invitation of
               fresh tenders or quotations
        (ii)   to extend the period of delivery and accept late supplies
        (iii) to order forfeiture of earnest money and performance security, etc.
16.13 The minutes of the Departmental Purchase Committee should contain the following:
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        (vi) Among the valid bidders the details of the lowest quotation received, bidder
               details and the quoted amount;
        (vii) Whether lowest quotation/tender has been accepted;
        (viii) If not, the reasons for rejecting the lowest quotation (and other quotations
               lower than the one ultimately accepted by the Departmental Purchase
               Committee);
        (ix) Details of bidder and quotation ultimately accepted and the difference between
               the lowest quotation and the accepted quotation;
        (x)    Views of the Departmental Purchase Committee as to whether retender is
               desirable and could lead to substantially lower bids;
        (xi) Specific Remarks on Guarantee/Warranty/Annual Maintenance Contract, etc.
        (xii) Any other relevant facts.
        (i)    The D.P.C. Meeting Notes must be in full satisfaction of all the points
               mentioned above.
        (ii)   Ensure the availability of the Officer from Stores Purchase Department and
               Finance Department before deciding the date and time of the meeting.
        (iii) Notes for the DPC meeting must reach SPD at least three days before the
               meeting for scrutiny. Otherwise it will be difficult to attend the DPC meeting.
        (iv) Copy of the Administrative Sanction and minutes/report of Technical
               Evaluation Committee, if any, should be furnished.
        (v)    Copy of the Tender Notification both English and Malayalam should be made
               available.
        (vi) Post tender, negotiation may be made only with the LI Tenderer.
16.15   The notes for the Departmental Purchase Committee may also inter alia, contain
        information on the following:
        (i)    Whether the Purchasing Officer has compared the existing prevalent market
               rates of the Stores/items for which the quotation/tender has been floated and if
               so, whether it is economical when compared with the bid amount;
        (ii)   Whether samples have been insisted in the tender schedule and if not, the
               reasons therefore;
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(iii) If the item/store to be procured is of a sophisticated technical nature or needs
      technical evaluation, whether a technical committee with sufficient members
      for evaluating the articles/stores has been constituted? If so, whether the
      specific report of the committee has been made available for consideration by
      the Departmental Purchase Committee.
(iv) Whether the Purchasing Officer has recorded the absolute necessity for
      procurement of the store/item particularly taking into account the average
      consumption use of the items/stores for the past 3 years.
(v)   Whether the Purchasing Officer has taken necessary steps to forecast the
      requirements in full for a definite period for 3 months, 6 months, one year and
      so as to avoid piece meal purchases and to observe Stores Purchase Rules
      strictly;
(vi) Action taken by the Purchasing Officer to keep open the firmness period, if the
      same has not been kept open for acceptance and confirmation;
(vii) Whether the Purchasing Officer has made any attempt to inspect and satisfy
      himself about the working of the unit/items/store which has been supplied by
      the bidder if any, on earlier occasion;
(viii) Whether the Purchasing Officer has made any specific recommendation for
      consideration of the Departmental Purchase Committee; and
(ix) Whether the tabulation statement containing full essential data/details of the
      tenders/quotations received vis-à-vis the evaluation report of the Purchasing
      Officer authenticated by the Purchasing Officer has been enclosed with the
      notes for the Departmental Purchase Committee.
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                                            CHAPTER 17
                              STORES PURCHASE DEPARTMENT
17.1 The Stores Purchase Department of the Secretariat shall deal with the following:
17.2   The Stores Purchase Department may also publish in their website an updated list of
       the following for ready reference to the other departments:
17.3   The Stores Purchase Department will conduct inspection of purchase files of
       Government Offices/PSUs/Autonomous Bodies/Local Bodies/Universities and
       institutions     utilises   grant-in-aid   of   Government.   The   purchasing   officers/
       department shall make available all relevant records to the inspection team and shall
       render all possible assistance as required by them.
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                                        CHAPTER 18
                                    MISCELLANEOUS
18.1   When it is decided with the approval of the competent authority to replace some
       existing old Stores with their newer and better versions/substitutes, the department
       may trade the existing old Stores while purchasing the new ones. For this purpose,
       suitable clauses are to be incorporated in the tender enquiry document so that the
       interested tenderers formulate and submit their tenders accordingly. Provision
       should also be kept in the tender documents to permit the interested tenderers to
       inspect the old Stores to be traded through this transaction.
18.2   Appropriate provision should also be kept in the tender document allowing the
       purchase department to reserve its right to trade or not to trade the old Stores while
       purchasing the new ones and the tenderers are to be asked to frame their quotations
       accordingly covering both the options. Depending on the value and condition of the
       old Stores to be traded, the time frame for as well as the mode of handing them over
       to the successful tenderer should be decided and relevant details in this regard
       suitably incorporated in the tender document.
Turnkey Contract
18.3   A turnkey contract is a mix of Stores contract and works contract. Generally, in the
       tender enquiry documents for a turnkey contract, the purchase department specifies
       the performance and output required from the plant proposed to be set up and
       broadly outlines the various parameters it visualizes for the desired plant. The inputs
       and other facilities, which the purchase department will provide to the contractor are
       also indicated in the tender enquiry document. The contractor is to design the plant
       and quote accordingly. The responsibility of the contractor will include supplying
       the required stores, machinery, equipment etc. needed for the plant; assembling,
       installing and erecting the same at site as needed; commissioning the plant to meet
       the required output etc., as specified in the tender enquiry documents. While
       entering into a turn-key contract, Department/Organization is to follow the relevant
       instructions prescribed in the Stores Purchase Manual as well as in relevant other
       Manuals.
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       Disposal of Surplus Stores
18.4   With the passage of time, many of the Stores purchased by the Departments become
       unserviceable or obsolete. Such Stores are classified as surplus Stores. The
       Ministries/Departments should dispose off such surplus Stores at the earliest, to
       avoid unnecessary inventory carrying cost, decrease in resale price of those Stores
       etc. Detailed comprehensive instructions for disposal of surplus Stores are to be
       issued by the Stores Purchase Department in consultation with the Financial
       Department.
Price Negotiation/Counter-Offer
18.5   Price Negotiation with the tenderers should be severely discouraged. However, in
       case the price quoted by the lowest eligible tenderer (L1) is not reasonable and
       acceptable, the price may be negotiated with L1 only and, if it reduces the price to the
       desired level, rate contract may be concluded with L1.
18.6   There may also be a situation where even the price of the lowest eligible tenderer
       (L1) is not reasonable. In that case, price negotiation may be conducted with L1 in the
       first instance. If L1 agrees to bring down the price to the desired level, rate contract
       may be concluded with it and that price counter offered to other eligible tenderers
       under intimation to L1 for further action in identical manner as indicated in the
       above paragraph. If, however, L1 does not agree to reduce its price in the first
       instance itself, then the price, which has been decided as reasonable may be counter
       offered to all the eligible tenderers (including L1) for further action on above lines.
18.7   Sometimes a group of tenderers quote identical rates against a rate contract tender.
       Such Pool/Cartel formation is against the basic principle of competitive bidding and
       defeats the very purpose of open and competitive tendering system. Such practices
       should be severely discouraged with strong measures. Suitable administrative
       actions like rejecting the offers, reporting the matter to Registrar of Companies,
       Monopolies Commission, National Small Industries Corporation etc. should be
       initiated against such firms, on case to case basis, as decided by the competent
                                                                                             144
        authority. Ministries/Departments may also bring such unhealthy practice to the
        notice of the concerned trade associations like FICCI, ASOCHAM, NSIC, etc.
        requesting them, inter alia, to take suitable strong actions against such firms. The
        Ministries/ Departments may also encourage new firms to get themselves registered
        for the subject goods to break the monopolistic attitude of the firms forming cartel.
Training
18.8    Purchase management is a specialized subject and, therefore, the officials entrusted
        with purchase work should be adequately trained at the entry level itself to avoid
        mistakes in tender evaluation, placement of contract, contract management etc.,
        because any mistake in public procurement may cause financial repercussions,
        operational hold-ups, and unwarranted legal complications for the Departments. In
        addition to entry level training, the purchase officials should also be sent for in-
        service training periodically to keep them abreast with the changing scenario and
        latest techniques of Purchase Management taking place within as well as outside the
        country.
18.9    The important and significant areas of Public Procurement have been covered in this
        Manual. A situation may, however crop up in a purchase case for which no solution
        may be readily available in this Manual. In such a situation, the Departments may
        seek advice and guidance from the Stores Purchase Department. The matters related
        to DGS&D rate contract may be obtained directly from DGS&D.
18.10   The guidelines issued by the Central Vigilance Commission, relevant to the purchase
        of stores in the State have been included in the appropriate sections of the Manual.
        The future guidelines of the CVC which are applicable to the State may also be
        incorporated in the Manual as required by inserting the particular Order/Circular in
        the Appendix (list of relevant Orders/Circulars of CVC) at the end of the Manual.
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ANNEXURES
                                                                           ANNEXURE 1
                           AN ILLUSTRATIVE LIST OF
              AUTONOMOUS BODIES AND PUBLIC SECTOR UNDERTAKINGS
(I) COMMISSIONS
                                                                                      146
    27. Kerala Mineral Exploration and Development Project, Kesavadasapuram,
        Thiruvananthapuram
    28. Kerala Motor Transport Workers Welfare Fund Board, Kollam
    29. Kerala Press Academy, Kochi, Ernakulam
    30. Kerala Rural Development and Marketing Society, Opposite Tagore Theatre,
        Vazhuthacaud, Thiruvananthapuram
    31. Kerala Rural Employment and Welfare Society, Thiruvananthapuram
    32. Kerala Sahithya Academy, Thrissur
    33. Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Academy, Thrissur
    34. Kerala Sports Council, Thiruvananthapuram
    35. Kerala State Anganwadi Workers’ and Helpers’ Welfare Fund, Thiruvananthapuram
    36. Kerala State Council for Child Welfare, Thiruvananthapuram
    37. Kerala State Export Trade Development Council, Thiruvananthapuram
    38. Kerala State Legal Aid and Advice Board, Kochi
    39. Kerala State Library Council, Thiruvananthapuram
    40. Kerala State Nirmithi Kendra, Thiruvananthapuram
    41. Kerala State Pollution Control Board, Thiruvananthapuram
    42. Kerala State Science & Technology Museum, Thiruvananthapuram
    43. Kerala State Social Welfare Advisory Board, Kozhikode
    44. Kerala State Youth Welfare Board, Thiruvananthapuram
    45. Kerala Water Authority, Thiruvananthapuram
    46. LBS Centre for Science & Technology, Thiruvananthapuram
    47. Medical Council, Thiruvananthapuram
    48. National Transportation, Planning & Research Centre, Thiruvananthapuram
    49. People’s Action for Development, Kerala, Thiruvananthapuram
    50. Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Development of Education, Science & Technology, Thycaud,
        Thiruvananthapuram
    51. Regional Cancer Centre, Thiruvananthapuram
    52. Society for Preservation of Hill Palace Premises, Thrippunithura, Ernakulam
    53. State Advisory Contract Labour Board, Thiruvananthapuram
    54. State Institute of Children’s Literature, Thiruvananthapuram
    55. State Institute of Encyclopedia Publications, Thiruvananthapuram
    56. State Institute of Languages, Thiruvananthapuram
    57. Tropical Botanical Garden and Research Institute, Palode, Thiruvananthapuram
    58. Vasthuvidya Gurukulam, Aranmula, Pathanamthitta
                                                                                     147
      12. Kerala State Co-operative Rubber Marketing Federation Ltd., Kochi, Ernakulam
      13. Kerala State Co-operative Textile Federation Limited (TEXFED), Thrissur
      14. Kerala State Federation of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes Development Co-
          operative Limited, Thiruvananthapuram
      15. Kerala State Handloom Weavers Co-operative Society Ltd., Thiruvananthapuram
      16. Kerala State Rural Women’s Electronics Industrial Co-operative Federation Limited,
          Thiruvananthapuram
      17. Quilon Co-operative Spinning Mills Limited, Kollam
      18. Thrissur Co-operative Spinning Mills Limited, Thrissur.
(IV) UNIVERSITIES
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27.   Malabar Cements Limited
28.   The Pharmaceutical Corporation (IM) Kerala Limited
29.   The Travancore Cements Limited
30.   The Travancore-Cochin Chemicals Limited
31.   Travancore Titanium Products Limited
32.   Kerala State Mineral Development Corporation Limited
33.   Kerala Electrical & Allied Engineering Company Limited
34.   United Electrical Industries Limited
35.   Traco Cable Company Limited
36.   Transformers and Electricals Kerala Limited
37.   Kerala State Electronics Development Corporation Limited
38.   Keltron Counters Limited
39.   Keltron Electro Ceramics Limited
40.   Keltron Crystals Limited
41.   Keltron Magnetics Limited
42.   Keltron Resistors Limited
43.   Keltron Component Complex Limited
44.   The Metal Industries Limited
45.   Steel Complex Limited
46.   Kerala Agro Machinery Corporation Limited
47.   Steel Industrials Kerala Limited
48.   Kerala State Construction Corporation Limited
49.   Kerala Automobiles Limited
50.   Steel and Industrial Forgings Limited
51.   Autokast Limited
52.   The Kerala Agro Industries Corporation Limited
53.   Kerala Forest Development Corporation Limited
54.   Kerala Livestock Development Board Limited
55.   Meat Products of India Limited
56.   Oil Palm India Limited
57.   The Plantation Corporation of Kerala Limited
58.   Rehabilitation Plantations Limited
59.   The State Farming Corporation of Kerala Limited
60.   The Travancore Sugars & Chemicals Limited
61.   Kerala State Horticultural Products Development Corporation Limited
62.   Kerala State Poultry Development Corporation Limited
63.   Kerala Feeds Limited
64.   Kerala Garments Limited
65.   Kerala State Textile Corporation Limited
66.   Sitaram Textiles Limited
67.   Trivandrum Spinning Mills Limited
68.   Forest Industries (Travancore) Limited
69.   Kerala State Wood Industries Limited
70.   Travancore Plywood Industries Limited
71.   Foam Mattings (India) Limited
72.   Handicrafts Development Corporation of Kerala Limited
73.   Kerala State Bamboo Corporation Limited
                                                                            149
   74.    Kerala State Handloom Development Corporation Limited
   75.    The Kerala State Coir Corporation Limited
   76.    Kerala Khadi & Village Industries Board.
   77.    The Kerala State Cashew Development Corporation Limited
   78.    The Kerala State Civil Supplies Corporation Limited
   79.    Kerala State Beverages (M&M) Corporation Limited
   80.    Kerala Artisans Development Corporation Limited
   81.    Kerala School Teachers & Non Teaching Staff Welfare Corporation Limited
   82.    Kerala State Development Corp. for Christian Converts from SC & RC Limited
   83.    The Kerala State Development Corporation for SC & ST Limited
   84.    The Kerala State Handicapped Persons' Welfare Corporation Limited
   85.    Kerala State Palmyrah Products Dev. & Workers' Welfare Corporation Limited
   86.    Kerala State Women's Development Corporation Limited
   87.    Kerala State Backward Classes Development Corporation Limited
   88.    Kerala State Ex-servicemen Development & Rehabilitation Corporation
   89.    Kerala State Maritime Development Corporation Limited
   90.    Kerala Shipping & Inland Navigation Corporation Limited
   91.    Kerala State Electricity Board
   92.    Kerala State Road Transport Corporation
   93.    Kerala Water Authority
   94.    Kerala State Housing Board
   95.    Overseas Development & Employment Promotion consultants Limited
    96    Kerala Medical Services Corporation Limited
    97    Indian Institute of Information Technology and Management- Kerala
    98    Kerala State Information Technology Infrastructure Limited
    99    Norka Roots Limited
   100    Malabar Distilleries Limited
   101    Aralam Farming Corporation of (Kerala ) Limited
                                                                                       150
   6. The Chief Executive
      Kerala Shops & Commercial Establishment Workers’ Welfare Board,
      Thiruvananthapuram
   10. The Secretary, Kerala Buildings and Other Construction Workers Welfare Board
       Thycaud, Thiruvananthapuram
                                                                                      151
                                                                             ANNEXURE 2
FORM OF TENDER
From
To
Sir,
I/We hereby tender to supply, under the annexed general conditions of contract; the whole
of the articles referred to and described in the attached specification and schedule, or any
portion thereof, as may be decided by Government, at the rates quoted against each item.
The articles will be delivered within the time and at the places specified in the schedule.
*I/We am/are remitting/have separately remitted the required amount of ` ……… (Rupees
………………………………………………. only) as earnest money.
Yours faithfully
                                                  Signature ……………..………………………..
                                                 Address… ……………..………………………..
     Date:
     *(To be scored in cases where no earnest money deposit is furnished)
                                                                                        152
                                  GENERAL CONDITIONS
Sealed tenders are invited for the supply of the materials as specified in the schedule
below/attached.
1.   The tenders should be addressed to the officer mentioned below in a sealed cover with
     the tender number and name shown below duly superscribed on the cover.
2.   The tenders should be in the prescribed form which can be obtained from the officer
     mentioned below on payment of the price which is also noted below. Duplicate copies
     of tender forms will also be issued at the rate specified below. The cost of tender forms
     once paid will not be refunded. Tenders which are not in the prescribed form are
     liable to be rejected. The rates quoted should be only in Indian currency. Tenders in
     any other currency are liable to rejection.
3.   Intending tenderers should send their tenders so as to reach the Officer mentioned
     below, on due date and time (noted below). No tender received after the specified date
     and time will be accepted on any account. The rates will be considered firm for
     acceptance till the date mentioned below. Tenders not stipulating period of firmness
     and tenders with price variation clause and/or ‘subject to prior sale’ condition are
     liable to be rejected.
