Rule 185 of The General Financial Rules 2017 Preparation of Terms of Reference TOR

Original Rule Text

Rule 185 Preparation of Terms of Reference (TOR).The TOR should include( i) Precise statement of objectives.( i i) Outline of the tasks to be carried out.( i ii) Schedule for completion of tasks.( iv) The support or inputs to be provided by the Ministry orDepartment to facilitate theconsultancy.( v) The final outputs that will berequired of the Consultant.

Visual Summary

Core Purpose

Defines the scope and expectations for consulting services.

Key Elements

Includes objectives, tasks, schedule, support, and final outputs.

Consultant Guidance

Ensures clear expectations and deliverables for consultants.

Executive Summary

Rule 185 of The General Financial Rules, 2017, provides a comprehensive framework for drafting Terms of Reference (TOR) for consulting services. It mandates the inclusion of a precise statement of objectives, a clear outline of tasks, a detailed schedule for completion, specification of support and inputs from the Ministry or Department, and a clear definition of the final outputs expected from the consultant. This rule is crucial for ensuring clarity, accountability, and effective management of all consultancy engagements, setting clear expectations for both the procuring entity and the consultant.

In-Depth Analysis of the Rule

Introduction: Terms of Reference (TOR) are foundational documents in any consulting engagement, serving as a blueprint for the work to be performed. Rule 185 of The General Financial Rules, 2017, meticulously outlines the essential components that must be included in a TOR to ensure clarity, prevent ambiguities, and facilitate successful project execution. This rule emphasizes a structured approach to defining consultancy requirements, which is vital for achieving desired outcomes efficiently and effectively.

Breakdown of the Rule:

Precise Statement of Objectives: The TOR must clearly articulate what the consultancy aims to achieve. This ensures that the consultant understands the overarching goals and can align their efforts accordingly.
Outline of the Tasks to be Carried Out: A detailed description of the specific activities and responsibilities the consultant is expected to undertake is mandatory. This prevents scope creep and ensures all necessary work is covered.
Schedule for Completion of Tasks: The TOR must include a timeline or schedule indicating when various tasks or milestones are expected to be completed. This provides a clear roadmap for project progression and monitoring.
Support or Inputs to be Provided by the Ministry or Department: This section specifies what resources, information, or assistance the procuring entity will provide to the consultant. It clarifies the Ministry’s role and ensures the consultant has the necessary tools to perform their duties.
The Final Outputs that will be Required of the Consultant: The TOR must explicitly define the tangible deliverables or results expected from the consultant. This sets clear performance benchmarks and facilitates evaluation of the consultancy’s success.

Practical Example: Imagine the Ministry of Health needs a consultant to develop a national strategy for digital health. As per Rule 185, the Ministry would draft a TOR that precisely states the objective (e.g.,