The Bank also requires that contracts include price and payment adjustment where appropriate and in accordance with commercial practices. Documents will be in English, French or Spanish, and be so worded as to permit and encourage international competition. Bidders have the right to request clarification before bid opening, and all prospective bidders will be provided with the same information. Bids will be opened and read aloud in the presence of the bidders or their representatives who wish to attend. Other than clarifying the purchaser's questions, there may be no discussions or negotiations.
All bids are final after the public opening.
Qualified firms from each of the member countries must have equal access to information, equal opportunity to bid for contracts, and a fair and impartial consideration of award, independent of national origin. Contracts are awarded to the lowest evaluated responsive bidder, regardless of nationality. However, to promote the development of local industries within the borrowing country, the Bank permits the borrower to give a margin of preference to locally manufactured goods, plants, and civil works contractors when they are competing against foreign suppliers or contractors. Similarly, in the case of supply and installation of plant and equipment or turnkey contracts, the preference will apply only to locally-manufactured plants or equipment within the package. This preference is available only to low-income countries.