4.   (a) Every tenderer who has not registered his name with the state Government (Stores
     Purchase Department), should send along with his tender, an earnest money of one per
     cent of the total cost of the articles tendered for (rounded to the nearest rupee) subject
     to a minimum of ` 1500, if the amount calculated at one per cent of the value of the
     articles tendered for falls below ` 1500. The amount may be paid either by remittance
     into any Government Treasury in chalans in duplicate, duly countersigned by the
     officer mentioned below or by Demand Drafts (crossed) on the local branch of State
     Bank of Travancore/State Bank of India drawn in favour of the officer mentioned
     below. In the case of remittance into the treasury, chalan receipt should be forwarded
     along with the tender. Cheques will not be accepted. The earnest money of the
     unsuccessful tenderers will be returned within a period of one month after the tenders
     are settled; but that of the successful tenderers will be adjusted towards the security
     that will have to be deposited for the satisfactory fulfillment of the contract. “If the
     Earnest Money Deposit of the successful tenderer is not refunded within three months
     of finalization of the contract interest at the rate of interest paid for S.B. accounts by
     nationalized banks will be paid on the Earnest Money Deposit”.
     (b) Tenderers whose names are registered with Government (Stores Purchase
     Department) are generally exempted from furnishing earnest money for such articles
     for which they have registered their names. If they tender for stores other than those
     for which they have registered their names, they will have to furnish earnest money as
     in the case of unregistered firms. Registered firms will have to quote invariably in
                                                                                           153
     every tender they submit the registration number assigned to them by the Stores
     Purchase Department.
     (c ) (i)   Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises and Cottage Industries and Industrial co-
     operatives within the State which are certified as such by the Director of Industries and
     commerce or by the Regional Joint Directors of Industries and Commerce will be
     exempted from furnishing earnest money deposits in support of tenders submitted by
     them to Government Departments. The Khadi and village Industries Co-operative
     Societies and the institutions registered under the Literary, Scientific and Charitable
     Societies Act and financed by the Kerala Khadi and Village Industries Board within
     that State which are certified as such by the Secretary, Kerala Khadi Village Industries
     Board will be exempted from furnishing earnest money deposits in support of tenders
     submitted by them to Government Departments. Government Institutions/State
     Public Sector Industries which manufacture and supply stores will also be exempted
     from furnishing earnest money for tenders submitted by them.
     (ii) Micro and Small Enterprises and Industrial Co-operatives within the State which
     have been registered as such with the Industries Department (Department under the
     control of the Director of Industries and Commerce) on furnishing proof of such
     registration will be exempted from furnishing security deposit against contracts for
     supply of stores manufactured by them provided that an officer of and above the rank
     of Deputy Director of Industries and commerce having jurisdiction over the area also
     certifies to the soundness and reliability of the concerns to undertake the contracts.
     The Khadi and Village Industries Co-operative Societies within the State which have
     been registered as such with the Kerala Khadi and Village Industries Board and the
     institutions registered under the Literary, Scientific and Charitable Societies Act and
     which are financed by the Board within the State on furnishing proof of such
     registration will be exempted from furnishing security deposits against contracts for
     supply of stores manufactured by them provided that the Secretary, Kerala Khadi and
     Village Industries Board also certifies to the soundness and reliability of the concerns
     to undertake the contracts. Government Institutions or any Institutions listed in
     Annexure 16 which supplies stores, and Government of India Undertaking will also be
     exempted from furnishing security in respect of contracts for supply of stores.
     (d) In the matter of purchase of stores by the State Government Departments, Small
     Scale Industrial Units sponsored by the National Small Scale Industries Corporation
     Limited, New Delhi and in respect of which competency certificates are issued by the
     Corporation will be exempted from payment of Earnest Money Deposits and Security
     Deposits.
     (e) The exemption stipulated in clauses (b), (c) and (d) above will not however, apply
     to tenders for the supply of raw materials or dietary articles or stores on rate or
     running contract basis.
5.   The tenders will be opened on the appointed day and time in the office of the
     undersigned, in the presence of such of those tenderers or their nominees who may be
     present at that time.
                                                                                          154
6.    If any tenderer withdraws from his tender before the expiry of the period fixed for
      keeping the rates firm for acceptance, the earnest money if, any, deposited by him will
      be forfeited to Government or such action taken against him as Government think fit.
7.    Tenderers shall invariably specify in their tenders the delivery conditions including the
      time required for the supply of articles tendered for.
8.    (a) The tenderer shall clearly specify whether the articles offered bear Indian Standards
      Institution Certification Mark or not. In such cases, they shall produce copies of
      Certification mark along with their tender in support of it.
      (b) Tenderers shall clearly specify whether the goods are offered from indigenous
      sources, from imported stocks in India or from foreign sources to be imported under a
      license. Government reserves the right to reject offers for import of goods if the Import
      Trade Control Policy in force at the time of award of the contract prohibits or restricts
      such imports.
9.    The final acceptance of the tenders rests entirely with the Government who do not
      bind themselves to accept the lowest or any tender. But the tenderers on their part
      should be prepared to carry out such portion of the supplies included in their tenders
      as may be allotted to them.
10.   In the case of materials of technical nature the successful tenderer should be prepared
      to guarantee satisfactory performance for a definite period under a definite penalty.
12. (a) The successful tenderer shall, before signing the agreement and within the period
     specified in the letter of acceptance of his tender deposit a sum equivalent to 5 per cent
     of the value of the contract as security for the satisfactory fulfillment of the contract
     less the amount of money deposited by him along with his tender. The amount of
     security may be deposited in the manner prescribed in clause 4 supra or in
     Government Treasury Savings Bank and the Pass Book pledged to Purchasing Officer
     or in Fixed Deposit Receipts of State Bank of Travancore/State Bank of India endorsed
     in favour of the above officer. Letters of guarantee in the prescribed form for the
     amount of security from an approved Bank will also be considered enough at the
     discretion of government. If the successful tenderer fails to deposit the security and
     execute the agreement as stated above, the earnest money deposited by him will be
     forfeited to Government and contract arranged elsewhere at the defaulter’s risk and
     any loss incurred by Government on account of the purchase will be recovered from
                                                                                            155
      the defaulter who will, however, not be entitled to any gain accruing thereby. If the
      defaulting firm is a registered firm their registration is liable to be cancelled.
      (b)     In cases where a successful tenderer, after having made partial supplies fails to
      fulfil the contracts in full, all or any of the materials not supplied may at the discretion
      of the Purchasing Officer, be purchased by means of another tender/ quotation or by
      negotiation or from the next higher tenderer who had offered to supply already and
      the loss, if any, caused to the Government shall thereby together with such sums as
      may be fixed by the Government towards damages be recovered from the defaulting
      tenderer.
      (c)     Even in cases where no alternate purchases are arranged for the materials not
      supplied, the proportionate portion of the security deposit based on the cost of the
      materials not supplied at the rate shown in the tender of the defaulter shall be forfeited
      and balance alone shall be refunded.
      (d)     If the contractor fails to deliver all or any of the stores or perform the service
      within the time/period(s) specified in the contract, the purchaser shall without
      prejudice to its other remedies under the contract, deduct from the contract price as
      liquidated, damages, a sum equivalent to 0.5% or 1% of the delivered price of the
      delayed stores or unperformed services for each week of delay until actual delivery or
      performance, upto a maximum deduction of 10% of the contract prices of the delayed
      stores or services. Once the maximum is reached, the purchaser may consider
      termination of the contract at the risk and cost of the contractor.
13.   The security deposit shall, subject to the conditions specified herein, be returned to the
      contractor within three months after the expiration of the contract, but in the event of
      any dispute arising between the Department concerned and the contractor, the
      Department shall be entitled to deduct out of the deposits or the balance thereof, until
      such dispute is determined the amount of such damages, costs, charges and expenses
      as may be claimed. The same may also be deducted from any other sum which may be
      due at any time from Government to the contractor. In all cases where there are
      guarantee for the goods supplied the security deposit will be released only after the
      expiry of the guarantee period. If the Security is not released even after the completion
      of one year, from the date of expiry of the period of contract provided there are no
      complaints against the contractor. Interest at the rate of interest paid for S.B. accounts
      by nationalized banks will be paid on the Security Deposit.
      (a)   “If the Earnest Money Deposit/Security Deposit is not released within the
      period specified for no fault of the Contractor, the loss incurred to Government shall be
      made good from the Officer responsible for the belated release of the Earnest Money
      deposit/Security Deposit.”
14.   (a) All payments to the contractors will be made by the Purchasing Officer in due
      course:-
      (i) either by Departmental cheques payable at the Kerala Government Treasuries; or
      (ii) by cheques or drafts on the Reserve Bank of India, State Bank of India and State
           Bank of Travancore (at any of their Principal Branches in India).
                                                                                              156
      (iii) In the case of supplies from abroad by drafts as may be, arranged between the
            contracting parties.
      (b) All incidental expenses incurred by the Government for making payments
      outside the district in which the claim arises shall be borne by the contractor.
15.   The tenderers shall quote also the percentage of rebate (discount) offered by them in
      case the payment is made promptly within fifteen days/within one month of taking
      delivery of stores.
16.   Ordinarily payments will be made only after the supplies are actually verified and
      taken to stock but in exceptional cases, payments against satisfactory shipping
      documents including certificates of Insurance will be made up to 90 percent of the
      value of the materials at the discretion of Government. Bank charges incurred in
      connection with payment against documents through bank will be to the account of
      the contractor. The firms will produce stamped pre-receipted invoices in all cases
      where payments (advance/final) for release of railway receipts/shipping documents
      are made through banks. In exceptional cases where the stamped receipts of the firms
      are not received for the payments (in advance) the unstamped receipt of the Bank (i.e.,
      counterfoils of pay-in-slips issued by the Bank) alone may be accepted as a valid proof
      for the payment made.
17.   The contractor shall not assign or make over the contract on the benefits or burdens
      thereof to any other person or body corporate. The contractor shall not underlet or
      sublet to any person or persons or body corporate the execution of the contract or any
      part thereof without the consent in writing of the purchasing officer who shall have
      absolute power to refuse such consent or to rescind such consent (if given) at any time
      if he is not satisfied with the manner in which the contract is being executed and no
      allowance or compensation shall be made to the contractor or the sub-contractor upon
      such rescission. Provided always that if such consent be given at any time, the
      contractor shall not be relieved from any obligation, duty or responsibility under this
      contract.
18. (a) In case the contractor becomes insolvent or goes into liquidation, or makes or
     proposes to make any assignment for the benefit of his creditors or proposes any
     composition with his creditors for the settlement of his debts, carries on his business or
     the contract under inspection on behalf of or his creditors, or in case any receiving
     order or orders, for the administration of his estate are made against him or in case the
     contractor shall commit any act of insolvency or case in which under any clause or
     clauses of this contract the contractor shall have rendered himself liable to damages
     amounting to the whole of his security deposits, the contract shall, thereupon, after
     notice given by the purchasing Officer to the contractor, be determined and the
     Department/ Government may complete the contract in such time and manner and by
     such persons as the Department/Government shall think fit. But such determination
     of the contract shall be without any prejudice to any right or remedy of the
     Government against the contractor or his sureties in respect of any breach of contract
                                                                                           157
      therefore committed by the contractor. All expenses and damages caused to
      Government by any breach of contract by the contractor shall be paid by the contractor
      to Government, and may be recovered from him under the provisions of the Revenue
      Recovery Act in force in the State.
      (b) The persons/contractors submitting tenders should produce a solvency certificate,
      clearly indicating to what extent they are solvent from the Tahsildar of the Taluk
      where they reside along with their tenders.
      NOTE: The solvency certificate referred to above will apply only in the case of supply
      of the following articles viz., dietary articles, fuels, raw materials like roots, creepers,
      flowers etc., and provisions to hospitals and hostels, sundry articles etc.
19.   (a) In case the contractor fails to supply and deliver any of the said articles and things
      within the time provided for delivery of the same, or in case the contractor commits
      any breach of any of the covenants, stipulations and agreements herein contained, and
      on his part to be observed and performed, then and in any such case, it shall be lawful
      for Government (if they shall think fit to do so) to arrange for the purchase of the said
      articles and things from elsewhere or on behalf of the Government by an order in
      writing under the hand of the Purchasing Officer put an end to this contract and in
      case the Government shall have incurred, sustained or been put to any costs, damages
      or expenses by reason of such purchase or by reason of this contract having been so
      put an end to or in case any difference in price, compensation, loss, costs, damages,
      expenses or other money shall then or any time during the continuance of this contract
      be payable by the contractor to the Government under and by virtue of this contract, it
      shall be lawful for the Government from and out of any moneys for the time being
      payable or owing to the contractor from the Government under or by virtue of this
      contract or otherwise to pay and reimburse to the Government all such costs, damages
      and expenses they may have sustained, incurred or been put to by reason of the
      purchase made elsewhere or by reason of this contract having been so put an end to as
      aforesaid and also all such difference in price, compensation, loss, costs, damages,
      expenses and other moneys as shall for the time being be payable by the contractor
      aforesaid.
      (b) In case any difference or dispute arises in connection with the contract, all legal
      proceeding relating to the matter shall be instituted in the Court within whose
      jurisdiction the Purchasing Officer voluntarily resides.
20.   Any sum of money due and payable to the contractor (including security deposit
      returnable to him) under this contract may be appropriated by the Purchasing Officer
      or Government or any other person authorized by Government and set off against any
      claim of the Purchasing Officer or Government for the payment of a sum of money
      arising out of or under any other contract made by the contractor with the Purchasing
      Officer or Government or any other person authorized by Government. Any sum of
      money due and payable to the successful tenderer or contractor from Government
      shall be adjusted against any sum of money due to Government from him under any
      other contracts.
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21.   Every notice hereby required or authorized to be given may be either given to the
      contractor personally or left at his residence or last known place of abode or business,
      or may be handed over to his agent personally, or may be addressed to the contractor
      by post at his usual or last known place of abode or business and if so addressed and
      posted, shall be deemed to have been served on the contractor on the date on which, in
      the ordinary course of post, a letter so addressed and posted would reach his place of
      abode or business.
22.   The tenderer shall undertake to supply materials according to the standard sample
      and/or specifications.
23.   (a) No representation for enhancement of rates once accepted will be considered.
      However, in exceptional cases if Government is convinced of any compelling need for
      enhancement of rate, it may do so.
      (b) In the case of imported goods, when the price accepted is the ex-site price quoted
      by the tenderer, the benefit of any reduction in the c.i.f. price should accrue to the
      purchasing Department of Government.
24.   Any attempt on the part of the tenderers or their agents to influence the
      Department/Stores Purchase Department in their favour by personal canvassing with
      the Officers concerned will disqualify the tenderers.
25.   Tenderers should be prepared to accept orders subject to the penalty clause for
      forfeiture of security in the even of default in supplies or failure to supply within the
      stipulated period.
26.   Samples should be forwarded if called for and unapproved samples go back by the
      tenderers at their own cost. Samples sent by V.P. Post or ‘freight to pay’ will not be
      accepted. The approved samples may or may not be returned at the discretion of the
      undersigned. Sample sent by post, railway or plane should be so despatched as to
      reach the Purchasing Officer not later than the date on which the tenders are due. In
      the case of samples sent by railway the receipt should be sent separately ant not along
      with the tender since the tender will be opened only on the appointed day and
      demurrage will have to be paid if the railway parcels are not cleared in time.
      Government will not be responsible if any sample if found missing at any time due to
      the non-observance of the provisions of this clause. Tenderers whose samples are
      received late will not be considered. Samples should be forwarded under separate
      cover duly listed and the corresponding number of the item in the tender schedule
      should also be noted in the list of samples. Tenders for the supply of materials are
      liable to be rejected unless samples, if called for, of the materials tendered for are
      forwarded.
27.   Telegraphic quotations will not be considered unless they give details of prices and are
      immediately followed by confirmation with full relevant details posted before the due
      date of the tender.
                                                                                           159
28.   (a) The prices quoted should be inclusive of all taxes, duties cesses, etc., which are or
      may become payable by the contractor under existing or future laws or rules of the
      country of origin/supply or delivery during the course of execution of the contract.
      (b) In case payment of customs/excise duty is to be made by the Purchasing Officer,
      the Purchasing Officer will pay the duty on the “unloaded invoice price” only in the
      first instance, any difference being paid when the tenderer produces, the final
      assessment orders later.
29.   The tenderer will invariably furnish the following certificate with their bills for
      payment:-
      “Certified that the goods on which sales tax has been charged have not been exempted
      under the Central Sales Tax Act or States Sales Tax Act or the Rules made thereunder
      and the charges on account of sales tax on these goods are correct under the provisions
      of the relevant Act or the rules made thereunder, Certified further that we (or our
      Branch or agent) (Address)………………………………………………………………….
      are registered as dealers in the State of ................................................................................
      under Registration No. …………………………………………………. for purposes of
      sales tax.”
30.   Special conditions, if any, of the tenderers attached with the tenders will not be
      applicable to the contract unless they are expressly accepted in writing by the
      purchaser.
31.   (This applies only to the case of supply contracts where works such as erection and
      construction have also to be done. This may be scored out when not applicable). In
      the event of any question or dispute arising under these conditions or any special
      conditions of this contract or in connection with this contract the same shall be referred
      to the award of an arbitrator to be nominated by the purchasing officer and an
      arbitrator to be nominated by the contractor or in case of the said arbitrators not
      agreeing then to the award of an umpire to be appointed by the arbitrators in writing
      before proceeding on the reference and the decision of the arbitration or in the event of
      their not agreeing of the umpire appointed by them shall be final and conclusive and
      the provision of the Indian Arbitration Act, 1940 and of the rules thereunder and any
      statutory modifications thereof shall be deemed to apply to and be incorporated in this
      contract. Upon every and any such reference the assessment of the costs incidental to
      their reference and award respectively shall be in the discretion of the arbitrators or in
      the event of their not agreeing of the umpire appointed by them. The venue of
      arbitration shall be the place from which the acceptance of tender is issued or such
      other place as the purchaser at his entire discretion may determine.
