Workshop on eProcurement (GePNIC) in Shimla Himachal Pradesh

Consequent upon request from the state government to implement eProcurement in three major departments namely Public Works Department, Irrigation and Public Health and Industry after successful implementation under PMGSY Project, a three day workshop cum training session was conducted during 20-22nd Jan 2011 at Himachal Institute of Public Administration (HIPA). Senior Officers from all the three departments were trained for two days and last day was devoted to the training of the bidders.
On 20th Jan 2011, the workshop started with a general introduction to the system followed by a demonstration related to bid creation and uploading by Sh S Raghvan K, Sr. Technical Director and Sh Selvan, PSA NIC Chennai. Various queries raised by various participants were taken and answered too. The post lunch session was devoted to hands on practice and all the officers were able to create tender and upload the same successfully.
On 21st Jan 2011, a demonstration on opening of technical Bid, Technical Evaluation, opening of Financial Bid and financial evaluation was conducted. The demonstration ended with demonstration on Award of Contract. A hand on session was conducted in the post lunch session which was well received by the participants. In concluding session, the Officers were informed about the modus operandi which is being followed in Himachal Pradesh for its implementation by Sh Mukesh K Ralli, Technical Director and Sh Bharat Kaushal, System Analyst NIC Himachal Pradesh. State Informatics Officer & Senior Technical Director Sh Rajesh Bahadur explained the efforts being undertaken in the computerisation of PWD and I&PH Departments and requested all the participants to practice on the demo site of eProcurement so that they may come out with suggestions related to the customization of the software.
Contractors/bidders being the important stakeholders, an exclusive training was conducted for them on 22nd Jan. wherein the 22 bidders  from each three departments participated and showed keen interest in the demonstration. A complete demonstration on bidder registration process and bid submission was conducted by Sh S Raghvan and Sh Selvan assisted by Mukesh K Ralli and Sh Bharat Kaushal.
The bidders were also apprised about the usefulness of the software and advantages occurring after its implementation. They were advised to apply for Digital Signature Certificates and process of obtaining the certificate was also explained to them. They were also advised that they should practice on demo site and come out with suggestion. In order to enhance their understanding they were put on to hands on training. Many of the bidders were able to register themselves and were also able to upload the bids.
The training was a great success as more than 100% participation was observed in the presence of the officers and bidders.