Rural Connectivity Investment Program—Tranche 2

Procurement planning and readiness are critical prerequisites in the administration of bids and contract packages. Ensuring sufficient capacity of executing and implementing agencies facilitates a smooth procurement process. Developing back-up subprojects is also beneficial especially for implementation under the MFF in anticipation of cancellation of some subprojects. Given that civil works contractors in the rural areas have limited capabilities and as subprojects vary in size, this would proactively build an inventory of prequalified contractors. By implementing a capacity development program for contractors and training them on the nuances of tendering for and implementing ADB projects, rebidding would be reduced and can help them to implement the social safeguards aspects of the subprojects. An adequate risk assessment of country-specific and industry contexts is important in procurement planning and review. The absence of assessment and prequalification of potential bidders, including agencies’ familiarity with ADB procedures, can lead to poor bidding response and procurement setbacks. Appropriate planning and formulation of contract packages (e.g., suitability of contract size and technical details) are important to employ in national competitive biddings.