32.   The tenderer should send along with his tender an agreement executed and signed in
      Kerala Stamp Paper of value ` 15 purchased in the Kerala State. Stamp Paper will be
      supplied to firms outside Kerala along with the tender forms on payment of ` 20 (` 15
      being the value of the stamp paper and ` 5 incidental charges) which may be remitted
                                                                                                                           160
     by money order in advance. A specimen form of agreement is also given in this
     Annexure. Tenders without the agreement in stamped paper will be rejected outright.
     But in deserving cases where agreement has not been received, the purchasing officer
     may exercise his discretion and call upon such tenderer to execute the agreement
     within a period of ten days from the date of issue of such intimation, if the Purchasing
     Officer is satisfied that the omission to forward the agreement along with the tender
     was due to causes beyond the control of the tenderer and was not due to any
     negligence on his part. Agreement received from a tenderer after the above time limit
     will not be considered.
SCHEDULE OF MATERIALS
                                                                                         161
                                    AGREEMENT
WHEREAS the bounden has also deposited with the Government a sum of
`.………………………………………….. as earnest money for execution of an agreement
undertaking the due fulfillment of the contract in case his tender is accepted by the
Government.
1. In case the tender submitted by the bounden is accepted by the Government and the
   contract for ………………………… is awarded to the bounden, the bounden shall
   within …………….days of acceptance of his tender execute an agreement with the
   Government incorporating all the terms and conditions under which the Government
   accepts his tender.
2. In case the bounden fails to execute the agreement as aforesaid incorporating the
   terms and conditions governing the contract, the Government shall have power and
   authority to recover from the bounden any loss or damage caused to the Government
   by such breach as may be determined by the Government by appropriating the
   earnest money deposited by the bounden and if the earnest money is found to be
   inadequate the deficit amount may be recovered from the bounden and his properties
   movable and immovable in the manner hereinafter contained.
3. All sums found due to the Government under or by virtue of this agreement shall be
   recoverable from the bounden and his properties movable and immovable under the
   provisions of the Revenue Recovery Act for the time being in force as though such
   sums are arrears of land revenue and in such other manner as the Government may
   deem fit.
                                                                                   162
In witness whereof Shri…………………………………………………….. (H.E. name and
designation) for and on behalf of the Governor of Kerala and Shri.
……………………………………………. Bounden have hereunto set their hands the
day and year shown against their respective signatures.
1. ………………………………………………
2. ………………………………………………
1. ………………………………………………
2. ………………………………………………
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                                                                               ANNEXURE 3
N.B. – (i) Unless complete and definite answers are given to the questions below, the
       application is liable to be ignored.
       (ii) Separate sheets may be used where the space provided is not sufficient.
2.     (a)     Address
               Head Office
               Branches
       (b)     Name and address of allied or associated firms
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7.    Are you a manufacturer’s agent?
(a) Name, designation and addresses of the persons signing this application.
10. Name and full address of your bankers stating the name in which the account stands.
11.   Are you on the list of approved contractors of the following and if so, give details of
      Registration:-
12. Did you apply for registration with his Department before; if so, with what result.
13.   Has anyone in the Kerala Government Service any interest in the business (other
      than being a share-holder in the case of joint stock companies).
14.   Give details of any contracts executed during the last two years for any Government
      Department.
15.   Give details of the stores against which your name is to be registered (give the list of
      stores in triplicate).
16.   Have you remitted the prescribed registration fee? If so, give amount and date of
      remittance.
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17.      Where you or any other persons interested in the business removed/black-listed
         from the list of approved suppliers of this or any other Government.
18.      Have you been paying Income tax and Sales tax regularly?
         If so, attach certificates to that effect from the authorities concerned
We……………………………………………………………………………………………………….
(name of *Partners/Proprietors/or Directors) do hereby declare that the entries made in this
application form are True to the best of our knowledge and also that we shall be bound by
the acts of our duly, constituted Attorney Mr. ………………………………………… who has
signed this application and of any other person who in future may be appointed by us in his
stead to carry on the business of the concern whether an intimation of such change is given
to you or not.
Place
Date
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………
Note: All subsequent changes in constitution of a firm, affecting the accuracy of the answers
now given should be promptly communicated to the Secretary, Stores Purchase Department,
Government Secretariat, Thiruvananthapuram.
                                                                                              166
                                                                          ANNEXURE 4
GROUP I
                                                                                 167
II   LIST OF STANDARD MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS OF STATIONERY
Annual Items
Binding Materials
Drawing materials
File Board
                                                          168
40   Coloured tape
41   Sealing wax
42   Computer stationery
Office Machines
Items specially indented by the Office of the Ministers and Chief Secretary
1    File cover
2    Plastic file folder
3    Chelpark ink (various colours)
4    Brill ink (various colours)
5    Refills for Reynolds ball pen
6    Reynolds ball pen
7    Jolter ball pen
8    Refill for other ball pen
                                                                              169
  9     Rubber piece, eraser and type eraser
 10     Ribbon cassettes
 11     Correction tape
 12     Correction fluid
 13     Glory (Office paste)
B DRAWING MATERIALS
D MISCELLANEOUS
                                                    170
18   Plywood and Hardboard
19   Packing boxes
20   Packing-Shemb, asbestos, rubber etc.
21   Rubber goods-Sheets, tubes, etc.
22   Shellac
23   Sewing machine
24   Soaps
25   Stoves
26   Sports goods
27   Weighing machine
28   Maps and Charts, etc.
29   Models
30   Musical Instruments
31   Laundry and Drycleaning equipments
GROUP II
                                                   171
 5   Leather grindery
 6   Leather belts, scabbards, etc.
 7   Leather beltings
 8   Leather washers
 9   Leather bags and case
19   Murocco leather
11   Saddlery
D    UPHOLSTERY MATERIALS
1    Upholstery cloth and leather cloth or Rexene
2    Plastics
GROUP III
 1   Abrasives
 2   Bees wax
 3   Boot polish
 4   Cuttleflesh bones
 5   Dubbin
 6   Destempers
 7   Enamels
 8   French polish
 9   Lacquers, diluents, thinners, etc.
10   Linseed oil
11   Metal polish, floor polish, etc.
12   Painting brushes
13   Paints R.M. and stiff
14   Turpentine
15   Varnishes
16   Wood oil
C VEGETABLE OILS
1    Coconut oil
2    Gingelly oil
3    Castrol oil
4    Groundnut oil
5    Others
                                                       172
                                   GROUP IV
A MEDICAL
 1   Antibiotics
 2   Artificial limbs and rehabilitation aids
 3   Ayurveda superior medicines for preparation of drugs
 4   Chemicals
 5   Bottles, corks, etc.
 6   Chemicals (other than Heavy Chemicals)
 7   Disinfectants
 8   Drugs
 9   Enamelware
10   Fungicide
11   Glassware
12   Hospital furniture and equipment
13   Insecticides, larvicides, etc.
14   Injectibles
15   Laboratory equipment
16   Oils (medical)
17   Pharmaceutical Products
18   Specialties patents
19   Sera and vaccines
20   Spirits
21   Surgical instruments
22   Surgical appliances
23   Surgical dressings
24   Tinctures, liniments, syrups
25   Veterinary and Horticultural Medicines
B ELECTRO MEDICALS
1    X-ray apparatus
2    X-ray accessories
3    Other electro-medical equipment
4    Radium
5    Photographic materials–miscellaneous
C PHOTOGRAPHIC MATERIALS
                                                            173
 3   Chemicals fertilizers
 4   Chemical dyes
 5   Colours
 6   Heavy chemicals
 7   Hoses for oils, etc.
 8   Plant protection chemicals
 9   Pure and fine chemicals
10   Laboratory chemicals and equipment in general
11   Quart, feldspar and gypsum
12   Soda ash and caustic soda
13   Sulphate of alumina
1    Ammunition
2    Explosive for rock drilling
3    Explosive for earth moving
F MINERAL PRODUCTS
1    Quartz, F and G
2    Graphite
3    Plumbago
GROUP V
A HARDWARE
 1   Bearings
 2   Bolts and nuts, rivets
 3   Builders hardware
 4   Buckets
 5   Barbed wire
 6   C.I. scraps
 7   C.I. pipes, bends and other castings
 8   G.I. sheets and wire
9.   Expanded metal
10   Fabrications and fittings
11   G.I. wire netting, webbing, etc.
12   G.I. fittings for electric transmission lines, etc.
13   Handcuffs
14   Iron chains
15   M.S. rounds, flats, angle, channels, hoops, etc.
16   Iron safes, cash boxes, etc.
17   M.S. washers
18   Locks
19   Nails and screws
20   Non-ferrous metals, alloys, ingots, sheets, wires, rods, pipes, etc.
21   Pig iron
22   Pully blocks
23   Rails, fish-plates, etc.
24   R.S. girders, joints, etc.
                                                                            174
25   Stay tighterners
26   Spring steel
27   Springs
28   Type metal
29   Tin containers
30   Tool steel
31   Turn buckles
32   Utensil – brass, copper, aluminium, etc.
33   Wire brushes
34   Wire ropes
                                                                             175
C    WATERWORKS AND SANITARY GOODS
GROUP VI
A GENERAL MACHINERY
 1   Air compressors
 2   Boilers, etc.
 3   Bitumen boilers, concrete mixtures, etc.
 4   Concrete mixers, vibrators, etc.
 5   Ceramic machinery
 6   Cranes, winches, derricks, etc.
 7   Dam and barrage equipment-gates, control, etc.
 8   Diesel locomotives
 9   Earthmoving machinery
10   Electric blowers
11   Electrodes
12   Filter plant
13   Filter-streamline for oils
14   Gas, steam and oil engines
15   Granulators
16   Ice plant
17   Laboratory Engines
18   Machines, tools and accessories
19   Metal working machinery
20   Marine engine
21   Machinery for smithy shop
22   Poultry farm equipment
23   Pneumatic tools and accessories
24   Machinery for milk and milk products
     Trailer Pumps
25   Pumpsets and accessories
26   Road making and dressing machinery
27   Road rollers
                                                             176
28   Stone crushers
29   Tipping wagons
30   Textile machinery
31   Trailer pumps
32   Welding sets
33   Well drilling equipment
34   Wood working machinery
35   Wheel barrows
36   Coir Rat Machinery
37   Weed Cutter/Brush Cutter
38   Garden Tiller/Mini Tiller
39   Earth Augur
40   Lawn Mover
41   Tea Plucker
42   Power Weeder
43   Chain Saw
44   Pole Pruner
45   Hedge Trimmer
46   Fogging Machine
47   Uruli Roaster
48   Vacuum Cleaner
49   High Pressure Cleaner
50   Shreader
51   Rubber Roller
52   Paddy Thresher
53   Paddy Winnover
54   Paddy Thresher cum Winnover
55   Copra Drier
56   Chaff Cutter
57   Pulveriser
58   Rice Huller
59   Oil Expeller/Filter press
60   Freezer
61   Plastic Shredding Machine
62   Sanitary Napkin Vending Machine/Destroyer
63   Leaf cup/plate making machine
64   Machineries/equipments for slaughter house
65   Paper carry bag/cup/plate/envelop making machine
66   Potato chips making machine
67   Pappad/Chapati making machine
68   Vermicelli making machine
69   Pet bottle/Pouch/bottle making machine
70   Banana fibre extracting machine
71   Coir de-fibering machine
72   Power laundry machinery
73   Packing/sealing machine
74   Electric Motors
75   Diesel/Petrol Engines
76   Petty and para with accessories
77   Alternators
78   Cream separator
79   Egg incubator/hatcher
                                                        177
80   Bailing machine
81   Bailing press
 1   Agricultural –Tractors
 2   Vehicles petrol driven
 3   Vehicles, diesel driven
 4   Cars
 5   Jeeps
 6   Garage tools and equipment
 7   Tyres, tubes and flaps
 8   Motor spares
 9   Trailers
10   Power sprayer for plant protection work
11   Manually operated compression sprayer for plant protection work
12   Combine harvester
13   Paddy transplanter
14   Power tiller
15   Nursery raising machines
16   Seedling machine
17   Mini tractors with accessories
18   Trailer for Tractor/Tiller/Jeep
19   Garbage trailer/Tipping trailer
20   Trailer mounted water tanks with pump
21   Paddy reaper
                                                                       178
                                     GROUP VII
 1   Accumulator cell
 2   A.C.S.R. conductors and Accessories
 3   Air conditioning equipment
 4   Amplifiers
 5   Batteries for vehicles, etc.
 6   Battery plates
 7   Cells, Dry
 8   Copper conductors
 9   Cables – V.I.R., C.T.S. weather proof P.V.C. etc.
10   Cables underground
11   Conduits and accessories
12   Carbon brushes
13   Electric lifts
14   Electric motors
15   Electric fractional
16   Electric appliances-stoves, heaters, ironing box, etc.
17   Electric bulbs
18   Flashlights, cells, bulbs
19   Flood lights
20   Fans-table, ceiling, exhaust and others
21   Generating sets
22   Hydro-electric machinery
23   Insulators L.T.
24   Insulators H.T.
25   Insulating materials
26   Lamps – General service and others
27   Lighting arresters
28   P.A. equipment
29   Meters and other measuring instruments
30   Penstock lines
31   Power packs
32   Radios
33   Rectifiers
34   Refrigerators, cold storage, etc.
35   Shades, globes, etc.
36   Storage batteries
37   Steel windows, ventilators, rolling shutters, etc. for power house
38   Siren
39   Street light, reflectors, etc.
40   Switchgear
41   Transformers
42   Telephone and accessories
43   Transmission line towers
44   Transmission line materials
45   Turbines, water wheels
46   Water coolers
47   Wires-enameled, fuse, etc.
48   Wiring accessories
                                                                          179
        49      LED Products (LED Lighting System)
        50      Solar energy/lighting systems and accessories
        51      CFL Road Lighting Luminaries
        52      Fluorescent Fixtures
        53      Electrical Spares
        54      Electronic Brackets
        55      Mounting Brackets
        56      LED Street Light
        57      Sodium Vapour Lamp Fittings
        58      Control Panel Board
        1       Electronic Typewriter
        2       Electronic Tape recorder
        3       Computer and computer peripherals
        4       Telecommunication equipments and micro processor development system
 
                                         GROUP VIII
 
A BUILDING MATERIALS
    1        Asphalt (Bitumen)
    2        Tar (Coal or wood)
    3        Other road dressing materials
C FUELS
    1        Charcoal
    2        Coal and coke
    3        Firewood
GROUP IX
A OFFICE – FURNITURE
    1        Cane furniture
    2        Steel furniture
    3        Wooden furniture
                                                                                  180
    B    HOSPITAL FURNITURE - STEEL FURNITURE
     1   Bedsteads
     2   Beside lockers
     3   Instruments tools
     4   Exam. Table
     5   Trolleys’
     6   Stretchers, etc.
GROUP X
    OTHERS
 
    1     Bicycles/Tricycles
    2     Tender coconut parlour/elaneer pandal
    3     Bio fertilizers/bio pesticides
    4     Honey bee colony with extractor
    5     Seeds and seedlings
    6     Rain water harvesting system
    7     Shade net
    8     UV film
    9     Tarpaulin
    10    Green House, Poly house, glass house, mist chamber etc.
    11    Solar battery, solar drier, solar water heater, solar panel, solar lantern, solar
          cooker
    12    Grow bags
                                                                                              181
                                                                           ANNEXURE 5
Serial No.
Date of application
Registration No.
Full Address
Cable/Grams
Telephone No.
E mail address
Web site address
………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………
   1. Name             ………………………………………………………………………
      Designation      ……………………………………………………………………..
   2. Name             ………………………………………………………………………
      Designation      ………………………………………………………………………
   3. Name             ………………………………………………………………………
      Designation
                                                                                     182
                                     Renewal of Registration
Remarks
                                                                                     183
                                                                              ANNEXURE 6
                      CERTIFICATE OF REGISTRATION
          STORES PURCHASE DEPARTMENT, GOVERNMENT OF KERALA
Registration No………………………….
Messrs…………………………………………………………………………………………………...
is/are registered as approved suppliers to the Government of Kerala in respect of the Stores
specified below. The registration is subject to the conditions stipulated overleaf.
CONDITIONS OF REGISTRATION
1. The registration should be renewed before the validity expires. This certificate should be
   returned with the application for renewal.
2. Application for renewal will be accepted without penalty till the last date of validity
   mentioned obverse, and with penalty fee of `25 upto one month thereafter. The
   application should be supported by the prescribed fee and necessary tax clearance
   certificates.
3. Any change of address should be notified promptly.
4. The registration No. should be quoted in all tenders/quotations submitted by the firm.
   They should also certify that they are registered for the articles tendered for.
5. Registration may be cancelled for any of the following reasons:-
   i) Failure to renew registration within the prescribed time.
   ii) Failure to observe the instructions given in the tender notices including schedule.
   iii) Failure to quote in response to invitations to tender on four successive occasions.
   iv) Submission of four successive quotations all of which are 50% or more above the
        quotation ultimately accepted.
   v) Failure to secure a contract during the first three year period after registration.
   vi) Failure to perform a contract or contracts satisfactorily and in accordance with the
        obligations of the contract.
   vii) Any grounds which in the opinion of Government render the retention of the
        contractor’s name on the list of approved contactors undesirable in public interest.
