Your Ultimate Guide to the RFP for Authority Engineer for Railway Project (NER 2025)
North Eastern Railway (NER) has announced a significant infrastructure development opportunity. A new Request for Proposal (RFP) has been issued for the Anand Nagar-Ghughuli New BG Railway Line Project. This initiative focuses on the construction of a new single broad gauge line spanning 24.500 km. To ensure the highest standards of execution, NER is seeking a proficient firm to act as the Authority Engineer for railway project management. This role is central to overseeing the complex civil engineering, electrification, and signaling works involved.
This comprehensive guide is crafted for prospective bidders. It breaks down every critical component of the RFP. We will explore the tender’s scope, financial details, and stringent eligibility criteria. Furthermore, we will demystify the evaluation process to help you prepare a compelling and compliant bid. Securing the position of Authority Engineer for railway project work on this scale is a prestigious undertaking. Let’s delve into the specifics to position your firm for success.
Tender Overview: Key Facts and Figures
Before dissecting the technical and financial requirements, it is crucial to understand the tender’s core details. These figures and dates form the foundation of your bidding strategy.
- Work Name: RFP for appointment of Authority Engineer for Project Management Services for the Ghughuli-Maharajganj section.
- Client: North Eastern Railway (NER)
- Advertised Value: ₹5,42,78,729.45
- Earnest Money Deposit (EMD): ₹4,21,400.00
- Tender Closing Date & Time: 23/07/2025 at 15:00
- Pre-Bid Conference Date & Time: 25/06/2025 at 15:30
- Bidding System: Single Packet System
- Period of Completion: 48 Months
- Offer Validity: 120 Days
- Joint Ventures (JV): Allowed (Up to 3 members)
- Consortiums: Allowed (Up to 3 members)
Project Scope: Building a New Lifeline for North Eastern Railway
The primary objective of this project is the construction of a new 24.500 km single broad gauge railway line. This line will connect Ghughuli (Excluding) and Maharajganj (Including). It is a vital part of the larger Anand Nagar-Ghughuli New BG Railway Line Project. The new infrastructure aims to enhance connectivity and boost regional development.
The appointed Authority Engineer will be the client’s representative on the ground. This firm will provide comprehensive Project Management Services (PMS) covering three critical domains:
- Civil Engineering Works: This includes earthwork, bridges, track laying, and station buildings.
- Electrification Works: This involves setting up the Overhead Equipment (OHE), Power Supply Installations (PSI), and general electrical services.
- Signaling & Telecom (S&T) Works: This covers the installation of modern signaling systems to ensure safe and efficient train operations.
The role of the Authority Engineer is to ensure the project is completed on time, within budget, and to the specified quality standards. It is a position of immense responsibility, requiring technical expertise and managerial acumen.
Deconstructing the Scope: Manpower and Reimbursable Costs
The RFP provides a detailed breakdown of the required resources. These are divided into manpower deployment and reimbursable costs. A clear understanding of this structure is essential for accurate financial bidding.
The A-Team: Required Manpower Deployment
The success of the project hinges on the expertise of the deployed team. The tender specifies a multi-disciplinary team with defined roles and man-months. This ensures all aspects of the project are covered by specialists.
Here is a look at the required personnel:
- Leadership & Management:
- Team Leader cum Project Manager: 24 Man-Months
- Contract Expert: 24 Man-Months
- Quality Assurance Control Manager cum Engineer (EHS): 24 Man-Months
- Civil Engineering Team:
- Resident Engineer – Civil: 24 Man-Months
- Structural Expert – Civil: 24 Man-Months
- Site Engineer – Civil/Track/Bridge: 48 Man-Months
- Site Supervisors – Civil/Track/Bridge: 72 Man-Months
- Draftsman/AutoCAD Operator (Civil): 24 Man-Months
- Electrical Engineering Team:
- Resident Engineer – Electrical: 24 Man-Months
- Site Engineer (OHE/PSI/General Services): 24 Man-Months
- Site Supervisor (OHE/PSI/General Services): 96 Man-Months
- Signaling & Telecom (S&T) Team:
- Resident Engineer (S&T): 24 Man-Months
- Site Engineer (Signal): 24 Man-Months
- Site Supervisor (Signal): 48 Man-Months
- Draftsman/AutoCAD Operator (S&T): 24 Man-Months
- Support Staff:
- Computer Operator: 48 Man-Months
- Office Attendant/Site Helper: 24 Man-Months
This comprehensive team structure underscores the multi-faceted nature of the role of an Authority Engineer for railway project management.
