Standard Operating Procedure for on boarding
Logistics Service Providers with Sagar SetuNLP as a Latch-On service provider

Indian Ports Association
1st floor, South Tower, NBCC Place
Bhisham Pitamah Marg, Lodhi Road,New Delhi – 110003

SOP for on-boarding of Logistics Service Providers with NLP-Marine as Latch-ONs
Contents
1. Conditions of Integration ................................................................................................ 2
2. Types of Access by LSPs and third-party Apps .............................................................. 2
3. Steps for On-Boarding Latch-on Service Providers ........................................................ 3Annexure 1: About NLP-M .................................................................................................... 4Annexure 2: Templates for Response ................................................................................... 6Form I. Proposal submission cover letter ........................................................................... 6
Form II. Applicant information sheet .................................................................................. 8Form III. Technical Details of Applicant.............................................................................. 9
Form IV Brief description of solution(s) provided by the service provider ......................... 10Form V. Business Model of the solution........................................................................... 11
Form VI. Undertaking on Blacklisting ............................................................................... 12Page # 1

SOP for on-boarding of Logistics Service Providers with NLP-Marine as Latch-ONs
1.

Conditions of Integration
 Integration:o Integration with Latch-ons will be via API Gateway as per the Latch On Services
agreement between IPA and Latch On Service Provider provided in Annexure 3 ofthis document. The IPA reserves the right to charge the prospective applicant anycharges towards integration with the ‘SAGAR SETU-NLP’.
2.

Revenue sharing from business:o When ‘SAGAR SETU-NLP’ is integrated with latch-on application, no charges shallbe collected from the latch-on partner initially for 1 years. IPA would get into anagreement with the Latch-on partner as per the Annexure 3 of this document.
o The duration of 1 years will be counted from the date of integration of the first everintegration with the ‘SAGAR SETU-NLP’. The LSP can avail this exemption onlyonce.
o Revenue sharing modalities shall become effective after expiry of free period.

Types of Access by LSPs and third-party Apps

The ‘SAGAR SETU-NLP’ API Services would be open for service providers, agents, and otherstakeholders (referred to as LSP) who are part of the marine ecosystem and provide related
services or information to their users/public. Using API integration, the approved LSPs canavail two-way real time exchange of data to extend seamless service connectivity andintegration for their users.
The approved LSPs will have to ensure adherence with the cyber security practices notified
by Government of India for secure API communications for managing keys and related ICTInfrastructure and services at their end. The LSPs shall ensure that the APIs are not abused,misused and that they duly abide by the prevalent MeitY guidelines, National Cyber Security
Policy, National Data Sharing & Accessibility Policy-2012 (NDSAP) and other provisions ofthe Information Technology Act, 2000 as notified by the Govt. of India from time to time.
There would be two types of access:1. Open Access through Public API: This will allow any third-party application to accesscertain un-restricted information, that can be shared with its users, public andstakeholders (with or without value addition). This is limited only to read access in NLP.
The extent of access will be limited and in case of any misuse or data breach impacting
the performance of ‘SAGAR SETU-NLP-’ solution will result in blocking andblacklisting of any such application and entities.
2. Restricted Access through Protected API: This allows approved third-party
applications to access as well as update specified information in the ‘SAGAR SETUNLP-’ database, subject to such conditions and validations as may be prescribed orrequired. This would enable third party applications to raise requests for variousservices on behalf of themselves, their users, and custom

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SOP for on-boarding of Logistics Service Providers with NLP-Marine as Latch-ONs

3.

Steps for On-Boarding Latch-on Service Providers

The lifecycle of a Latch-on service provider on ‘SAGAR SETU-NLP’ would consist of thefollowing stages:

Initial Connection
Application & Effort Assessment

Functional
Discussion

Approval & Agreement – NDA MoU

API Integration

System Integrator

User Testing

TechnicalDiscussion
On-boarding
process

Periodic checks and compliancesThe SOP shall be published on NLP Portal. https://nlpmarine.gov.in/Interested LSP shall download the SOP and share the filled forms (Annexure 2) overemail to ipa@nic.in with subject line - Onboarding National Logistics Portal - Marine
as a Latch-on Service Provider
IPA would verify the forms (within 7 working days) and complete within next 2 weeks
from the date of receipt of forms initial discussion between NLP team and LSP.
Functional discussion would take place (within one week of initial discussion) withdetailing of NLP functionality and LSP application which is to be integrated in ‘SAGAR
SETU-NLP’.
LSP and IPA would sign the Latch on Agreement. The agreement shall be signed within
two weeks of functional discussion.
Once agreement is signed, LSP and SI would have technical rounds of discussion andwork on API integration, and complete API integration within 1 month.
User testing shall be conducted within one week of API integration.
Once integration is live, periodic checks shall be conducted by IPA/PMU.