                                                                                         184
                                                                              ANNEXURE 7
        Registration No.
        Thiruvananthapuram
                                                                           Date:
NOTE:
(1)   New number assigned to you should be quoted as the Registration Number in all
      tenders submitted by you to the Officers of the Kerala Government.
(2)   Application for further renewal should be made before the validity of this renewal
      expires, accompanied by the prescribed fee and documents.
(3)   Failure to renew the Registration within a period of two years from date of expiry will
      entail automatic cancellation of the Registration.
                                                                                         185
                                                                             ANNEXURE 8
         General Details
   Department
   Indent No:
   Date:
   Reference, if any:
   Has the required funds been
   provided for in the budget for
   the year?
   If funds not budgeted, give
   details of sanction for
   expenditure for the purchase
        Purchase Details
    Sl.                 Particulars                              Details
    No.
     1      Sanction order details
I hereby certify that the purchase of the Stores included in this indent is within my
administrative powers/has been sanctioned by competent authority vide the sanction order
noted in the remarks column of the indent.
Station:
                                                                              Signature and
Date:                                                       Designation of Indenting Officer
Note: Annexure 8 has been modified. The modification need to be incorporated in Form
      No. 13 of the Kerala Financial Code, Vol. II.
                                                                                         186
                                                 REVERSE OF K.F.C. FORM 13
Sl.   Articles with   Stock on   Purchase Quantity      Rate at which    Name        Purpose      Place at Classification Remarks
No.        full      hand after   of the  required   last purchased or   of last    for which      which      number
       description verification    year    for the    estimated cost if supplier   articles are   delivery
      and accurate              including   year       fresh purchase              required to       is
      specification,            goods on             (which should be                 guide        sought
           etc.                   order                   specified)                 supply
                                                     Unit     Amount
                                                            Rs.      Ps.
 1         2            3          4         5         6      7             8           9           10          11          12
                                                                                                                                 187
                                                                          ANNEXURE 9
                                                                                     188
45   The Secretary, Land Board, Thiruvananthapuram
46   The Controller of Legal Metrology, Thiruvananthapuram
47   The Director, Local Fund Audit Department, Thiruvananthapuram
48   The Transport Commissioner, Motor Vehicles Department, Thiruvananthapuram
49   The Director, Urban Affairs Directorate, Thiruvananthapuram
50   The Director, Museum & Zoo Department, Thiruvananthapuram
51   The Director General, N.C.C. (K&L), NCC Directorate, Thiruvananthapuram
52   The Director, National Savings Department, Thiruvananthapuram
53   The Director, Panchayat Department, Thiruvananthapuram
54   The Director General of Police, Thiruvananthapuram
55   The Director of Printing, Government Central Press, Thiruvananthapuram
56   State Librarian, Public Library, Thiruvananthapuram
57   The Chief Engineer, (Roads & Bridges), P.W.D., Thiruvananthapuram
58   The Chief Engineer, (Bldgs. & Local Works) P.W.D., Thiruvananthapuram
59   The Chief Engineer (National Highway & Admn.), P.W.D., Thiruvananthapuram
60   The Chief Engineer (DRIQ Board, Thiruvananthapuram)
61   The Chief Architect, Public Works Department, Thiruvananthapuram
62   The Director, Scheduled Caste Development Department, Thiruvananthapuram
63   The Director, Social Welfare Department, Thiruvananthapuram
64   The Director, State Water Transport Department, Alappuzha
65   The Controller of Stationery, Thiruvananthapuram
66   The Director, Survey & Land Records Department, Thiruvananthapuram
67   The Chief Town Planner, Town & Country Planning Department, Thiruvananthapuram
68   The Director, Tourism Department, Thiruvananthapuram
69   The Director, Treasuries Department, Thiruvananthapuram
70   The Inspector General of Registration, Vanchiyoor, Thiruvananthapuram
71   The Director, Information Public Relations Department, Thiruvananthapuram
72   The Chief Engineer (Mechanical), Irrigation Department, Thiruvananthapuram
73   The Chief Engineer (Irrigation & Admn.), Thiruvananthapuram
74   The Director, Kerala State Lotteries, Thiruvananthapuram
75   The Director, Sainik Welfare, Thiruvananthapuram
76   The Director, Sports & Youth Affairs Department, Thiruvananthapuram
78   The Director, Medical Education Department, Thiruvananthapuram
79   The Director, Mining & Geology Department, Thiruvananthapuram
80   The Director of Ports, Thiruvananthapuram
81   The Director, Scheduled Tribes Development Department, Vikas Bhavan,
     Thiruvananthapuram
82   The Director Vigilance & Anti Corruption Bureau, Kerala, Thiruvananthapuram
                                                                                189
                                                                                ANNEXURE 10
Quotation Number
Due date and time for receipt of quotations
Date and time for opening of quotations
Date up to which the rates are to remain firm for
acceptance
Designation and address of officer to whom the
quotation is to be addressed
Sealed quotations are invited for the supply of the materials specified in the schedule
attached below/overleaf. The rates quoted should be for delivery of the articles at the place
mentioned below the schedule. The necessary superscription, due date for the receipt of
quotations, the date up to which the rates will have to remain firm for acceptance and the
name and address of officer to whom the quotation is to be sent are noted above. Any
quotation received after the time fixed on the due date is liable to be rejected. The maximum
period required for delivery of the articles should also be mentioned. Quotations not
stipulating period of firmness and with price variation clause and/or ‘subject to prior sale’
condition are liable to be rejected.
                                                                                          190
3.   Samples, duly listed, should be forwarded if called for under separate cover and the
     unapproved samples got back as early as possible by the offerers at their own expenses
     and the Government will in no case be liable for any expenses on account of the value
     of the samples or their transport charges, etc. In case, the samples are sent by railway;
     the railway receipt should be sent separately, and not along with the quotation since
     the quotation will be opened only on the appointed day and demurrage will have to be
     paid if the railway parcels are not cleared in time. Quotations for the supply of
     materials are liable to be rejected unless samples, if called for of the materials tendered
     for are forwarded. The approved samples may or may not be returned at the
     discretion of the undersigned. Samples sent by V.P. Post or “freight to pay” will not be
     accepted.
5.   Any attempt on the part of tenderers or their agents to influence the Officers concerned
     in their favour by personal canvassing will disqualify the tenderers.
6.   If any license or permit is required, tenderers must specify in their quotation and also
     state the authority to whom application is to be made.
7.   The quotation may be for the entire or part supplies. But the tenderers should be
     prepared to carry out such portion of the supplies included in their quotation as may
     be allotted to them.
8.   (a) In cases where a successful tenderer, after having made partial supplies fails to
     fulfill the contracts in full, all or any of the materials not supplied may, at the
     discretion of the Purchasing Officer be purchased by means of another
     tender/quotation or by negotiation or from the next higher tenderer who had offered
     to supply already and the loss, if any, caused to the Government shall thereby together
     with such sums as may be fixed by the Government towards damages be recovered
     from the defaulting tenderer.
     (b) Even in cases where no alternate purchases are arranged for the materials not
     supplied, the proportionate portion of the security deposit based on the cost of the
     materials not supplied at the rate shown in the tender of the defaulter shall be forfeited
     and balance alone shall be refunded.
     (c) Any sum of money due and payable to the contractor (including Security Deposit
     returnable to him) under this contract may be appropriated by the Purchasing Officer
     or Government or any other person authorized by Government and set-off against any
     claim of the Purchasing Officer or Government for the payment of a sum of money
     arising out of or under any other contract made by the contractor with the Purchasing
     Officer or Government or any other person authorized by Government.
                                                                                            191
9.     The prices quoted should be inclusive of all taxes, duties, cesses, etc., which are or may
       become payable by the contractor under existing or future laws or rules of the country
       of origin/supply or delivery during the course of execution of the contract.
10.    (a) Ordinarily payments will be made only after the supplies are actually verified and
       taken to stock but in exceptional cases, payments against satisfactory shipping
       documents including certificates of Insurance will be made up to 90 per cent of the
       value of the materials at the discretion of Government. Bank charges incurred in
       connection with payment against documents through bank will be to the account of
       the contractor. The firms will produce stamped pre-receipted invoices in all cases
       where payments (advance/final) for release of railway receipts/shipping documents
       are made through Banks. In exceptional cases where the stamped receipts of the firms
       are not received for the payments (in advance) the unstamped receipt of the Bank (i.e.
       counterfoils of pay-in-slips issued by the Bank) alone may be accepted as a valid poor
       for the payment made.
       (b) The tenderers shall quote also the percentage of rebate (discount) offered by them
       in case the payment is made promptly within fifteen days/within one month of taking
       delivery of stores.
11.    Any sum of money due and payable to the successful tenderer or contractor from
       Government shall be adjusted against any sum of money due to Government from him
       under any other contracts.
12.    Special conditions, if any, printed on the quotation sheets of the tenderer or attached
       with the tender will not be applicable to the contract unless they are expressly accepted
       in writing by the purchases.
     Place:
     Date:                                                           (Designation)
                                                                                             192
                                                                                      ANNEXURE 11
Sealed quotations are invited for the supply of the following stores:
(Here mention the stores briefly with quantity and wherever possible quality also.)
Last date for receipt of quotations is ………………… Late quotations will not be accepted.
The quotations will be opened at ……………….. on …………… in the presence of such of the
tenderers or their authorized representatives who may be present at that time.                   The
maximum period required for delivery of the articles should also be mentioned.
Details of the requirements and the conditions governing their supply can be obtained free
on request from (H.E. Designation of Purchasing Officer) till ………….……………………
Place:
Date:                                                  (Name and Designation of Issuing Officer)
                                                                                                 193
                                                                                      ANNEXURE 12
                                 FORM OF SHORT TENDER NOTICE
Sealed tenders are invited for the supply of the following stores:
(Here mention the stores briefly with quantity and wherever possible quality also.)
Last date for receipt of tenders will be          ………………… Late tenders will not be accepted.
The      tenders   will     be   opened      at    ………………………………………………….                           on
……………………….……. in the presence of such of the tenderers or their authorized
representatives who may be present at that time.
Intending tenderers may, on application to the (H.E. Designation of the Purchasing Officer)
obtain the requisite tender forms on which tenders should be submitted. Application for the
tender form should be accompanied by a cash remittance of ` ……………………………….
which is the price fixed for a form/set of forms and which is not refundable under any
circumstances. The tender forms are not transferable. Sale of tender forms will be closed at
………………………… on …………………. Cheques, postage stamps, etc., will not be
accepted towards the cost of forms, nor will the forms be sent per V.P.P. Duplicate tender
forms, if required will be issued at ` ………………….. per copy.
Place:
Date:                                                      (Name and Designation of Issuing Officer)
                                                                                                 194
                                                                                ANNEXURE 13
There is a system whereby the Indian Standards Institution, New Delhi issue licenses to
approved manufacturers for the I.S.I Certification mark to be used in their manufacture as a
stamp that they are approved quality. It is assumed that in such cases the goods bearing
I.S.I mark would conform to the standard specification of the Indian Standards Institution.
In accordance with the agreement between he Indian Standards Institution and the licensees
it is obligatory that they (the licensees) should replace free of cost all I.S.I. marked products
which are found to be sub-standard at the user’s end. Therefore, if any complaint is brought
to their notice they would make the organization to replace the stocks by materials of
standard quality free of cost. However in order for the I.S.I. to take effective action the
information in regard to the quality of the I.S.I. marked material should be sent soon after
the receipt of the materials. It is suggested therefore that full advantage should be taken of
the good offices of the Indian Standards Institution and in the case of I. S. I. marked goods
where they are not of standard quality, it should be promptly reported to the Indian
Standards Institution by the concerned Departments through Government.
The I. S. I. periodically publish the list of manufacturers holding valid licenses to use their
Certification marks showing the products for which the licenses are granted.
                                                                                             195
                                                                              ANNEXURE 14
When tenders are invited from abroad, the following instructions should be observed.
1. A sufficient supply of tender forms with the relevant documents, specifications and
   drawings should be sent as soon as possible to the wing of the Central Purchase
   Organisation concerned which will give such publicity to the invitation to tender as it
   considers to be most suitable for the purposes, either by advertisement in the
   newspapers or otherwise. It will, as a rule, advertise the invitation to tender in the
   newspapers if the value of the articles required is estimated at ` 1,00,000 or more. It will
   also instruct intending tenderers outside India to apply to it for the tender forms and will
   supply copies on payment in Sterling of the charges (if any) to be fixed by it in each case.
   It will at the same time instruct the tenderers to submit their tenders direct to the
   Purchasing Officer in India and not to them. The Purchasing Officer in India will place
   the order direct with the successful tenderer.
2. When it is desired to have the recommendation of the technical advisers of the Central
   Purchase Organisation, i.e., the Consulting Engineers, the Naval Architects etc., on the
   tenders before the order is placed, the Purchasing Officer should stipulate in the
   invitation to tender that a complete duplicate of the tender should be delivered to them,
   on the date as that fixed for the receipt of the tenders in India. The Central Purchase
   Organisation will then arrange for the examination of the tenders by the appropriate
   technical authority and will convey by the easiest means its recommendation to the
   Purchasing Officer in India.
3. The Purchasing Officer should make it clear in every tender form that the articles
   concerned must be delivered in India, that payment will be made in Indian Rupees, and
   that any tender which does not comply with these conditions will not be considered.
   Tenderers abroad should also be required to specify their agents in India through whom
   delivery will be arranged and payment received and who when so required, will arrange
   for the erection of the plant at the site and for the carrying out of such tests on
   completion as may be specified in the contract.
4. It is important that purchasing officers should bear in mind, when considering the
   desirability of calling for tenders abroad, the need for allowing sufficient time for the
   receipt and publication of invitations to tender, the receipt of the tender forms by the
   tenderers, and the preparation and despatch of the tenders to India.
                                                                                           196
                                                                              ANNEXURE 15
   (1) If the tenderer withdraws or amends, impairs or derogates from the tender in any
       respect within the period of validity of this tender.
   (2) If the tenderer having been notified of the acceptance of his tender by the Purchaser
       during the period of its validity:-
       a) If the tenderer fails to furnish the Performance Security for the due performance
            of the contract
       b) Fails or refuses to accept/execute the contract.
WE undertake to pay the Purchaser upto the above amount upon receipt of its first written
demand, without the Purchaser having to substantiate its demand, provided that in its
demand the Purchaser will note that the amount claimed by it is due to it owing to the
occurrence of one or both the two conditions, specifying the occurred condition or
conditions.
This guarantee will remain in force upto and including 45 days after the period of tender
validity and any demand in respect thereof should reach the Bank not later than the above
date.
                                                                       ………………………….
                                              (Signature of the authorized officer of the Bank)
                                                ……………………………………………………..
                                                ……………………………………………………..
                                                         Name and designation of the Officer
                                                ……………………………………………………..
                                  Seal, name & address of the Bank and address of the Branch
                                                                                           197
              B. MODEL BANK GUARANTEE FORMAT FOR FURNISHING
                        PERFORMANCE SECURITY DEPOSIT
3.     We ………………….. Bank Limited further agree that the guarantee herein contained
shall remain in full force and effect during the period that would be taken for the
performance of the said agreement and that it shall continue to be enforceable till all the
dues of the Government under or by virtue of the said Agreement have been fully paid and
its claims satisfied or discharged of till ………………….(Office/Department) certified that
the terms and conditions of the said Agreement have been fully and properly carried out by
the said contractor(s) and accordingly discharges the guarantee. Unless a demand or claim
under this guarantee is made on us within one year from the period fixed or extended (if the
agreement/supply order specifically provide for such extension of time) for the due
performance of the contract by the contractor we shall be discharged from all liability under
this guarantee thereafter.
4.  We………………… Bank Limited further agree with the Government that the
Government shall have the fullest liberty without our consent and without affecting in any
manner our obligations hereunder to vary any of the terms and conditions of the said
Agreement or to extend time of performance by the said contractor(s) from time to time or
to postpone for any time or from time to time any of the powers exercisable by the
Government against the said contractor(s) and to forbear or enforce any of the terms and
conditions relating to the said Agreement and we shall not be relieved from our liability by
                                                                                         198
reason of any such variation or extension being granted to the said contractor(s) or for any
forbearance act or omission on the part of the Government or any indulgence by the
Government to the said contractor(s) or by any such matter or thing whatsoever which
under the law relating to sureties would but for this provision have effect of so relieving us.
5.   To give effect to this guarantee it shall be competent for the Government to act as
though the Bank, were the principal debtor.
6.    It is hereby expressly agreed and declared that this guarantee and the powers and
provisions herein contained are in addition to and not by way of limitation of or substitution
for any former or other guarantees or guarantee heretofore given by the Bank to the
Government and now existing uncancelled and that this guarantee is not intended to and
shall not revoke or limit such other guarantee or guarantees.
                                                                                           199
                                                                           ANNEXURE 16
                                                                                      200
                                                                          ANNEXURE 17
SUPPLEMENTAL AGREEMENT
Save as varied as aforesaid all the terms and conditions of the principal agreement shall
remain in full force and effect.
1………………………………………………………….
2………………………………………………………….
1……………………………………………………………….
2……………………………………………………………….
