ICTAD to make bidding more effective

Ramani Kangaraarachchi

The ICTAD is to introduce a new document to the existing list of Standard Bidding Documents (SDBs) shortly to make the bidding procedure more effective and simplified.

The new addition is procurement of electro mechanical equipment for construction. Engineer Jayantha De Mel told a seminar on Provisions in the Guidelines and Salient Features of a Bidding Document on Wednesday, current documents include procurement of works, major contracts, minor works, and design and build contracts. "But when it comes to electro mechanical equipment related projects there was no provision to submit required details in the existing SDBs.

"But with the new document those problems will be solved and the bidders will be able to achieve their objectives effectively.

De Mel said that construction work is often of a complex nature and carried out over a long period of time.

As such the possibility of disputes is high and the contents of the bidding document should be unambiguous.

"He said that it is essential that the details of the work and the rights and obligations of the parties are clearly expressed in writing and a number of standard forms have therefore evolved over the years which can be adopted to suit various situations.

By using standard forms of contract the occurrence of dispute and resultant cost of litigation is kept to a minimum as all parties become familiar with the document and are aware of their rights and obligations under the contract, de Mel said.

The seminar was organised by the Chamber of Construction Industry Sri Lanka to enlighten participants on effective management of construction contracts.