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SOP for on-boarding of Logistics Service Providers with NLP-Marine as Latch-ONs
Annexure 1: About SAGAR SETU (‘SAGAR SETU-NLP-’ )The details provided about the ‘SAGAR SETU-NLP’ platform herein are indicative as thesystem is evolving. The applicants are requested to evaluate the applicability of their service
offerings in the proposed ecosystem of the ‘SAGAR SETU-NLP’ platform.
The SAGAR-SETU-NLP is a project of national importance aimed at bringing all stakeholdersof the logistics community onto a common platform, to improve efficiency and transparency
by reducing costs and time delays. This project will have a significant impact on the ‘Ease ofDoing Business’ Index of the country. The activities of ‘SAGAR SETU-NLP’ are categorized
into four distinct verticals viz.
i.
Carrierii.
Cargoiii.
Banking and Financeiv.
Regulatory and Participating Government Agencies.
The ‘SAGAR SETU-NLP’ allows for inclusion of stakeholders such as the importers,
exporters, and other service providers within the community to be able to seamlessly transact,
book slots, exchange information and documents, apply for regulatory approvals, and avail ofa host of financial services such as finance, letter of credit etc).
To act as an ecosystem connecting all the stakeholders, the ‘SAGAR SETU-NLP-’ is designed
to facilitate seamless API integration with all the stakeholders and services providers.
The ‘SAGAR SETU-NLP’ is an “open platform” that allows coexistence of multiple service
providers to provide EXIM related services independently or by combining different services
and connectivity options. It has the capability to integrate with various Port Operating Systems/
Terminal Operating Systems, ICEGATE, other regulatory agencies and stakeholder(s)systems in the ecosystem. It aims to reduce regulatory complexities and enhance the ease ofdoing business by moving towards user friendly paperless trade. This will be accomplished byutilising the prowess of IT infrastructure to develop a single window, centralising all necessary
documentation, compliance certifications and formal procedures necessary for EXIM trade.
The architecture of the ‘SAGAR SETU-NLP’ allows existing business relationships to be
migrated on to the portal, for transactions via the portal.
The core objectives of ‘SAGAR SETU-NLP’ are:
 Move towards a paperless regime i.e., to optimise, manage, and automate port andlogistics processes by connecting transport and logistics chains i.e., electronic
handling of key processes regarding import and export of containerised, general, andbulk cargo Facilitate the stakeholders to improve their efficiency through exchange of businessrelated information with their trading partners accurately and quickly through theirnormal mode of business communication and multi-channel service delivery throughmobile devices, portal etc
 Act as single platform to complete all logistics movement related formalities at one
place/ on a single portal.

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SOP for on-boarding of Logistics Service Providers with NLP-Marine as Latch-ONsImprove the quality of service and ease of doing business.
Provide status information, control, track, and trace features to all the envisaged
stakeholders

Latch-on service providers are third party agencies that will provide specific functionalities bysharing their data and functionalities through an Application Programming Interface (API) tothe core ‘SAGAR SETU-NLP’ application. This document lists down the general guidelines,
and standard processes for selecting and onboarding interested service providers on ‘SAGAR
SETU-NLP’ as a Latch-on service provider. The scope of document is limited to selection oflatch-on service providers only and it does not cover the selection of other government
agencies and councils on ‘SAGAR SETU-NLP’.
The IPA is open to adding more Latch-on Service Providers based on business case,requirements, and innovation in the market. IPA is also not restricting duplicate services/services providers, so that stakeholders can pick and choose service providers during thecourse of the transaction. The proposed Latch on services and functionality includes, but notlimited to:1.
Transportation (Road, Rail,10.
Route planning, Schedules &Coastal etc; excluding air).
management (Transportation)
2.
Empty Yards
11.
Document management system
3.
E-VGM Providers
12.
Payments, Banking, and trade4.
E-Seal Providers
allied services such as LC,
5.
Terminal Management
finance, etc.
6.
CFS Providers
13.
Trade Insurance; including
7.
ICD, Warehouse Providers
aggregators
8.
Container/
Bulk
Bookings;
14.
eBerthing Solution(Lines,NVOCC,Freight
15.
Any
other
functionality
Forwarders)pertaining to EXIM trade as
9.
Clearance/ Customs Handlingapproved by IPA
Agencies
Aggregators of the aforementioned services that can add value to ‘SAGAR SETU-NLP’
platform are also eligible for application

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SOP for on-boarding of Logistics Service Providers with NLP-Marine as Latch-ONs