                                                                                      201
                                                                             ANNEXURE 18
                                                                                         202
                                                                           ANNEXURE 19
A list of items reserved for procurement from the Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises
within the State and if not available within the State, from the Micro, Small & Medium
Enterprises outside the State is given below:-
                                                                                     203
43   Coir fibre and coir yarn
44   Coir mattresses and cushions
45   Coir mattress and matting
46   Community receivers
47   Cones and Valves (for water fitting only)
48   Conduit pipes (Metallic)
49   Copper sulphate
50   Cotton card twine (other than Defence)
51   Cotton wool (Non-absorbent)
52   Cotton Hosiery (civil requirement only)
53   Crates wooden
54   Cumblies
55   Curtain mosquito (civil requirement only)
56   Copper napthenate
57   Corrugated board paper
58   Centrifugal pumps, suction and delivery 150mm x 150mm
59   Crucibles upto and including 31 kg. capacity
60   Domestic electric appliances, toasters electric, electrical iron, hot plate, electric mixer
     and grinder, juice mixer and grinder, juice extractor, electric lighter, electric oven
61   Distribution boards upto 15 amps
62   Drums and barrels
63   Dusters cotton all types except the items required in Khadi
64   Dust bins (civil requirements only)
65   Dust shield leather
66   Electric call bell
67   Electric buzzers
68   Electric soldering irons
69   Expanded metal
70   Eyelets
71   Film spools and cans
72   Film polythene
73   Football boots
74   French polish
75   Garments (civil requirement only)
76   Gas mantles
77   Gause cloth
78   Gauze surgical all types (civil requirements only)
79   Ghamellas (civil requirements only)
80   Glass ampoules
81   Graphite crucibles upto No. 200 (deleted)
82   Grease nipples and grease guns
83   Gun cases
84   Gun metal bushes
85   Glue
86   Gum tape
87   Hand drawn carts all types (civil requirements only)
88   Hand numbering machines
89   Handless wooden and bamboo
90   Hair passum wool
91   Hand gloves
92   Hand presses
93   Hide and country leather or all types (for civil requirements only)
                                                                                            204
94    Hob nails
95    Holdalls
96    Horse and mule shoes
97    Insecticides dust and sprayers (Manual only)
98    Invalid wheeled chairs
99    Iron clade switches (upto 30 amps)
100   Keys wooden
101   Kit bags
102   Kodali
103   Kullahs
104   L.T. Porcelain insulators Fuse Grip
105   Laces leather
106   Lanterns Posts and bodies
107   Latex form sponge
108   Lathies
109   Lamps hand
110   Lamp signal
111   Lamp holders
112   Leather bags
113   Leather boxes (not Army type)
114   Leather harness
115   Low cost radios (Medium wave band community rado receivers to Indian Standard
      Specification No. Sl.705-1955, IS. 706-1955 and IS. 1036-1957)
116   Magnesium sulphate
117   Metal clad switches
118   Mail bags, canvas, dassouti and jute
119   Manhole covers
120   Matches safety (except for defense)
121   Metal polish
122   Metric weights
123   Miniature bulbs (for torches only)
124   Nail cutters
125   Nail tip heal rustless
126   Newer (other than defense)
127   Ovens electric (domestic type)
128   Plastic cane
129   Playing cards
130   Pad locks, brass
131   Pad locks, G.I.
132   Paints remover
133   Palm rosa oil
134   Paper conversion products
135   Patient coats and pyjama
136   File fabric
137   Pillows (cotton)
138   Plaster of Paris
139   Plugs
140   Plugs-wooden
141   Polythene bags
142   Postal lead seals
143   Postal weighing scales
144   Pouches
                                                                               205
145   Pumps-hand
146   PVC footwear
147   Quilts, razaise (cotton)
148   Bags cotton (for civil requirements only)
149   Railway platform drinking water trolleys (for civil requirements)
150   Razors
151   Rivets of all types including bifurcated (except for defence requirements)
152   Soap soft (for civil requirements only)
153   Soap Liquid (for civil requirements)
154   Soap yellow (for civil requirements)
155   Sanitary towels
156   Storeware jares
157   Scientific laboratory glasswares (barring sophisticated items)like beakers, burette,
      pipette, conical glasses, round flasks, measuring cylinder, filter funnel, reagent bottle
158   Squiral cage induction motors upto and including 10 KW 440 Volts 3 phase
159   Scales beam (upto 30 Kgs)
160   Scissors cutting (ordinary scissors)
161   Screws machine
162   Screws wood (except for defence requirement)
163   Shellac
164   Shutters rolling
165   Shelve steel
166   Shoe laces
167   Sign boards-painted
168   Skin sheep – all types (for civil requirements only0
169   Silk ribbons
170   Skiboots and shoes
171   Snap fasteners (excluding for pcs.onse)
172   Sole leather (for civil requirements only)
173   Sodium silicate
174   Sanitary plumbing fittings (1. Toilet shelf, 2. Soap tray, 3. Robe hook, 4. Towel rail, 5.
      Toilet paper holder, 6. Laboratory sink, 7. Drawing board, 8. Mosaic washbasin, 9.
      Wall hung closet, 10. Wall hung bidet, 11. Taps, 12. Stop cock, 13. Knob, 14. Scout, 15.
      Waste bottle, 15. Ball cock, 17. Ball mixer, 18. Bath shower)
175   Soap washing or laundry soap (for civil requirements only)
176   Sockets
177   Spectacle frames
178   Spiked boots
179   Stapling machines
180   Steel desks
181   Steel racks
182   Steel stools
183   Steel trunks (for civil requirements only)
184   Steel wool
185   Stockimetta (for civil requirements only)
186   Stone curry and stone curry roller
187   Stoves oil (wick stoves only)
188   Street light fittings
189   Suit cases
190   Surgical gloves (except plastic
191   Tracks (mettallics)
192   Tape cotton(for civil requirements only)
                                                                                            206
193   Tarpaulins (for civil requirements only)
194   Teak fabricated round blocks
195   Tent poles
196   Tentage Civil/Military and Salitah Jute for Tentage. The first refers to Tentage for
      civil or military use and the second refers to Salitah Bags and Sheets for packing
      Military Tents and Accessories)
197   Tip boots
198   Tin trays
199   Tyres and tubes (Cycle)
200   Tiles
201   Toilet rolls
202   Transistor insulation testers
203   Umbrellas
204   Utensils aluminium
205   Utensils cooking (except stainless utensils and vessels pressure cookers) (for civil
      requirements only)
206   Utensils domestic (other than aluminium and stainless steels)
207   Wooden chairs
208   Waxed paper
209   Waterproof papers
210   Washers-leather
211   Welded wire mesh
212   Wheel barrows
213   Wicks cotton (for civil requirements only)
214   Wire adjusting screws
215   Wire nails and horse shoe nails
216   Wooden halves
217   Wooden packing cases of all sizes (for civil requirements only)
218   Wood wool
219    Woolen hosiery (for civil requirements only)
220    Electric transmission line hardware like steel crossbars, cross arms, clamps, arching
      harm, brackets, etc.
221   Domestic (house wiring) PVC cables and wires (aluminium) conforming to the
      prescribed ISI specifications and upto 10.00 mm sq. nominal cross section. However,
      this would not be applicable to Defense requirements.
222   Angur (Carpenters)
223   Wire netting and Gauze thicker than 100 mesh size
224   Steel Windows and Ventilators
225   M.S. Plain Washers
226   Wire Brushes and Fibre Brushes
227   AAC and ACSR conductors up to 19 strand. This is subject to observance of
      necessary discipline by trade for two years in the first instance after which the
      position would be revived further
228   Exhaust Mufflers (except in the case of original Equipment Manufacturers)
229   Wind Shield Wipers (Arms and Blades only) (except in the case of original
      Equipment Manufacturers)
230   Room Coolers (Desert Type)
231   Machine Shop Vices
232   Hypodermic Needles
233   Student Microscope
234   Stranded Wire
235   Absorbent Cotton (Wool)
                                                                                        207
236   Chaff Cutter Blade
237   Agricultural Implements
      a) hand operated tools and implements
      b) Animal driven implements
                                                                                    208
283   Cotton sling
284   Cotton straps
285   Cotton socks-Knitted
286   Cotton under garments – Knitted
287   Cotton vests-Knitted
288   Crow bars
289   Cupric nitrate-Laboratory Reagent
290   Cycle frames
291   Disinfectant fluid
292   Dividers
293   Door windows and ventilators – Metallic
294   Drawing Board
295   Drawing and mathematical instruments except drafting machines
296   Drinking water straws
297   Dry distempers
298   Dumpy levels
299   Emergency lamps
300   Fibre glass-Reinforced plastic products
301   Fire clay bricks and blocks
302   Fire works
303   Floor polishes
304   Flooring tiles
305   Forks cutlery
306   Fork handles – Cycles
307   Funnels
308   Fuse cutouts
309   Fuse units
310   Glass beads
311   Glass hallow wears by month blown/semi-automatic process
312   Graphite crucibles upto 500 nos
313   Hair oils
314   Hammers
315   Hand shovels
316   Handle bar grips
317   Handle-Bicycle
318   Haver sacks
319   Heaters and convectors upto 3 K.W.IS 4283/67
320   Helmet-Non-metallic
321   Hinges (other than door fittings)
322   Hose pipe clips (50% reservation)
323   Hot water bags-Rubber
324   Hurricane lantern
325   Ice bags-Rubber
326   Iron-dhobi
327   Industrial knives
328   Industrial leather gloves
329   Industrial adhesives based on starch, gum dextrine and silicates
330   Insecticide fluids
331   Industrial Items from Engineering Plastics
332   Immersion water heaters upto 3 K.W.
333   Kattai and bunwar-Leather
334   Laminations-Straight and sand witched
                                                                         209
335   Lemon grass oil
336   Letter boxes-Round
337   Link Clip
338   Luggage carrier
339   Machine screws-except socket lead and special types
340   Measuring chains
341   Measuring tapes and sticks
342   Microcellular sheets
343   M.S. and CI glanges
344   M.S. Pipe fittings upto 100 mm dia
345   M.S Tubers
346   Mudguards-Bicycle
347   Mugs and bowls – Ceramics
348   Nail pullers
349   Naphthalene Balls
350   Non-mechanical toys
351   Office gum paste
352   Oil seals rubber
353   Other dipped latex products except contraceptives
354   Other natural essential oils
355   Other hand tools for blacksmithy, Carpentry, Hand forgings foundry etc.
356   Paint brushes
357   Panel pins
358   Paper tapes – Gummed
359   Paper twines, stringes and ropes
360   Poultry equipments
361   Pencils
362   Pedale assembly – cycle
363   Pickles and chutnees
364   Pilfer proof caps
365   Plastic buttons
366   Plastic combs
367   Plastic bottle caps
368   Plastic products (other thermo welded plastic products)
369   Plywood tea chest
370   Protractors
371   RCC Poles-Pre-stressed
372   Rivets of all types including bifurcated
373   Roof light fittings
374   Roofing tiles
375   Rolling shutters
376   Rubber card
377   Rubber Hoses – Armoured (unbraided)
378   Rubber Battery containers (hard)
379   Rubber Hose Pipes (excepting wire braided high pressure hydraulic process)
380   Rubbersied canvas hose pipes – excepting wire braided high pressure hydraulic
      process
381   Rubber thread
382   Rubber tubes
383   Rubber washers
384   Safe-Meat and milk
385   Safety matches
                                                                                      210
386    Standard wood oil
387    Screw Drivers
388    Screw spikes
389    Scales – weighing
390    Sealing wax
391    Seats for buses and trucks
392    Seed bins
393    Seasoned wood
394    Set square
395    Spanners
396    Sports nets – all types
397    Soap carbolic
398    Spices guard & processed
399    Spoons-cutlery
400    Shovels
401    Stand-cycle
402    Sterilisers-Stainless steel and aluminium
403    Stone ware jars and bowls – Kandies
404    Sweetened cashew nut products
405    Table knives/household knives
406    Tin trays
407    T-Squares
408    Trays for postal use
409    Wax candle
410    Water proof bags
411    Water proof covers
412    Weighting machine/Weigh bridges
413    Wire fencing and fittings
414    Writing inks and fountain pen inks
415    Woolen socks-knitted
416    Woolen vests-knitted
417    Woolen under garment-knitted
RCC pipes upto 1200 mm diameter
Note:-1 Even though the RCC pipes upto 1200 mm diameter is included in the above list,
        the Public Works Department and the local bodies in the State will purchase 50
        percent of their requirement of pipes of the type manufactured by the Kerala
        Premo Pipe Factory Ltd., from the above factory and the rest from S.S.I. Section in
        Kerala.
Note:-2 Even though the AC Conductors upto and including 19 strands is included in the
        above list all State Government Departments, Kerala State Electricity Board and
        other State Public Sector Undertakings in the State may purchase their
        requirements of the item from Micro and Small Enterprises Units in the State as
        well as from Traco Cable Company Ltd.
Note:-3 Even though the items, Fuse units, Fuse cutouts, Distribution Boards (upto 15
        amps) Iron Clad Switches (upto 30 amps) and Metal Clad Switches are included in
        the above list, all State Government Departments, Kerala State Electricity Board
        and other Public Sector Undertakings in the State may purchase their requirements
        of the items from Small Scale Industries Unit in the State as well as from Kerala
        Electrical and Allied Engineering Co. Ltd.
                                                                                       211
                                                              ANNEXURE 20
                                                                      212
32. Bronze rods
33. Nickel alloy
34. Gun metal rods
35. Solder
36. Nickel
37. Lead pipes etc.
38. Lead seals
39. Link and strap clips
40. Paper insulated cables
41. A.C.S.R. Conductors
42. Winding Wire
43. Renewals for Cells like Zinc Rod
44. Plates, Boiler, Copper
45. Non-ferrous loco and Wagon Components such as Brass safety valves, Bearing
   bushes, Bronze Axles boxes wherein materials like Bronze, Nickel, Copper are
   involved and copper fire boxes where copper is involved.
                                                                           213
                                                                             ANNEXURE 21
Meaning of “Relative”
                                         Schedule 1 A
                                         List of Relatives
1)    Father
2)    Mother (including step-mother)
3)    Son (including step-son)
4)    Son’s wife
5)    Daughter (including step-daughter)
6)    Father’s father
7)    Father’s mother
8)    Mother’s mother
9)    Mother’s father
10)   Son’s son
11)   Son’s son’s wife
12)   Son’s daughter
13)   Son’s daughter’s husband
14)   Daughter’s husband
15)   Daughter’s son
16)   Daughter’s son’s wife
17)   Daughter’s daughter
18)   Daughter’s daughter’s husband
19)   Brother (including step-brother)
20)   Brother’s wife
21)   Sister (including step-sister)
22)   Sister’s husband
23)   Husband’s father
24)   Husband’s mother
25)   Husband’s sister
26)   Wife’s father
27)   Wife’s mother
28)   Wife’s brother
29)   Wife’s sister
30)   Wife’s sister’s husband
                                                                                     214
31)   Father’s brother
32)   Father’s sister
33)   Mother’s brother
34)   Mother’s sister
35)   Father’s sister’s husband
36)   Father’s brother’s wife
37)   Mother’s brother’s wife
38)   Mother’s sister’s husband
39)   Brother’s son
40)   Brother’s son’s wife
41)   Brother’s daughter
42)   Sister’s son
43)   Sister’s daughter
44)   Father’s brother’s son
45)   Father’s brother’s daughter
46)   Father’s sister’s son
47)   Father’s sister’s daughter
48)   Mother’s brother’s son
49)   Mother’s brother’s daughter
                                    215
                                                                             ANNEXURE 22
                                     SUPPLY ORDER
                               GOVERNMENT OF KERALA
No.                                                 Office:
Station:                                            Date:
Telephone/Fax:                                      Post Box No.
From
To
Subject:
Reference:
Dear Sirs,
Your offer to supply the materials as detailed in the list appended is accepted subject to the
conditions mentioned therein. Please effect the supply according to the special conditions
given below, the instructions in the notes below and in accordance with the list of materials
appended. The special conditions, if any, printed on your quotation sheets or attached with
your tender will not be applicable to this order unless they have been expressly accepted in
the list appended.
An agreement has to be executed by you in the prescribed form on stamp paper of value
rupees fifteen purchased in the Kerala State after furnishing a security of
`……………………………… within a month/fortnight for the due fulfillment of the contract.
The Kerala Stamp paper is obtainable from any licensed Vendor in the State. Stamp paper
will however be supplied to you, if your firm is situated outside Kerala, on payment of ` 20
(` 15 being the value of the Stamp Paper and ` 5 incidental charges) Which may be remitted
by money order in advance. Payment on account of supplies against this order is liable to be
withheld until the agreement is executed. The earnest money will be refunded on
furnishing the required Security Deposit for the contract. Bank draft for the security should
be    drawn     in   favour     ……………………….………………………………………………
                                                                                          216
………………………………………………….. Cheques are not acceptable. The Security
Deposit may be made in cash also and in such cases the cash should be remitted in the
nearest Government Treasury under ‘Security Deposit’ account by Chalans countersigned
by the Purchasing Officer.
Yours faithfully
Notes
                                                                                         217
                        List of materials accepted and to be supplied
N.B: The specifications, quantities, price, etc., are subject to correction. Errors or omissions,
if any, will be intimated to or by the contractor within ten days from this date.
                                                                                             218
                                                                             ANNEXURE 23
                                 FORM OF AGREEMENT
                       (For contracts for supply of specific quantities)
WHEREAS the Contractor has tendered for the supply of articles for the use of the
Government as per tender Notification No. ………………………………..dated …………….
published at pages ………………… of part ………………………………of the Kerala
Government Gazette dated ………………………… which tender notification shall form part
of this Agreement as if incorporated herein.
“AND WHEREAS the Government/Purchasing Officer have/has been pleased to accept the
offer subject to the conditions stipulated in the Supply Order No……………….. dated ……
(which shall form part of this agreement as if incorporated herein) in respect of the articles
mentioned therein.”
AND WHEREAS the contractor has as security for the due fulfillment of his obligations
under this deed deposited `………………. being per cent of the estimated value of the
contract in ………………………. Treasury as per Pass Book No…………….. Chalan No……
and pledged the Pass Book to the ………../- as per draft on ……………………………..Bank
duly approved by the Government/in the form of a letter of guarantee for such amount
from ………………… Bank approved by the Government.
