Sir,

City-based NGO Mysore Grahakara Parishat (MGP) has raised a significant question regarding the awarding of tender to a Surat-based company with no prior experience in clearing the seven lakh tonnes of solid (legacy) waste accumulated at Vidyaranyapuram Sewage Plant (Tendering process: MGP Members raise concerns, SOM dated June 12).

MGP’s concern about the tender being awarded without following the proper protocol has serious implications.

According to tender protocol, the selection is based on an evaluation of information provided by the tenderers, assessed through a questionnaire under specific categories. These categories include: The experience of the firm, list of similar works done, organisational chart, value of work done and personnel and machinery to be deployed

Each member of the tender committee assigns marks for each category. The average of the total marks determines the firm with the highest score, which is then chosen after a thorough discussion in the committee.

The process also requires latest audited report of company. Only when the work is highly specialised and exclusive to a single company with a copyright can a tender be awarded through price negotiation. For all other works, tender protocols must be followed. With an inexperienced firm, as alleged by MGP, residents in surrounding areas of Vidyaranyapuram may have to prepare for a smelly and unhealthy environment ahead.

– H.R. Bapu Satyanarayana, Saraswathipuram, 13.6.2024

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