Annexure 2: Templates for Response
Form I. Proposal submission cover letter<On Applicant’s letterhead>[Date]To
The Managing Director, Indian Ports Association
1st floor, South Tower, NBCC Place
Bhisham Pitamah Marg, Lodhi RoadNew Delhi – 110003
Date:
Subject: Onboarding National Logistics Portal - Marine as a Latch-on Service Provider
Dear Sir,
1. This is to notify you that our company intends to submit a proposal in response to theabove cited subject.
2. Primary and secondary contacts for our company are:
Authorized Signatory /Secondary Contact
Primary Contact
Name:
Designation:
Company
Name:
Address:
Phone/ Mobile:
E-Mail:3. We confirm that the information contained in this response or any part thereof,
including its exhibits, and other documents and instruments delivered or to be delivered
are true, accurate, verifiable, and complete. The response includes all informationnecessary to ensure that the statements therein do not in whole or in part mislead
Purchaser in its short-listing process.
4. We fully understand and agree to comply that on verification, if any of the information
provided here is found to be misleading the short-listing process or unduly favours ourcompany in the shortlisting process, we are liable to be dismissed from the selection
process.
5. It is hereby confirmed that I/We are entitled and authorized to act on behalf of ourcorporation/ company/ firm/ organization and empowered to sign this document as wellas other documents, which may be required in this connection. The document related
to the proof of authorization has been attached with this letter.
6. The proposal contains ____ number of pages duly numbered and signed by theauthorized signatory.
I also certify that I am the duly authorized to sign the response for and on behalf of _______
Yours sincerely,(Signature)

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SOP for on-boarding of Logistics Service Providers with NLP-Marine as Latch-ONs
Name:
Designation:
Name of the Company:
Address:(Seal/Stamp of Applicant)Page # 7

SOP for on-boarding of Logistics Service Providers with NLP-Marine as Latch-ONs
Form II. Applicant information sheet
SrField

12

Name of the applicant entity
Date of Incorporation

345678Legal Status of the entity
GSTN / Tax registration number
Complete Registered Address
Website address
Email and Contact Details
Location of the server and data centre (Relevant Proof)
of Service Provider
Data centre ownership – owned/ (Relevant Proof)
shared/ leased
Is the data centre Tier III type
(Relevant Proof)

910111213

Response (supported by documentaryproof)(Attach certificate of incorporation
registration)(Company/ Partnership/ LLP/ etc)
(Copy of relevant certificate)orAlliances/partnerships with similarplatforms (If yes, name of suchpartnerships)
Data security and audits process (Relevant Proof)
followed
Allow data sharing with the ‘SAGAR Yes; the same shall become part of theSETU-NLP’ application and allow agreement once the applicant is selected.
storage of pertinent data (as mutuallyagreed) on the IPA data centres withinIndia.

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SOP for on-boarding of Logistics Service Providers with NLP-Marine as Latch-ONs
Form III. Technical Details of Applicant
Kindly provide your response/justification against the mentioned criteria. The response should
be supported with documentary proof/evidence wherever applicable.
Sr. Technical Criteria/ Particulars
ApplicantSupporting
Response
Document
1
Relevant experience in providing services
involving integration/ API integrations with otherservices/platforms of national scale within India
for the last 1 year. Please mention the names ofsuch services/platforms/apps
3Compliance with Data security requirements as
per the IT Act 2000 (Y/N)
4
Please mention the date of last third-party IT
security audit and report, if available
5
Uptime of network/ server infrastructure
6Technology Partners involved in the build-up of
the system and delivery of services

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SOP for on-boarding of Logistics Service Providers with NLP-Marine as Latch-ONs
Form IV Brief description of solution(s) provided by the service provider
The applicant is required to submit a brief description of solutions provided addressing thefollowing details:
 Description of the solution to be integrated
 Functionalities of the solution to be integrated
 Expectations from IPA in terms of solution requirements and commercial assumptions
Additionally, the following table may also be populated with relevant details:
1Target Market of thesolution
2Benefits
totheusers/stakeholders
3Fees and Charges for theservice if any
4Futureroadmap
withregards to the service
offerings
5Expectation from NLP withregards to the integrationof services

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SOP for on-boarding of Logistics Service Providers with NLP-Marine as Latch-ONs
Form V. Business Model of the solution
The applicant is required to submit the detailed commercial business model of the existing
solution, which is proposed to be integrated with ‘SAGAR SETU-NLP’. The commercial model
should be explained considering the following objectives of IPA from the project: Current business model of the specific solution
 Target market
 Market size of the solution
 Total number of customers using the solution
 Proposed revenue sharing model. Refer Section ‘Conditions of Integration’.

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SOP for on-boarding of Logistics Service Providers with NLP-Marine as Latch-ONs
Form VI. Undertaking on Blacklisting(On organization’s letterhead)[Date]To,
The Managing Director, Indian Ports Association
1st floor, South Tower, NBCC Place
Bhisham Pitamah Marg, Lodhi RoadNew Delhi - 110003
Sub: Undertaking on BlacklistingSir,
We confirm that our company _____________________ as on date of submission of this
proposal is not blacklisted by any Central/State Government/PSU entity in India for any
unsatisfactory past performance, corrupt, fraudulent or any other unethical business practices.
We also confirm that the company is not banned or convicted by any court of law or declaredineligible for corrupt & fraudulent practices either indefinitely or for a particular period by any
Government/ PSU/ Autonomous Body (Under Any government law) in India.
Yours faithfully,(Signature)

Name of the authorized signatory:
Designation:
Name of the Company:
Address:(Seal/Stamp of Applicant)Page # 12