1.(a)   In cases where along with the tender samples have been forwarded to the
        Government and the samples approved, the Contractor agrees to supply the
        materials according to the approved sample. In other cases the Contractor agrees to
        forward samples to Government for approval if so required and then to supply
        materials according to such approved samples. When the samples are not required,
        the Contractor agrees to supply according to standard specifications.
        Samples forwarded by the Contractor to the Government will not be paid for and
        shall be the property of Government but the Government are at liberty to return
        them to the Contractor on the completion of his contract or to pay for them at agreed
                                                                                          219
         rates if they so choose. All samples must be clearly labeled showing to what
         particular items tendered for they relate and they should be of sufficient size and
         quantity to enable the Government to see if the supplies made are according to the
         approved samples.
     (a) The Contractor hereby declares that the goods sold to the buyer under this contract
         shall be of the best quality and workmanship and shall be strictly in accordance with
         the specifications and particulars contained in the copy of the order attached
         herewith and the contractor hereby guarantees that the said goods would continue to
         conform to the description and quality aforesaid for a period of
         …………………..days/months from the date of delivery of the said goods to
         Government and that notwithstanding the fact that the Government may have
         inspected and/or approved the said goods, if during the aforesaid period of
         ……………….days/months the said goods be discovered not to conform to the
         description and quality aforesaid or have deteriorated (and the decision of the
         Government in that behalf will be final and conclusive) the Government will be
         entitled to reject the said goods or such portion thereof as may be discovered not to
         conform to the said description and quality. On such rejection the goods will be at
         the contractor’s risk and all the provisions herein contained relating to rejection of
         goods, etc., shall apply. The contractor shall if so called upon to do replace the
         goods, etc., or such portion thereof as is rejected by the Government. Otherwise the
         Contractor shall pay to the Government such damages as may arise by reason of the
         breach of the condition herein contained. Nothing herein contained shall prejudice
         any other right of the Government in that behalf under this contract or otherwise.
2.       Requests for enhancement of rates once accepted will not be considered except where
         Government have prior to the actual supplies, expressly agreed in writing for any
         price variation under specified circumstance, conditions of sale or other special terms
         and conditions, if any, printed on the quotation sheets of the Contractor or attached
         with the contractors’ tender or any other letter or paper from the Contractor will not
         govern this contract nor bind the Government in any manner whatsoever unless
         such terms have been expressly accepted by the Government in writing.
3.       The articles and quantities to be supplied are shown in the copy of the supply order,
         No……. and date…… attached herewith. The contractor agrees to Supply the
         quantities of the articles shown in the order at the rate tendered by him for each
         article within the time fixed.
4.       In the case of goods delivered by shipment, the Contractor, shall where the expected
         tonnage of goods is more than 200 tons, deliver the goods through the Trivandrum
         Port if so required by the Government.
5.       The Contractor agrees that time is the essence of this contract.
6(a)     If the Contractor defaults in the supply of all or any of the articles correctly and
         promptly as above the Government are at liberty to procure the same from elsewhere
         without cancelling the contract as a whole. If Government incur, in thus procuring
         such materials a higher cost than the agreed rate such excess cost may be deducted
         by the Government from the contractor’s bill or adjusted or otherwise realized from
         his security deposit or recovered from him by other means. The contractor agrees
         that he shall not be entitled to claim the excess, if any, of the tendered rate over such
         cost to Government.
                                                                                              220
(b)     If the contractor fails to deliver all or any of the stores or perform the service within
        the time/period(s) specified in the contract, the purchaser shall without prejudice to
        its other remedies under the contract, deduct from the contract price as liquidated
        damages, a sum equivalent to 0.5% or 1% of the delivered price of the delayed stores
        or unperformed services for each week of delay until actual delivery or performance,
        upto a maximum deduction of 10% of the contract prices of the delayed stores or
        services. Once the maximum is reached, the purchaser may consider termination of
        the contract at the risk and cost of the contractor.
7(a)    All payments to the Contractor for supplies effected satisfactorily will be made after
        scrutiny of his bills -
8.     All incidental expenses incurred by the Government for making payment outside the
       District in which the claim arises shall be borne by the contractor.
9.     The contractor shall not assign or make over in part or wholly the contract or the
       benefits or burdens thereof. The contractor shall not underlet or sublet the execution of
       the contract or any part thereof without the consent in writing of the Government. The
       Government shall have absolute power to refuse such consent or rescind such consent
       (if given) at any time. The contractor shall not be relieved from his obligation, duty or
       responsibility under this contract even if consent to let or subject is given by the
       Government.
11.    It shall be lawful for the Government from and out of any money for the time being
       payable or due to the Contractor from the Government under this contract or
       otherwise to set off any loss or expense, cost or damages sustained or incurred by the
       Government by reason of the cancellation of the contract.
12.    The security deposit shall subject to the conditions specified herein be returned to the
       contractor within three months after the expiration of the contract. In all cases where
       there are guarantee for the goods supplied the security deposit will be released only
       after the expiry of the guarantee period.
13.    The contractor agrees that any communication addressed to him may be handed over
       to him or his agent personally or left at his residence or place of business or may be
       sent by prepaid post to his address as mentioned in this deed.
                                                                                             221
14.   In case the supply of articles involves erection of machinery the contractor agrees that
      the machinery will be erected within the time and at the place specified by the
      Government/Purchasing Officer in that behalf. It shall also be the duty ad
      responsibility of the contractor to see that the machinery thus erected is in good
      working condition to the satisfaction of the person duly authorized by the
      Government/Purchasing Officer in that behalf and to ensure the proper functioning of
      the machinery till the guarantee period is over.
      NOTE: In the event of failure of the contractor to erect the machinery within the time
      and at the place specified by the Government/Purchasing Officer or in the event of the
      machinery failing to function properly during the guarantee period the amount spent
      by the Government and the loss sustained by the Government on this account by
      making alternative arrangements shall be recoverable from the contractor in the
      manner provided in Clause 15 hereunder.
15.   The Contractor agrees that all sums found due to the Government under or by virtue
      of these presents shall be recoverable from him and his properties, movable and
      immovable, under the provisions of the Revenue Recovery Act, for the time being in
      force as though they are arrears of land revenue or in any other manner and within
      such time as the Government may deem fit. In deciding what sum of money is due to
      Government under or by virtue of this deed, the contractor agrees that the decision of
      the Government shall be final and conclusive and shall be binding on the contractor.
16.   The Contractor agrees that any Sum of money due and payable to him from
      Government shall be adjusted against any sum of money due to Government from him
      under any other contracts.
(Contractor)
(2)
(2)
                                                                                          222
                                                                           ANNEXURE 24
                             GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
                         MINISTRY OF SURFACE TRANSPORT
OFFICE MEMORANDUM
       The undersigned is directed to say that as per the existing policy of Government of
       India all import contracts are to be finalized on FOB (Free on Board)/FAS (Free
       Alongside Ship) basis and those for exports on C&F (Cost and Freight)/CIF (Cost,
       Insurance, Freight) basis in respect of Government owned/controlled cargoes on
       behalf of Central Government Departments/State Government Departments and
       Public Sector Undertakings under them and in case of any departure therefrom, prior
       permission is required to be obtained from the chartering Wing of the Ministry of
       Surface Transport on a case to case basis. The shipping arrangements are centralized
       in the Ministry of Surface Transport. These instructions about FOB/FAS purchases
       and C&F/CIF sales and entering into contracts where the elements of foreign
       exchange expenditure is minimum already stand incorporated in the General
       Financial Rules of the Government.
       i)   Government policy for import contracts to be finalized on FOB/FAS basis and for
            exports on CIF basis in respect of Government owned/controlled cargoes on
            behalf of Central Government Departments/State Government Departments and
            Public Sector Undertakings under them and centralized shipping arrangements
                                                                                       223
        through the Ministry of Surface Transport (Chartering Wing) in association with
        the concerned user Ministry/Department/PSU may continue.
     ii) Prior permission is required to be obtained from Ministry of Surface Transport on
        a case to case basis in case of any departure from the above policy. However,
        Ministry of Surface Transport shall ensure disposal of such requests within four
        working days on receipt of the complete information/request from the concerned
        Ministry/PSU.
     iii) Ministry of Surface Transport, Chartering Wing to ensure full utilization of
        suitable Indian vessels in case they are able to meet the indentor’s requirements
        at competitive rates and are able to maintain the schedule.
     iv) In case of import of bulk quantities like fertilizers, coal, food grains etc., where
        freight element is substantial, a representative from Ministry of Surface Transport
        may be invited to participate in the discussions for advising on the shipping
        aspects of import/export contracts.
     v) Ministry of Surface Transport should make all out efforts to finalise vessels,
        Indian or foreign, at the most competitive rates and before fixing the vessels,
        prior approval of the indenting department/PSU should be obtained.
     vi) In order to make imports and exports cost-effective and for judicious use of
        foreign exchange, Ministries/Departments should ensure imports on FOB/FAS
        and exports on CIF basis failing which necessary No Objection Certificate (NOC)
        should be obtained from Ministry of Surface Transport (Chartering Wing) while
        applying for release of necessary foreign exchange for the purpose of chartering
        foreign vessels and for making freight payment in foreign currency.
     vii) The tendering system to be followed by Ministries/Departments/PSUs will be
        standardized.    The Cabinet Secretariat will initiate appropriate action in this
        regard.
3.   It is requested that above decision taken by the Government of India may kindly be
     brought to the notice of all the Public Sector Undertakings/Projects/Autonomous
     Bodies/Purchasing & Selling Organisations under the administrative control of
     Ministries and Departments concerned and they may be advised to follow the
     prescribed procedure for arranging shipment of their cargoes through Chartering
     Wing (popularly known by its Cable Address: “TRANSCHART” in the shipping
     circle, the world over) of this Ministry and incorporating the prescribed Shipping
     Clauses in the purchase orders/contracts. They may also be instructed to send each
     of the contracts in respect of both exports as well as imports, along with cargo
                                                                                         224
        particulars like weight, volume, loading port, discharging port, loading rate,
        discharging rate, period of shipment, parcel size and any other specific condition
        relating to shipment of cargoes etc., to this Ministry as soon as the same are finalized,
        for taking further necessary action with regard to the shipping arrangements.
4. A copy of the instructions issued may please also be endorsed to this Ministry.
                                                                                          Sd/-
                                                                           (T.V. SHANBHAG)
                                                                 Chief Controller of Chartering
To
     1. All Ministries/Departments of Government of India …………2 copies
     2. The Chief Secretary to all the State Governments including the Union Territories
                                                                                             225
                                                                                ANNEXURE 25
                             GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
                         MINISTRY OF SURFACE TRANSPORT
                                 (Chartering Wing)
OFFICE MEMORANDUM
1. The undersigned is directed to say that as per general policy of Government of India, all
   import contracts have to be concluded on FOB/FAS and those for exports on CIF basis in
   respect of Government owned and controlled cargoes and shipping arrangements are
   centralized with Chartering Wing of Ministry of Surface Transport. For any departure
   from the above policy, prior approval of this Ministry is required. The policy provides
   for grant of waivers in suitable cases where it is found it is not possible to follow the said
   policy.
2. The shipping arrangements are being made by Chartering Wing, Ministry of Surface by
   using Indian flag vessels and if no suitable Indian vessels are available in the required
   position, foreign flag vessels are chartered.       Shipping arrangements in respect of
   Government general liner cargoes are being made by this Ministry through respective
   Government of India’s freight forwarders like M/s. Schenker International, Humburg,
   M/s. OPT, USA etc. Shipment of general liner cargo is not restricted to Indian flag
   vessels and it is shipped by any vessel belonging to Conference member lines which are
   operating from various sectors.
                                                                                             226
4. Similarly, the Government of India has another agreement with India – Pakistan
   Bangladesh Conference (IPBC) covering the trade from ports in the United Kingdom
   including Northern Ireland, North Continent of Europe (Germany, Holand, Belgium,
   Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Finland) and from parts on the continental sea boards of the
   Mediterranean (ie., French and Western Italian Port) to ports in India. It is obligatory on
   the part of Government to ship all Government liner cargoes through the vessels
   belonging to this Conference.
5. In order to ensure smooth and timely shipment of governmental general liner cargoes,
   the Government of India, Ministry of Surface Transport has appointed freight
   forwarding agents from various areas as mentioned below:
                                                                                          227
        contracts that all booking must be made through Government of India’s respective
        freight forwarders as indicated above and the same may also be incorporated in the
        letter of credit to ensure shipping arrangements through the vessels of Members of
        the Conference and appointed freight forwarders.
     7. It has been brought to the notice of this Ministry that some of the Public Sector
        Undertakings are not following the above policy and shipping arrangements are
        made through other than GoI appointed freight forwarders. It has been further
        brought to the notice of this Ministry that some of the Indian freight forwarding
        companies are claiming to have been appointed as freight forwarders by M/o
        Surface Transport which is not correct. Therefore, it is advised that Government of
        India and State Government Departments and Public Sector Undertakings should
        ensure (as indicated above) only and should not entertain any other freight
        forwarder in this regard.
     8. It is requested that the above may kindly be brought to the notice of all the Public
        Sector Undertakings/projects/purchase and selling organizations under the
        administrative control of the Ministries/Departments concerned and they may be
        advised to follow the prescribed procedure for arranging shipment of their cargoes
        through Chartering wing (Transchart) of this Ministry and incorporate the prescribed
        shipping clauses in the import/export contracts.
                                                                                       Sd/-
                                                                       (T.V. SHANBHAG)
                                                             Chief Controller of Chartering
To
        1. All Ministries/Departments of Government of India …………2 copies
        2. The Chief Secretary to all the State Governments
                                                                                        228
                                                                             ANNEXURE 26
                                                             …………………………………….
                                                             …………………………………….
                                                             …………………………………….
To
M/s. ………………………………..
………………………………………
Sub: This office contract no………… dated……… placed on you for supply of ……….
Ref: Your letter no……………………..dated……………………….
Dear Sirs,
You have failed to deliver the goods/entire quantity of the goods within the contract deliver
period/delivery period as last extended up to …………………… In your above referred
letter, you have asked for extension/further extension of time for delivery. In view of the
circumstances stated in your above referred letter, the time of delivery is extended from
………. (last delivery period) to …………… (presently agreed delivery period).
2. Please note that in terms of clause ………..of the contract, a sum equivalent to ……%
   (…….per cent) of the delivered price of the delayed goods for each week of delay or part
   thereof (subject to the ceiling as provided in the aforesaid clause) beyond the original
   contract delivery date/the last unconditionally re-fixed delivery date (as & if applicable)
   viz. …….. will be recovered from you as liquidated damages.
3. The above extension of delivery date will also be subject to the further condition that,
   notwithstanding any stipulation in the contract for increase in price on any ground, no
   such increase, whatsoever, which takes place after ….. shall be admissible on such of the
   said goods as are delivered after the said date. But, nevertheless, the purchaser shall be
   entitled to the benefit of any decrease in price on any ground (including the impact of
   the price variation clause, if incorporated in the contract), which takes place after the
   expiry of the above mentioned date namely ……..
4. You are also required to extend the validity period of the performance guarantee for the
   subject contract from ………….(present validity date) to ……………(required extended
   date) within fifteen days of issue of this amendment letter.
                                                                                          229
5. Please intimate your unconditional acceptance of this amendment letter within ten days
   of the issue of this letter failing which the contract will be cancelled at your risk and
   expense without any further reference to you.
Yours faithfully,
                                                                            (………………….)
                                                                  For and on behalf of ………..
Copy to:
……………………
……………………
……………………
(All concerned)
….      Original delivery date or the last unconditionally re-fixed delivery date (as the case
        may be)
NB:     The entries which are not applicable for the case under consideration are to be
        deleted.
                                                                                            230
                                                                              ANNEXURE 27
                                                             ……………………………………..
                                                             …………………………………….
                                                             …………………………………….
To
M/s. ………………………………..
………………………………………
Sub:         This office contract no……… dated…………placed on you for supply of ……….
Ref:         Your letter no……………………..dated……………………….
Dear Sirs,
You have failed to deliver the goods/entire quantity of the goods within the contract deliver
period/delivery period as last extended up to …………………… In your above referred
letter, you have asked for extension/further extension of time for delivery. In view of the
circumstances stated in your above referred letter, the time of delivery is extended from
………. (last delivery period) to …………… (presently agreed delivery period).
2. Please note that in terms of clause ………..of the contract, a sum equivalent to ……%
   (…….per cent) of the delivered price of the delayed goods for each week of delay or part
   thereof (subject to the ceiling as provided in the aforesaid clause) beyond the original
   contract delivery date/the last unconditionally re-fixed delivery date (as & if applicable)
   viz. ….. will be recovered from you as liquidated damages.
3. The above extension of delivery date will also be subject to the following further
   conditions:-
                                                                                           231
      iii) But, nevertheless, the purchaser shall be entitled to the benefit of any decrease in
           price on account of reduction in or remission of custom duty, excise duty, sales tax or
           on account of any other tax or duty or any other ground whatsoever, including the
           impact of price variation clause (if incorporated in the contract), which takes place
           after the expiry of the above mentioned date namely …...
4. You are also required to extend the validity period of the performance guarantee for the
   subject contract from ………….(existing date) to ……………(required extended date)
   within fifteen days of issue of this letter.
5. Please intimate your unconditional acceptance of this amendment letter, to reach this
   office within ten days of the issue of this letter, failing which the contract will be
   cancelled at your risk and expense without any further reference to you.
Yours faithfully,
                                                                              (………………….)
                                                                    for and on behalf of ………..
