Consultant recruitment, EOI and RFP

A consultant is a person or firm hired by the employer for intellectual, technical or advisory services such as survey, design, supervision or feasibility studies. In Nepal the selection follows the Public Procurement Act 2063 and Regulations 2064.

Methods of selection of consultants

1. Quality and Cost Based Selection (QCBS): proposals are scored on technical quality and price using a fixed weight, most common method.
2. Quality Based Selection (QBS): for complex or special work; selected on technical score only, then price is negotiated.
3. Fixed Budget Selection: the budget is stated and the best technical proposal within the budget is selected.
4. Least Cost Selection: for routine work; the lowest price among those who pass the technical minimum.
5. Consultant's Qualification Based Selection (CQS): for small works; based on the consultant's experience and capacity.
6. Single source selection: only in special cases, such as continuity of earlier work.
7. Individual consultant selection for services where team work is not needed.

Expression of Interest (EOI)

A public notice inviting consultants to state their interest and submit qualifications (experience, staff, past works). The purpose is to shortlist about 3 to 7 qualified consultants. It saves cost and time because only capable firms are asked for detailed proposals.

Request for Proposal (RFP)

Issued to the shortlisted consultants with Terms of Reference, instructions, evaluation criteria and draft contract. The purpose is to obtain technical and financial proposals, evaluate them, and select the best consultant for negotiation and contract.