Essential Resources: Reimbursable Costs
In addition to manpower, the tender outlines specific costs that will be reimbursed. Bidders do not need to factor these into their profit margins but must plan for their provision.
- Office Rent: A provision for 24 months of office rental.
- Defect Liability Period Inspections: Funding for the Team Leader’s monthly visits during the defect liability period.
- Vehicle Hire: A significant budget for hiring 5 vehicles on a monthly basis. This covers rental, driver, fuel, and taxes for extensive travel.
- Office Furniture & Equipment: The RFP lists specific quantities and types of furniture to be purchased. This includes various tables and chairs.
- IT Infrastructure:
- Laptops (High-End): 5 high-specification laptops (12th Gen i7, 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD).
- Desktop Computers/Laptops (Standard): 10 standard-spec computers for general use.
- Heavy-Duty Photocopier: 1 multi-function machine (copier, printer, scanner).
This detailed list ensures the site office is fully equipped from day one. Bidders must plan the procurement and logistics for these items carefully.
Navigating the Eligibility Maze: Can Your Firm Qualify?
North Eastern Railway has established strict eligibility conditions. These are designed to filter for firms with proven capabilities. Meeting every one of these criteria is mandatory to proceed to the evaluation stage.
Technical Capacity: Your Proven Track Record
This criterion evaluates your firm’s hands-on experience in managing large-scale projects.
- Core Requirement: Your firm must have completed or substantially completed at least one “Eligible Assignment.”
- Value Threshold: The value of this assignment must be at least 35% of the estimated cost of these Project Management Services.
- Timeframe: This experience must be within the last five financial years, including the current one.
- ‘Substantially Completed’ Defined: This means your firm has received at least 90% of the professional fees for the qualifying project.
- For Consortiums: The experience of the consortium as a whole or any of its constituent members is considered.
Financial Capacity: Demonstrating Your Stability
Your firm’s financial health is a key indicator of its ability to sustain a long-term project.
- Income Requirement: Bidders must have a total income from professional consultancy fees equal to 150% of the estimated project cost.
- Timeframe: This income must have been received over the last three financial years.
- Consortium Rule (Lead Member): For a consortium, only the Lead Member’s financial capacity is considered for the main 150% threshold.
- Consortium Rule (Other Members): However, all other members must each have a financial capacity of at least 25% of the requirement.
Manpower Eligibility: The Strength of Your Team
The quality of your proposed team is paramount. The RFP has strict rules regarding personnel.
- Core Requirement: All proposed Key Personnel must meet the specific qualification and experience requirements detailed in the RFP.
- The 25% Rule: If more than 25% of your proposed Key Personnel are found to be ineligible, your bid will be deemed non-responsive.
- Replacement Clause: If the ineligibility is 25% or less, you will be given three days to propose a replacement. Failure to do so can lead to rejection.
- The Team Leader Clause: This is a deal-breaker. If your proposed Team Leader does not meet the eligibility criteria, your bid will be summarily rejected.
- Age Limits: The RFP specifies maximum age limits for all key personnel, ranging from 65 to 67 years as of the bid due date.
What Qualifies as an “Eligible Assignment”?
To be considered for technical capacity, an assignment must meet specific criteria.
- Client Profile: The project must have been directly awarded by a Government Department, a PSU, or a large public company listed on the NSE or BSE (with specific turnover and age criteria). For foreign projects, only government clients are accepted.
- Project Nature: The project must be an engineering project related to:
- Railway
- Metro
- Dedicated Freight Corridor Corporation of India (DFCCIL)
- Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS)
- High-Speed Rail (HSR)
- Any Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) with the Ministry of Railways.
Crucial Notes for Bidders:
- Sub-consultancy experience is not considered.
- All claims must be backed by valid proof, such as certificates from Statutory Auditors with a UDIN.
- Foreign experience certificates require attestation by the Indian Embassy.
The Evaluation Gauntlet: How Bids Are Scored
The selection process uses the Quality and Cost Based Selection (QCBS) method. This two-part evaluation gives significant weight to technical competence while also considering cost.