Copy to:
……………………
……………………
……………………
(All concerned)
…..      Original delivery date or the last unconditionally re-fixed delivery date (as the case
         may be)
NB:      The entries which are not applicable for the case under consideration are to be
         deleted.
                                                                                              232
                                                                            ANNEXURE 28
To
M/s. ………………………………..
………………………………………
Dear Sirs,
Your attention is invited to the acceptance of tender cited above, according to which
suppliers ought to have been completed by you on or before……… In spite of the fact that
the time of delivery of the goods stipulated in the contact is deemed to be of the essence of
the contract, it appears that …. are still outstanding even though the date of delivery has
expired.
2. Although not bound to do so, the delivery date is hereby extended to ………..and you
   are requested to note that in the event of your failure to deliver the goods within the
   delivery period as hereby extended, the contract shall be cancelled for the outstanding
   goods at your risk and cost.
3.   ………………………………………………
4.   ………………………………………………
5.   ………………………………………………
6.   ………………………………………………
Yours faithfully,
(………………….)
for………………….
                                                                                         233
                                                                            ANNEXURE 29
To
M/s. ………………………………..
………………………………………
Dear Sirs,
The date of delivery of the subject contract expired on ……………… As supplies against the
same have not yet been completed, there is a breach of the contract on your part. As
information is required regarding past supplies against this contract, you are requested to
send the particulars regarding the quantity so far supplied and, also, the quantity so far
inspected but not yet dispatched and the quantity so far not tendered for inspection before
the expiry of the date of delivery. The above information is required for the purpose of
verification of our records and is not intended to keep the contract alive and does not waive
the breach.
This is without prejudice to the rights and remedies available to the purchaser in terms of
the contract and law applicable in this behalf.
Yours faithfully,
(………………….)
for ………..………..
                                                                                         234
                                                                                 ANNEXURE 30
Signed              by              Shri………………………………………………………………
Shri………………………………………………………….. in the presence of witnesses.
1…………………………………………………………………….
2…………………………………………………………………….
WHEREAS one of the conditions of the said security bond is that all payments to the
Contractor for supplies effected satisfactorily will be made after scrutiny of the bills;
WHEREAS the Contractor has requested the Government to make advance payment on the
basis of railway receipt for dispatch/or bill of lading or against proof of dispatch of the
…………………………………….. (here enter details of materials) before actual receipt and
verification of the materials agreed to be supplied as per the said agreement.
AND WHEREAS Government have agreed to advance to the Contractor …………..per cent
of the value of the materials agreed to be supplied;
                                                                                            235
AND WHEREAS for the purpose of security and indemnifying the Government against all
loss or damage which the Government may suffer in the event of materials supplied being
found short or defective on checking and in consideration of the said advance payment of
`…………………. (in words also) by the Government to the Contractor it has been agreed by
the Contractor to execute this bond subject to the conditions hereinafter contained.
NOW THE CONDITION of the above written Bond is such that if the Contractor supplies
the materials mentioned in the said agreement in complete satisfaction of the Government
and in conformity with the provisions of the said security bond the above written bond shall
be void otherwise the same shall be and remain in full force and effect.
All sums found due to the Government from the Contractor under or by virtue of this deed
shall be recoverable from the Contractor and his/their properties both movable and
immovable under the provisions of the Revenue Recovery Act for the time being in force as
though such sums are arrears of land revenue and in such other manner and within such
time as the Government may deem fit.          “In deciding what sum of money is due to
Government under or by virtue of this agreement the Contractor agrees that the decision of
the Government shall be final and conclusive and shall be binding on the Contractor”.
1.
2.
                                                                                        236
                                                                          ANNEXURE 31
                                                                                         237
                                                                               ANNEXURE 32
                                  FORM OF AGREEMENT
                               (For Rate or Running Contracts)
WHEREAS the Contractor has tendered for the supply of articles for the use of the
Government as per tender Notification No. ……………………………………..………………
dated …………………………. Published at pages …………………………………………… of
part ………………….... of the Kerala Government Gazette dated ……………. ……………
Which tender notification shall form part of this Agreement as if corporated herein;
“AND WHEREAS the Government/Purchasing Officer have/has been pleased to accept the
offer    subject   to   the     conditions   stipulated     in    the     supply   order    No.
……………………………………. Dated …………………………………… (which shall form
part of this agreement as if incorporated herein) in respect of the articles mentioned therein”.
AND WHEREAS the Contractor has as security for the due fulfillment of his obligations
under    this   deed   deposited `…………..        ………………………………..                 being
…………………………………….. per cent of the estimated value of the contract in
……………………………………….. Treasury as per Pass Book No. …………………………
/Chalan No. …………………………………………………………………………. and pledged
the Pass Book to the ………………………………………………..……………/ as per draft on
………………………………………………………….                       Bank    duly     approved     by    the
Government/ in the form of a letter of guarantee for such amount from
………………………………………………..………………………………………Bank approved
by the Government.
1. (a)     In cases where along with the tender samples have been forwarded to the
   Government and the sample approved the Contractor agrees to supply the materials
   according to the approved samples. In other cases the Contractor agrees to forward
   samples to Government for approval if so required and then to supply materials
   according to such approved samples. When samples are not required, the Contractor
   agrees to supply according to standard specifications.
   Samples forwarded by the Contractor to the Government will not be paid for and shall
   be the property of the Government but the Government are at liberty to return them to
   the Contractor on the completion of his contract or to pay for them at agreed rates if they
                                                                                            238
     so choose. All samples must be clearly labeled showing to what particular items
     tendered for they relate and they should be of sufficient size and quantity to enable the
     Government to see if the supplies made are according to the approved samples.
     (b) The contractor hereby declares that the goods sold to the buyer under this contract
     shall be of the best quality and workmanship and shall be strictly in accordance with the
     specifications and particulars contained n the copy of the order attached here with and
     the Contractor hereby guarantees that the said goods would continue to conform to the
     description        and        quality      aforesaid        for        a     period       of
     ………………………………………………………………………………… days/ months
     from the date of delivery of the said goods to Government and that notwithstanding the
     fact that the Government may have inspected and/or approved the said goods, if during
     the aforesaid period of ……………………………. days/month the said goods be
     discovered not to conform to the description and quality aforesaid or have deteriorated
     (and the decision of the Government in that behalf will be final and conclusive) the
     Government will be entitled to reject the said goods or such portion thereof as may be
     discovered not to conform to the said description and quality. On such rejection the
     goods will be at the Contractor’s risk and all the provisions herein contained relating to
     rejection of goods, etc., shall apply. The contractor shall, if so called upon to do replace
     the goods, etc., or such portion thereof as is rejected by the Government. Otherwise the
     contractor shall pay to the Government such damages as may arise by reason of the
     breach of the condition herein contained. Nothing herein contained shall prejudice any
     other right of the Government in that behalf under this contract or otherwise.
 2. Requests for enhancement of rates once accepted will not be considered except where
    Government have, prior to the actual supplies, expressly agreed in writing for any price
    variation under specified circumstances. Conditions of sale or other special terms and
    conditions, if any, printed on the quotation sheets of the Contractor or attached with the
    Contractor’s tender or any other letter or paper from the Contractor will not govern this
    contract nor bind the Government in any manner whatsoever unless such terms have
    been expressly accepted by the Government in writing.
3.   The approximate quantities to be supplied are shown in the copy of the supply order
     herewith attached, but it is agreed that they are only estimates of and not the actual
     quantities required by the Government. The Government however are not obliged to
     purchase the entire quantity mentioned in the order or even any portion of such quantity
     during the period of contract, in case no actual need arises therefore. The Contractor
     however agrees to supply the quantity required (even if it be in excess of the quantity
     estimated in the order but not exceeding the estimated quantity beyond
     ………………………………….. per cent) of any article at the rate tendered by him for that
     article within the time fixed.
4.   In the case of goods delivered by shipment, the Contractor, shall where, the expected
     tonnage of goods is more than 200 tons, deliver goods through the Trivandrum Port, if
     so required by Government.
                                                                                             239
5.      The Contractor agrees that time is the essence of this contract.
6.      (a) If the contractor defaults in the due supply of all or any of the articles correctly and
        promptly as above the Government are at liberty to procure the same from elsewhere
        without cancelling the contract as a whole. If Government incur, in thus procuring such
        materials, a higher cost than the agreed rate such excess cost may be deducted by the
        Government from the Contractor’s bill or adjusted or otherwise realized from his
        security deposit or recovered from him by other means. The contractor agrees that he
        shall not be entitled to claim the excess, if any, of the tendered rate over such cost to
        Government.
*6      (b) If the Contractor fails to deliver all or any of the Stores or perform the service within
        the time/period(s) specified in the contract, the purchaser shall without prejudice to its
        other remedies under the contract, deduct from the contract price as liquidated damages,
        a sum equivalent to 0.5% or 1% of the delivered price of the delayed stores or
        unperformed services for each week of delay until actual delivery or performance, upto
        a maximum deduction of 10% of the contract, prices of the delayed stores or services.
        Once the maximum is reached, the purchaser may consider termination of the contract at
        the risk and cost of the contractor.
 7.         (a) All payments to the Contractor for supplies effected satisfactory will be made after
             scrutiny of his bills-
                (i) either by departmental cheques payable at the Government Treasuries’
                (ii) or by cheques or drafts of the Reserve Bank of India, State Bank of India and
                     State Bank of Travancore (at any of their principal branches in India);
               (iii) or in the case of supplies from abroad by drafts or otherwise as may be agreed
                     to.
             (b) The firms will produce stamped pre-receipted invoices in all cases where
             payments (advance/final) for release of railway receipts/shipping documents are
             made through Banks. In exceptional cases where the stamped receipts of the firms are
             not received for the payments (in advance) the unstamped receipt of the bank (i. e.
             counterfoils of pay-in-slips issued by the Bank) alone may be accepted as a valid proof
             for the payment made.
 8.       All incidental expenses incurred by the Government for making payments outside the
          District which the claim arises shall be borne by the contractor.
 9.         The contractor shall not assign or make over in part or wholly the contract or the
            benefits or burdens thereof. The contractor shall not underlet or sublet the execution of
            the contract or any part thereof without the consent in writing of the Government. The
            Government shall have absolute power to refuse such consent or rescind such consent
            (if given) at any time. The contractor shall not be relieved from his obligation, duty or
            responsibility under this contract even if consent to let or subject is given by
            Government.
                                                             
 *
      Inserted by G. O. 9ms.) No. 8/96/SPD, dated 9‐8‐1996. 
                                                                                                 240
 10.   NOTWITHSTANDING the provisions contained in clause 5, the Government shall
       have the right to cancel the contract for any default on the part of the contractor in due
       performance thereof.
 11.   It shall be lawful for the Government from and out of any money for the time being
       payable or due to the Contractor from the Government under this contract or
       otherwise to set off any loss or expense, cost or damages sustained or incurred by the
       Government by reason of the cancellation of the contract.
 12.   The security deposit shall subject to the conditions specified herein be returned to the
       contractor within three months after the expiration of the contract. In all cases where
       there are guarantee for the goods supplied the security deposit will be released only
       after the expiry of the guarantee period.
 13.   The contractor agrees that any communication addressed to him may be handed over
       to him or his agent personally or left at his residence or place of business or may be
       sent by prepaid post to his address as mentioned in this deed.
 14.   In case the supply of articles involves erection of machinery the contractor agrees that
       the machinery will be erected within the time and at the place specified by the
       Government/Purchasing Officer in that behalf. It shall also be the duty and
       responsibility of the contractor to see that the machinery thus erected is in good
       working condition to the satisfaction of the person duly authorized by the
       Government/Purchasing Officer in that behalf and to ensure the proper functioning
       of the machinery till the guarantee period is over. In the event of the failure of the
       contractor to erect the machinery within the time and at the place specified by the
       Government/Purchasing Officer or in the event of the machinery failing to function
       properly during the guarantee period, the amount spent by the Government and the
       loss sustained by the Government on this account by making alternative
       arrangements shall be recoverable from the contractor in the manner provided in
       clause 15 hereunder.
 15.   The Contractor agrees that all sums found due to the Government under or by virtue
       of these presents shall be recoverable from him and his properties, movable and
       immovable, under the provisions of the Revenue Recovery Act, for the time being in
       force as though they are arrears of land revenue or in any other manner and within
       such time as the Government may deem fit. In deciding what sum of money is due to
       Government under or by virtue of this deed, the contractor agrees that the decision of
       the Government shall be final and conclusive and shall be binding on the contractor.
16.    The Contractor agrees that any sum of money due and payable to him from
       Government shall be adjusted against any sum of money due to Government from him
       under any other contracts.
                                                                                             241
      In witness whereof the Contractor and Sri ………………………………… (H.E. name
      and designation) for and on behalf of the Governor of Kerala have hereunto set their
      hands.
(Contractor)
(1)
(2)
(1)
(2)
                                                                                      242
                                                                             Appendix-1
                                       No. 98/ORD/1
                                   Government of India
                               Central Vigilance Commission
                                            ******
                                                        Satarkata Bhavan, Block - 'A',
                                                        GPO Complex, INA,
                                                        New Delhi - 110 023
                                                        Dated 04.09.2003
Sir/Madam,
        While dealing with the case of a PSU, the Commission has observed that the
qualification criteria incorporated in the bid documents was vague and no evaluation
criterion was incorporated therein. It is also seen that the category-wise anticipated TEUs
were not specified in the bid documents and the same was left for assumptions by Tender
Evaluation Committee for comparative evaluation of financial bids, which led to
comparative evaluation of bids on surmises and conjectures. Further, it was also provided as
a condition in the tender bid that the tenderer should have previous experience in
undertaking handling of similar work and/or transportation works preferably of ISO
containers, however, no definition of 'similar works' was, indicated in the bid documents.
3.      It has also observed that the orders were allegedly split in order to bring it within the
powers of junior officers and that the proper records of machine breakdown were not being
kept. It is therefore, decided that in the matters of petty purchase in emergency items all
departments/organisations must keep proper records of all machine breakdown etc.
Yours faithfully,
                                                                            Sd/-
                                                                     (Anjana Dube)
                                                                     Deputy Secretary
                                                                                             243
                                                                                 Appendix-2
                                   No.98/ORD/1
                         CENTRAL VIGILANCE COMMISSION
                                       *****
         The Commission is of the opinion that in order to bring about greater transparency
in the procurement and tendering processes there is need for widest possible publicity.
There are many instances in which allegations have been made regarding inadequate or no
publicity and procurement officials not making available bid documents, application forms
etc. in order to restrict competition.
       (i)     In addition to the existing rules and practices regarding giving publicity of
               tenders through newspapers, trade journals and providing tender documents
               manually and through post etc. the complete bid documents alongwith
               application form shall be published on the web site of the organization. It
               shall be ensured by the concerned organization that the parties making use of
               this facility of web site are not asked to again obtain some other related
               documents from the department manually for purpose of participating in the
               tender process i.e. all documents upto date should remain available and shall
               be equally legally valid for participation in the tender process as manual
               documents obtained from the department through manual process.
       (ii)    The complete application form should be available on the web site for
               purposes of downloading and application made on such a form shall be
               considered valid for participating in the tender process.
       (iii)   The concerned organization must give its web site address in the
               advertisement/NIT published in the newspapers.
       iv)     If the concerned organization wishes to charge for the application form
               downloaded from the computer then they may ask the bidding party to pay
                                                                                          244
               the amount by draft/cheques etc. at the time of submission of the application
               form and bid documents.
3.     While the above directions must be fully complied with, efforts should be made by
organizations to eventually switch over to the process of eprocurement/e-sale wherever it is
found to be feasible and practical.
4.      The above directions are issued in supersession of all previous instructions issued by
the CVC on the subject of use of web-site for tendering purposes. These instructions shall
take effect from 1st January, 2004 for all such organizations whose web-sites are already
functional. All other organizations must ensure that this facility is provided before 1st April,
2004.
                                                                   Sd/-
                                                            (P. Shankar)
                                                     Central Vigilance Commissioner
To
                                                                                            245
                                                                                   Appendix-3
                                    No.98/ORD/1
                                Government of India
                          CENTRAL VIGILANCE COMMISSION
                                        ******
                                                        Satarkata Bhavan, Block ‘A’,
                                                            G.P.O. Complex, I.N.A.,
                                                               New Delhi – 110 023
                                                           Dated the 6th April, 2004
                               Office Order No. 20/4/04
        The Commission has been receiving complaints about inordinate delays in making
payments to the vendors and other suppliers to the Govt. organisations, Public Sector
Undertakings etc. Similarly complaints are received about delays in getting refunds from
taxation dept. and other departments. Apart from increasing the cost of procurement, the
delays lead to opportunities for corruption. A number of measures are required to cut down
on delays in making payments. One such step is resorting to mechanism of e-payments and
e-receipts wherever such banking facilities exist.
       In the last few years tremendous progress has been made by the banking sector in
computerization including net-working of branches, making it possible to do e-banking by
making use of facilities like electronic clearing system (ECS) and electronic fund transfer
(EFT) etc. These facilities are available in most of the banks including the State Bank of India
as well as in private banks. A large number of corporates including public sector
undertakings are already making e-payments to vendors and employees instead of making
payments by issue of cheques.
        The Commission has been receiving complaints that delay is intentionally caused
with ulterior motives in the issue and dispatch of cheques in the accounts and finance wings
of a large number of Govt. Organisations. As the e-payment facility is already available in
the metros as well as practically in all the main urban centres of the country, in order to curb
the above mentioned malpractices, the CVC in the exercise of powers conferred on it under
Section 8(1) (h) issues following instructions for compliance by all govt. departments, PSUs,
banks and other agencies over which the Commission has jurisdiction.
2.      Salary and other payments to the employees of the concerned organizations at such
centres shall also be made through electronic clearing system (ECS) wherever such facilities
exist.
