e-Tender In State Highways Dept
In an effort to ensure transparency and eliminate complaints of irregularities, the State Highways Department is planning to introduce the system of e-tenders. The Superintending Engineer of State Highways Department, N.T. Krishnamoorthy, said that the software needed for the purpose would be put in place after trial runs in Chennai. In Coimbatore, the first phase of the project is already through. Now, the authorities are able to notify the works due for implementation online and tender forms can be downloaded. But submission of tenders forms can be done both online and offline.
Contractors who are registered, licensed and empanelled are in the process of getting ready to become part of the system. The officials have got the digital signature cards for opening the tender folder, posting the notifications and to download the bids once the tender call validity was over. Contractors are in the process of getting the same. Till the closure of the tender, the bidders can make any change in the bids. Details of other bids can be downloaded only after the closure of the bid. Only officials can do the same.
The contractors can even post the scanned copy of the demand draft for the Earnest Money Deposit along with their bid. In Coimbatore, the authorities are hopeful of having the entire system in place within the next one week.
