Rule 191 of The General Financial Rules 2017 Methods of Selection Evaluation of Consultancy Proposals

Rule 191 of The General Financial Rules 2017 Methods of Selection Evaluation of Consultancy Proposals

Visual Summary

Executive Summary

Rule 191 of The General Financial Rules, 2017, establishes the foundational principle for the selection and evaluation of consultancy proposals. It mandates that the choice of selection method must be appropriate for the specific circumstances of each case, drawing from the detailed methodologies provided in Rules 192 to 194. This rule ensures flexibility and relevance in procuring expert services, aligning the selection process with the unique requirements and complexities of various government projects.

In-Depth Analysis of the Rule

Introduction: Rule 191 serves as a crucial introductory provision within the General Financial Rules, 2017, setting the stage for how government entities should approach the procurement of consulting services. Instead of prescribing a single, rigid method, it acts as a directive, guiding departments to subsequent rules that detail various selection methodologies.

Breakdown of the Rule:

• Core Principle: The fundamental requirement is that the selection of a consultant must adhere to a recognized and appropriate method. This underscores the need for a structured and transparent process in all consultancy engagements.
• Reference to Specific Methods: The rule explicitly points to Rules 192, 193, and 194 as the sources for these methods. This indicates that Rule 191 itself does not define the methods but rather acts as a gateway to them. These subsequent rules detail approaches such as Quality and Cost Based Selection (QCBS), Least Cost System (LCS), and Single Source Selection (SSS).
• Contextual Application: A key phrase in Rule 191 is “as appropriate for the circumstances in each case.” This highlights the rule’s emphasis on flexibility and suitability. It implies that the choice of method is not arbitrary but must be a considered decision based on the specific nature, complexity, urgency, and other relevant factors of the consultancy assignment.

Practical Example: Imagine a government department needing to hire a consultant. Rule 191 would first direct them to consider the available methods. If the project is highly complex and requires specialized expertise where quality is paramount, they would likely turn to Rule 192 (Quality and Cost Based Selection). If it’s a routine audit where cost-effectiveness is the primary driver, Rule 193 (Least Cost System) might be more appropriate. In rare, urgent situations or for highly specialized, proprietary services, Rule 194 (Single Source Selection) could be considered, provided the strict conditions are met. Rule 191 ensures that the department makes an informed choice, aligning the selection method with the project’s unique demands.

Related Provisions

Rule 191 lays the groundwork for consultancy selection, with the following rules providing the specific methodologies:

• Rule 192 of The General Financial Rules 2017 Quality and Cost Based Selection: Details the method where both the quality of the technical proposal and the financial cost are considered.
• Rule 193 of The General Financial Rules 2017 Least Cost System: Describes the selection process for standard or routine assignments where the lowest evaluated cost is the primary factor.
• Rule 194 of The General Financial Rules 2017 Single Source Selection Consultancy by Nomination: Outlines the exceptional circumstances under which a consultant may be selected through direct negotiation or nomination.

Learning Aids

Mnemonics

• Rule 191: Methods Select Consultants Properly (MSC P) – Helps remember the focus on Methods, Selection, Consultants, and Proper application.

Process Flowchart

Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)

Frequently Asked Questions

Key Takeaways

• Rule 191 of The General Financial Rules, 2017, governs the overarching approach to selecting and evaluating consultancy proposals.
• It mandates that the selection process must adhere to specific methods detailed in Rules 192, 193, and 194.
• The choice of the appropriate selection method is flexible and depends on the unique circumstances of each consultancy assignment.
• This rule ensures that government entities adopt a structured, transparent, and context-sensitive approach to procuring expert services.

Conclusion

Rule 191 of The General Financial Rules, 2017, is fundamental to sound financial management in government, providing the guiding principle for engaging consultants. By directing users to a range of specific methods and emphasizing the importance of contextual appropriateness, it ensures that public funds are utilized effectively and transparently in securing specialized expertise, thereby contributing to efficient project execution and governance.