Stage 1: The Technical Bid Evaluation (70% Weightage)
Your technical bid is your first and most important test. It is scored out of 700 marks, which is then scaled to a technical score (ST) out of 70. A minimum ST of 49 is required to be considered for the next stage.
Here’s how the marks are distributed:
| Parameter | Maximum Marks | Key Evaluation Points |
| Relevant Experience of the Bidder | 150 | 10 marks per completed Eligible Assignment and 8 marks per substantially completed one. |
| Average Annual Revenue (from professional fees) | 150 | 10 marks for every crore of average annual revenue in the last 3 financial years. |
| Relevant Experience of Key Personnel | 220 | Marks are allocated for the Team Leader (70 marks) and Resident Engineers (50 marks each for Civil, Electrical, and S&T). |
| Quality of Proposed Technical Approach, Methodology, and Work Plan | 180 | This is judged based on a 15-minute technical presentation followed by a 15-minute Q&A with your proposed team. |
| Grand Total | 700 | Technical Score (ST) = Grand Total / 10 |
Key Factors in Technical Scoring:
- The Presentation: A significant 180 marks are allocated to your presentation. Your proposed methodology and your team’s ability to articulate it will be under intense scrutiny.
- Team Leader’s Status: The proposed Team Leader must be on your firm’s payroll before the bid due date.
- No CV Duplication: If multiple bidders propose the same person for a key role, all those bidders get zero marks for that specific CV.
Stage 2: The Financial Bid Evaluation (30% Weightage)
This is an exclusive stage. Only the financial bids of the top six technically qualified bidders will be opened.
- The bids are ranked by cost, from lowest (L1) to highest.
- The lowest financial bid (L1) automatically receives the maximum financial score (SF) of 30 points.
- Other bids are scored relative to the lowest bid using the formula: SF = 30 x (L1 / Ln)
The Final Selection: Combined Techno-Financial Score
The winner is determined by combining the technical and financial scores. The final combined score (S) is calculated for each of the top six bidders:
S = ST (Technical Score) + SF (Financial Score)
The bidder who achieves the highest combined score (H1) will be selected as the Authority Engineer for railway project and awarded the contract. This QCBS method ensures a balanced selection, prioritizing technical excellence while rewarding cost efficiency.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: What is the primary role of an Authority Engineer in a railway project?
An Authority Engineer acts as the independent engineer and the official representative of the client (in this case, North Eastern Railway). Their primary role is to supervise the construction contractor, ensure compliance with quality and safety standards, review designs, certify payments, and manage the overall project execution to ensure it is completed successfully.
Q2: What is a Single Packet Bidding System?
In a Single Packet System, the bidder submits all documents—including eligibility, technical, and financial information—in a single envelope or online submission. This is different from a two-packet system where technical and financial bids are submitted separately and the financial bid is only opened if the technical bid qualifies.
Q3: Can a company that has never worked with Indian Railways bid?
A company can bid, provided its experience meets the “Eligible Assignment” criteria. For instance, experience in Metro, RRTS, or DFCCIL projects is considered eligible. However, a firm with no relevant engineering project experience as defined in the RFP would not meet the technical capacity requirements.
Q4: What is the completion period for the Authority Engineer’s services?
The period of completion for the Authority Engineer’s contract is 48 months. This long duration reflects the project’s complexity and includes the construction phase as well as a potential defect liability period.
Q5: Are there age restrictions for the proposed team members?
Yes, the RFP specifies maximum age limits for all key personnel. The Team Leader must not be more than 67 years old, while most other key personnel and experts must not be more than 65 years old as of the bid due date. This is a critical eligibility check.
Conclusion and Your Path Forward
The North Eastern Railway’s RFP for the Anand Nagar-Ghughuli line is a significant opportunity for engineering and consultancy firms to secure a long-term, high-profile contract. The role of Authority Engineer for railway project management is a challenging yet prestigious one, placing the selected firm at the heart of a major national infrastructure initiative.
The detailed requirements, from manpower to evaluation, show a clear intent to select a partner with demonstrable expertise, financial stability, and a high-quality team. Success in this tender will demand a meticulous, well-researched, and strategically sound proposal. Your bid must not only meet every criterion but also effectively communicate your firm’s unique value proposition during the technical presentation.
The journey to securing this contract begins now.
We encourage you to share this in-depth analysis with your bidding and technical teams. Have questions or insights about this RFP? Please share them in the comments below to foster a discussion among industry professionals.