       As the organisations will have to collect bank account numbers from the vendor,
suppliers, employees and others who have interface of this nature with the Govt.
organisations, the concerned organisations may plan to switch over to epayment system in a
                                                                                            246
phased manner starting with transactions with the major suppliers in the beginning or in
whatever manner is found more convenient.
       It is expected that in three months i.e. by 1st July, 2004, 50% of the payment
transactions both in value terms as well as in terms of number of transactions shall be made
through ECS/EFT mechanism instead of payment through cheques. The remaining 50%
payment transactions at all centres where such facilities exist shall be made by 31st Dec.,
2004.
       These instructions are applicable to all the metro cities and other urban centres where
the banks provide ECS/EFT and similar other facilities.
         The departments, PSUs, Banks etc. should also provide an enabling environment and
facilities so that businessmen and other citizens can make payment of Govt. dues and
payments to PSUs etc. electronically.
                                                                             Sd/-
                                                                       (Anjana Dube)
                                                                     Deputy Secretary
To
                                                                                          247
                                                                                Appendix-4
                                No. 12-02-6-CTE-SPI(I)-2
                                  Government of India
                              Central Vigilance Commission
                                  (CTE’s Organisation)
                                                                  Satarkata Bhawan
                                                                  Block A, GPO Complex
                                                                  INA Colony
                                                                  New Delhi- 110 023
                                                                  Dated: 21st April 2004
The Commission has received a complaint alleging that in Government tenders an agent
participates by representing a company officially and another bid is submitted as a ‘direct
offer’ from the manufacturer. At times, the agent represents a foreign company in one
particular tender and in another tender the said foreign company participates directly and
the agent represents another foreign company. There is a possibility of cartelization in such
cases and thus award of contract at higher prices.
2.     The issue has been deliberated in the Commission. In order to maintain the sanctity
of tendering system, it is advised that the purchases should preferably be made directly
from the manufacturers. Either the Indian Agent on behalf of the foreign principal or the
foreign principal directly could bid in a tender but not both. Further, in cases where an
agent participates in a tender on behalf of one manufacturer, he should not be allowed to
quote on behalf of another manufacturer along with the first manufacturer in a
subsequent/parallel tender for the same item.
                                                                                 Sd/-
                                                                                  (A.K. Jain)
                                                                         Technical Examiner
                                                               For Chief Technical Examiner
To
                                                                                         248
                                                                               Appendix-5
                                    No. 05-04-1-CTE-8
                                  Government of India
                              Central Vigilance Commission
                                  (CTEs Organisation)
                                                                  Satarkata Bhawan
                                                                  INA Colony
                                                                  New Delhi- 110023
                                                                  Dated: 8.6.2004
OFFICE MEMORANDUM
In the various booklets issued by the CTE Organisation of the Commission, the need to
maintain transparency in receipt and opening of the tenders has been emphasized and it has
been suggested therein that suitable arrangements for receipt of sealed tenders at the
scheduled date and time through conspicuously located tender boxes need to be ensured.
A case has come to the notice of the Commission, where due to the bulky size of tender
documents the bid conditions envisaged submission of tenders by hand to a designated
officer. However, it seems that one of the bidders while trying to locate the exact place of
submission of tenders, got delayed by few minutes and the tender was not accepted leading
to a complaint.
In general, the receipt of tenders should be through tender boxes as suggested in our
booklets. However, in cases where the tenders are required to be submitted by hand, it may
be ensured that the names and designation of atleast two officers are mentioned in the bid
documents. The information about these officers should also be displayed at the
entrance/reception of the premises where tenders are to be deposited so as to ensure
convenient approach for the bidders. The tenders after receipt should be opened on the
stipulated date and time in presence of the intending bidders.
                                                                         Sd/-
                                                                  (Gyaneshwar Tyagi)
                                                                  Technical Examiner
Copy to: -
                                                                                        249
                                                                                  Appendix-6
                                  No. OFF-1-CTE-1(Pt) V
                                   Government of India
                               Central Vigilance Commission
                                            *****
       The Commission has observed that some of the Notice Inviting Tenders (NITs) have
a clause that the tender applications could be rejected without assigning any reason. This
clause is apparently incorporated in tender enquiries to safeguard the interest of the
organisation in exceptional circumstance and to avoid any legal dispute, in such cases.
2.      The Commission has discussed the issue and it is emphasized that the above clause
in the bid document does not mean that the tender accepting authority is free to take
decision in an arbitrary manner. He is bound to record clear, logical reasons for any such
action of rejection/recall of tenders on the file.
                                                                               Sd/-
                                                                          (Anjana Dube)
                                                                          Deputy Secretary
                                                                                           250
                                                                              Appendix-7
                                        005/VGL/66
                                   Government of India
                               Central Vigilance Commission
                                            *****
                                                        Satarkata Bhawan, Block ‘A’,
                                                        GPO Complex, INA,
                                                        New Delhi- 110 023
                                                        Dated the 9/12/2005
                                                                              Sd/-
                                                                       (Anjana Dube)
                                                                       Deputy Secretary
                                                                                       251
                                                                                 Appendix-8
                                   No.02-07-01-CTE-30
                                  Government of India
                              Central Vigilance Commission
                                           *****
                                OFFICE MEMORANDUM
                                  Circular No. 01/01/08
A number of instances have come to the notice of the Commission where forged/fake bank
guarantees have been submitted by the contractors/suppliers. Organizations concerned
have also not made any effective attempt to verify the genuineness/authenticity of these
bank guarantees at the time of submission.
2. In this background, all organizations are advised to streamline the system of acceptance of
bank guarantees from contractors/suppliers to eliminate the possibility of acceptance of any
forged/fake bank guarantees.
3. The guidelines on this subject issued by Canara Bank provides for an elaborate procedure,
which may be found helpful for the organizations in eliminating the possibility of
acceptance of forged/fake bank guarantees. The guidelines issued by Canara Bank provides
that –
“The original guarantee should be sent to the beneficiary directly under Registered Post
(A.D.). However, in exceptional cases, where the guarantee is handed over to the customer
for any genuine reasons, the branch should immediately send by Registered Post (A.D.) an
unstamped duplicate copy of the guarantee directly to the beneficiary with a covering letter
requesting them to compare with the original received from their customer and confirm that
it is in order. The A.D. card should be kept with the loan papers of the relevant guarantee.
At times, branches may receive letters from beneficiaries, viz., Central/State Governments,
public sector undertakings, requiring bank’s confirmation for having issued the guarantee.
Branches must send the confirmation letter to the concerned authorities promptly without
fail.”
                                                                                          252
     4. Therefore, all organizations are advised to evolve the procedure for acceptance of BGs,
     which is compatible with the guidelines of Banks/Reserve Bank of India. The steps to be
     ensured should include –
  i.     Copy of proper prescribed format on which BGs are accepted from the contractors
         should be enclosed with the tender document and it should be verified verbatim on
         receipt with original document.
 ii.     It should be insisted upon the contractors, suppliers, etc. that BGs to be submitted by
         them should be sent to the organization directly by the issuing bank under Registered
         Post (A.D.).
iii.     In exceptional cases, where the BGs are received through the contractors, suppliers, etc.,
         the issuing branch should be requested to immediately send by Registered Post (A.D.) an
         unstamped duplicate copy of the guarantee directly to the organization with a covering
         letter to compare with the original BGs and confirm that it is in order.
iv.      As an additional measure of abundant precaution, all BGs should be independently
         verified by the organisations.
 v.      In the organization/unit, one officer should be specifically designated with
         responsibility for verification, timely renewal and timely encashment of BGs.
  5. Keeping above in view, the organizations may frame their own detailed guidelines to
  ensure that BGs are genuine and encashable.
                                                                              Sd/- 26/4/10
                                                                        (Smt. Padmaja Varma)
                                                                       Chief Technical Examiner
  To
                                                                                               253
                                                                                Appendix-9
                                     No.007/CRD/008
                                  Government of India
                              Central Vigilance Commission
                                           *****
                                                               Satarkata Bhawan, Block ‘A’,
                                                                       GPO Complex, INA,
                                                                        New Delhi- 110 023
                                                               Dated the 15th February 2008
In effect, this amounts to the organisation not getting what they actually ordered and paid
for. The supplies of such PC in the long run would defeat the very purpose of going for a
new system. COUNTERFEITING is designed to cheat naive consumers/organizations.
This current circular is intended to help/ inform and enable due diligence as well as curbing
the menace of counterfeit and refurbished IT products disguised as new.
As a first step, there is a need for all buyers in the Government Departments/ PSU to insist
on a signed undertaking (sample format enclosed) from some authority not lower than the
Company Secretary of the system OEM that would certify that all the components/ parts/
assembly/ software used in the Desktops and Servers like Hard disk, Monitors, Memory etc
were      original/     new      components/parts/assembly/software,      and    that    no
refurbished/duplicate/ second hand components /parts / assembly /software were being
used or would be used, so that the buying organizations were not cheated and get the
original equipments as ordered by them. Also one could ask for ‘Factory Sealed Boxes’ with
System OEM seal to ensure that the contents have not been changed en route.
Following advisory checkpoints it is hoped shall help identify the fraudulent practices that
have come to notice and help guard against spurious and refurbished/duplicate/ second
hand components/parts/ assembly / software being received by purchasers and consignees
who receive such goods and may not have much technical knowledge.
1.      CPU. Buyers are cautioned against buying IT Hardware with remarked CPUs that
are freely / readily available in the market today. Entry Level processors get Remarked /
                                                                                         254
Over clocked and sold as high end processors. These CPUs, come disguised as higher clock
speed processors (e.g. a Celeron CPU can be remarked as a P4 CPU) while their real clock
speed may be lower. Since Operating System is loaded from CD bundled with Motherboard,
the CD contains image of configured OS. Hence information as seen in ‘My Computer’ –
‘System Properties’ shall give deceptive information. In other words, a Celeron CPU
remarked as a P4 CPU, shall be seen as a P4 CPU only.
Buyers should therefore, use various tool / utilities like the ‘CPU-Z’ Utility or the ‘sSpecNo.’
for ascertaining the real parameters of the CPU. Utility like CPU-Z (appox. 1.3 MB size) are
available free on the web.
2.     Hard Disk IT Hardware with refurbished Hard Disks that are actually 2nd hand /
repaired hard disks are readily available at low cost. In hard disk drives, the factory repaired
hard disk drives, which are mainly used in the warranty replacements are substituted in the
new machines. Same is the case observed with floppy drive and Optical disk drives many
times.
Most of the competent hard disk makers use a sticker on such hard disks sold by them that
clearly distinguishes such hard disks from the fresh ones. For example, manufacturer
‘Seagate’ marks Green Border and label of “Certified Repaired HDD” to distinguish such
disk drives from New Genuine HDD. There is No border or Refurbished label on genuine
new HDD.
In addition to this, buyers may also use HDTUNE_210 Utility. This utility shall return Hard
Disk Manufacturers’ Serial no. and Date of manufacturing of the Hard Disk. These
parameters can be used to cross-verify with the hard disk vendor. Various Hard Disk
vendors also put a date code on the hard disk. A mismatch between this date and the one
returned by HDTUNE_210 Utility can also be viewed as tampering with the actual
information of the hard disk.
3.      Monitors. IT Hardware with refurbished Monitors that are actually 2nd hand /
repaired monitors are given a “new look” by changing the body, with internal components
remaining “old / repaired”. These CRT monitors are usually discarded from developed
countries like US and Europe. There are also B Grade (New but Low Quality) CRT Monitors
used in place of new monitors. Many times these can be distinguished by opening the
cabinet body and noticing that the label on the tube does not carry various certifications and
there are scratch marks on the tube. While ‘Genuine’ Picture Tubes have all mandatory
Certifications, ‘Counterfeit’ Picture Tubes would not have these certifications. Certification
gives an assurance of Reliability.
Further many such cathode ray tubes (Picture Tubes) are found to need extra magnets to
achieve focusing and earthing also is missing. Genuine Monitors rely on ‘Yoke Coil’ alone to
focus electronic beam. Counterfeit Monitors typically require Numerous Magnetic Strips in
addition to Yoke Coil to focus electronic beam. Further, ‘Earthing’ and ‘Shielding’ provide
ESD (Electro Static Discharge) protection. Genuine Picture Tubes have proper “Earthing
and Shielding”. Earthing and Shielding is compromised in counterfeit Picture Tubes to
reduce cost.
In ‘B’ Grade LCD Monitors, panels used are B grade in which the number of spots may be
higher, response time & brightness of lower specs than what is stated.
                                                                                            255
The “Signed Undertaking” as suggested shall serve as a deterrent and as a safeguard to
ensure that bidders are not fleecing them by supplying such monitors.
                                                                                           256
All Chief Vigilance Officers in the Ministries/Departments/PSEs/ Public
Sector Banks/Insurance Companies/ Autonomous Organisations/Societies
Annexure: Model Undertaking of Authenticity form
With reference to the Desktops and Servers being supplied /quoted to you vide our invoice
no/quotation no/order no. Cited above,----
We also undertake that in respect of licensed operating system if asked for by you in the
purchase order, the same shall be supplied along with the authorised license certificate (eg
Product Keys on Certification of Authenticity in case of Microsoft Windows Operating
System) and also that it shall be sourced from the authorised source (eg Authorised
Microsoft Channel in case of Microsoft Operating System).
Should you require, we hereby undertake to produce the certificate from our OEM supplier
in support of above undertaking at the time of delivery/installation. It will be our
responsibility to produce such letters from our OEM supplier’s at the time of delivery or
within a reasonable time.
In case of default and we are unable to comply with above at the time of delivery or during
installation, for the IT Hardware/Software already billed, we agree to take back the
Desktops and Servers without demur, if already supplied and return the money if any paid
to us by you in this regard.
We (system OEM name) also take full responsibility of both Parts & Service SLA as per the
content even if there is any defect by our authorized Service Centre/ Reseller/SI etc.
Authorised Signatory
Name:
Designation
Place
Date
                                                                                        257
                                                                               Appendix-10
                                    No.008 /CRD/008
                                  Government of India
                              Central Vigilance Commission
                                           *****
                                                                Satarkata Bhawan, Block ‘A’,
                                                                        GPO Complex, INA,
                                                                         New Delhi- 110 023
                                                                    Dated the 24th July 2008
                                   Circular No. 22/07/08
       The Commission has noted a significant rise in the number of references made to it
involving procurement at different stages. These relate to specific cases and are not generic
in nature. Essentially they belong to the domain of managerial decision making and the
matter needs to be decided at that level.
        The Central Vigilance Commission and its Chief Vigilance Officers, as a matter of
policy do not interfere in the process of decision making, which is a management function of
the respective organization.
                                                                         (V. Ramachandran)
                                                                  Chief Technical Examiner
                                                              Central Vigilance Commission
                                                                                         258
                                                                                   Appendix-11
                                       No.008/VGL/083
                                    Government of India
                                Central Vigilance Commission
                                             *****
                                                         Satarkata Shawan, Block 'A',
                                                         GPO Complex, INA,
                                                         New Delhi- 110 023
                                                         Dated the 6th November 2008
Circular No.31/11/08
         The Commission has observed that at times the processing of tenders is inordinately
delayed which may result in time and cost overruns and also invite criticism from the Trade
Sector. It is, therefore, essential that tenders are finalized and contracts are awarded in a time
bound manner within original validity of the tender, without seeking further extension of
validity. While a short validity period calls for prompt finalization by observing specific
time-line for processing, a longer validity period has the disadvantage of vendors loading
their offers in anticipation of likely increase in costs during the period. Hence, it is important
to fix the period of validity with utmost care.
                                                                                      Sd/-
                                                                                (Shalini Darbari)
                                                                                  Director
                                                                                              259
                                                                                    Appendix-12
                                       No.005/VGL/4
                                   Government of India
                               Central Vigilance Commission
                                            *****
                                                        Satarkata Bhawan, Block ‘A’,
                                                        GPO Complex, INA,
                                                        New Delhi- 110 023
                                                        Dated the 14th July, 2009
        The Commission vide circulars dated 16.03.2005, 28.07.2005 and 18.04.2007 had
directed all organisations to post on their web-sites a summary, every month, containing
details of all the contracts/purchases made above a threshold value (to be fixed by the
organisations) covering atleast 60% of the value of the transactions every month to start with
on a continuous basis. CVOs were required to monitor the progress and ensure that the
requisite details were posted regularly on respective websites, and also to incorporate
compliance status in their monthly report to the Commission.
4.     All Chief Vigilance Officers should reflect the compliance status in their     monthly
reports to the Commission after personally verifying the same.
                                                                                  Sd/-
                                                                            (Shalini Darbari)
                                                                               Director
To
                                                                                            260
                                                                                Appendix-13
                                  No.011/VGL/014
                             GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
                         CENTRAL VIGILANCE COMMISSION
                                       *****
There have been instances where the equipment/plant to be procured is of complex nature
and the procuring organization may not possess the full knowledge of the various technical
solutions available in the market to meet the desired objectives of a transparent procurement
that ensures value for money spent simultaneously ensuring upgradation of technology &
capacity building.
                                                                                          261
3.      Once the technical specifications and evaluation criteria are finalized, the second
stage of tendering could consist of calling for techno commercial bids as per the usual
tendering system under single bid or two bid system, as per the requirement of each case.
Final selection at this stage would depend upon the quoted financial bids and the evaluation
matrix decided upon.
                                                                        Sd/-
                                                                    (Anil Singhal)
                                                              Chief Technical Examiner
To
                                                                                        262
               APPENDIX	
                   	
                    	
    RELEVANT	CIRCULARS/ORDERS	OF	THE		
      CENTRAL	VIGILANCE	COMMISSION