Pre Qualification

The Pre qualification process can help both the employers and the company wishing to tender for the project. It is essentially a way for the company wishing to tender, to ensure and display their competence and capabilities to carry out the works needed.

Pre qualification of contractors is recommended for large or complex works and, exceptionally, for custom designed equipment and specialised services.

The pre qualification process is distinct from the tender evaluation procedure, which concentrates on the price and merits of the tender itself. The process is of advantage to both tenderers and employers.

Pre qualification enables employers:

  • to assess the interest generated by the project among qualified firms, and to make any necessary adjustments to the procurement process (including, in particular, the conditions of contract − sharing of risk, payment terms, liquidated damages or completion times, which may be perceived as onerous by potential tenderers) in the event that only an insufficient number of applications are received;
  • to reduce the amount of work and time involved in evaluating tenders from unqualified contractors or suppliers;
  • to encourage local firms to form joint ventures with other local or international firms, thereby benefiting from their resources and experience, and;
  • to eliminate, or reduce significantly, problems associated with low prices submitted by tenderers of doubtful capability.

Applicants should demonstrate that they have carried out work of a nature, size, value, and
complexity similar to that of the project in question.

There are two principal criteria for pre qualification;

  • First, the applicant should have carried out similar work of at least a similar scale to that of the package of work for which pre qualification is sought.
    Depending on the nature of the works to be tendered, the applicant should have carried out one or more projects of adequate (specified) value during a specified period.
  • Second, the applicant should have performed operations of a volume and quality similar to those required for the project. For example, where large-volume earthmoving,
    tunnelling or concrete placing is involved, the applicant should demonstrate experience in
    those operations.

Pre qualification assessments are becoming more and more in demand by clients/employers. This does not need to be a daunting process.
RFS can provide guidance and support  to you, please contact us should you wish to discuss this.