ANSWER:
There is no specified period of validity for prequalification. At the time of prequalification, the expected date of bidding would have been indicated. Any extension beyond this date needs to be considered in terms of the need to conduct a second prequalification process. A second prequalification will introduce delays. However, not redoing prequalification may result in bid failure. At the time of bidding, prequalification data is updated and it is possible thatc circumstances of the prequalified firms might have changed to the extent that few remain qualified. Similarly, working from an old prequalification roster might preclude new firms that have recently entered the market and would be good bidders to have. The decision on whether or not to conduct a fresh prequalification needs to be based on these considerations. It should also consider factors such as (i) number of prequalfied firms, (ii) size and nature of works, (iii) changes in the market over the period. Another option, to save time, might be to use post qualificaition and conducting open bidding. This would depend on the size and complexity of the contract.
|