Q2: Who will pay for Probity Assurance? therefore expected to be independent and acceptable to both the Borrower and the Bank. The specific qualification requirements will be specified in the terms of reference for each such assignment. A2: The Borrower is expected to employ Probity Assurance Providers and pay for their services. BAFO and Negotiations Q1: If there are 5 bidders, is it necessary to negotiate with all five bidders? Q2: How much room for change in price and scope is allowed during negotiations following international competitive procurement? Does a 15% limit apply? Q3: Under BAFO can the bidder/proposer revise their technical proposal/bid? A1: The Procurement Regulations only provide for negotiations with the bidder/proposer offering the MAP and then moving to the next MAP if the outcome is unsatisfactory or an agreement is not reached. Simultaneous negotiation with multiple proposers/bidders is not allowed. A2: There is no predefined limit to the change in price when the option of negotiation is adopted during international competitive procurement. Negotiations may involve terms and conditions, price, and/or social, environmental, and innovative aspects, as long as they do not change the minimum requirements of the Bid/Proposal. A3: Under a BAFO, bidders/proposers may improve their technical bids/proposals but are not allowed to change their technical bid/proposal in a material way. Alternative solutions Q1: If an offer is not technically compliant, but functionally compliant (so offering another solution than requested, but still providing the requested function/outcome) and the A1: This would be determined on a case by case basis, depending on the requirements specified in the bidding/request for proposals documents.
Q2: Under the NPF, can bids/proposals be submitted electronically e.g. by email? A2: Regulation 5.8 allows Borrowers to use electronic procurement systems (e-Procurement) for aspects of the Procurement Process, including: issuing Procurement Documents, and addenda, receiving Applications/quotations/Bids/Proposals, and carrying out other procurement actions, provided the Bank is satisfied with the adequacy of the system, including its accessibility, security and integrity, confidentiality, and audit trail features. Fit for Purpose Core Procurement Principle Q1: The term "fit for purpose" has unique ties in the US to the US Commercial Code. Recommend this be distinguished from term use in the WB SBDs.? A1: In the context of the Bank’s NPF and as defined in the Bank’s , fit for purpose means that in determining the most appropriate procurement approach to meet the project development objectives and outcome, one should take into account the context, risk, value, and complexity of the procurement. SPD Forms and Conditions of Contract Q1: What changes have been made to the conditions of contract? Q2: Are there any differences in the technical and financial forms in the new SPDs? A1: There have not been major changes to the Conditions of Contracts except for areas such as expansion of value engineering and enhancements to drive performance improvements in Environmental, Social and Health and Safety management in Works. A2: For consulting services there are no major modifications are made but for GWNcS there are some changes to the forms depending on the specific SPD.