Criteria for Selection of Shortlist It is too time consuming and expensive for the PE to invite and evaluate proposals from all consultants who expressed their readiness to participate. Therefore, unlike in procurement of goods and works in which all interested bidders are publicly invited to present their bids, the process of consultant selection is based on obtaining a limited number of proposals from a shortlist of consultants prepared by the PE. Selection is based on limited competition among qualified firms that are capable of delivering the required services and desired level of quality. From the Consultancy Organisations’ point of view, the use of a shortlist reduces the number of proposals to be prepared, raises proposal quality, and increases the chances of winning the competition. For the PE, it is an effective way of attracting the best candidates for the assignment. Unless specifically stated in the Guidelines or in this manual consultant opportunities are first advertised. Then, on the basis of those Consultancy Organisations who submitted expressions of interest in response to the advertisement and from other sources of information, the PE shall prepare a shortlist of consultants who will be invited to submit proposals. The main objective of advertising is to inform all eligible Consultancy Organisations about consulting opportunities. Advertising promotes transparency, enhances competition, and facilitates the participation of smaller and larger Consultancy Organizations. The REI should request sufficient information for the PE to judge the Consultancy Organisations’ capabilities in the field of the assignment. The response might include, for example, descriptions of similar assignments conducted, experience in similar conditions, and possibility of deploying the appropriate staff. Given the large number of such submissions, the advertisement should stress the importance of information in a summarized form. No legal documents, such as certificate of incorporation of the firm, power of attorney, or translations of standard brochures, should be requested. Not less than 30 days should be provided for responses if international consultancy organizations are expected to submit EI, and all other cases a minimum of 14 days shall be given. General Considerations The shortlist shall comprise of not more than seven. The PE shall review the credentials of those who submitted expressions of interest and gives first consideration to those that possess the relevant qualifications. In selecting the shortlist, the PE shall carry out a diligent review of key aspects such as:

• qualifications in the field of the assignment; • technical and managerial capabilities of the organisation • core business and years in business; • qualifications of key staff; • client references; and • administrative and financial strength

•

In reviewing the above aspects rather than using a point system, it is recommended to use the judgment of the PE. The following are other considerations related to preparation of the shortlist: • If a shortlisted Consultancy Organisation considers that it does not have all the expertise for the assignment, it should be allowed to obtain a full range of expertise by associating with individual consultant(s) and/or other consultants or entities in a joint venture or sub consultancy, as appropriate; • A shortlisted Consultancy Organisation may associate with another shortlisted organisation only with approval of the PE; • Consultancy Organisation must obtain the approval of the PE to enter into a joint venture with consultants not invited for this assignment. • Consultancy Organisation should be required to confirm their intention to submit proposals shortly after the invitation to submit proposals is issued; • The PE should identify one or two additional firms to include in the shortlist in case any of the shortlisted firms decides not to submit its proposal.