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GeM Vendor Assessment for OEMs, Deemed OEMs, and Contract Manufacturers: A New Era with RITES

A critical component of GeM’s success lies in ensuring the quality and reliability of its vendors. To this end, GeM employs a robust vendor assessment process. Recently, a significant change has occurred: the Quality Council of India (QCI) has handed over vendor assessment responsibilities to the Rail India Technical and Economic Service (RITES). This article breaks down why this change matters and what it means for vendors on the GeM platform. Stay informed on these developments by following GeM Portal blogs 2024.

Understanding Vendor Assessment on GeM

Vendor Assessment on GeM serves as a crucial quality control mechanism for the goods and services offered by sellers. Vendors who have undergone and passed this assessment are designated with a “VA” tag, instilling confidence in buyers as their credentials have been thoroughly validated and authenticated. Furthermore, Vendor Assessment enables Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) to claim exemptions during the tendering process, as per the Micro and Small Enterprises (MSE) policy.

RITES Two-Stage Assessment Process for OEM Panel Status

The RITES assessment process consists of two stages, designed for ease of use and quick initiation, allowing vendors to promptly obtain OEM panel status.

Stage 1: Desktop Assessment

Vendors must submit necessary documents and information for validation by RITES. This stage evaluates four key areas:

  • Territory of Operation – Ensuring compliance with GeM regulations.
  • Financial Capacity & Shareholding – Assessing financial stability and ownership structure.
  • Production Capability & Process – Evaluating manufacturing capacity and operational efficiency.
  • Quality Implementation Standards – Reviewing quality control measures and certifications.

Stage 2: Video Assessment

Upon successful completion of the desktop assessment, vendors undergo a video verification process conducted by RITES auditors to ensure the accuracy of submitted information.

Pre-Call Preparations

  • Demo Call (Testing, Testing, 1, 2, 3): A network testing call is scheduled beforehand to prevent technical issues and ensure a smooth video verification process.

The Video Verification Call

  • Duration: A detailed review of the claimed processes lasting 2 to 4 hours.
  • Recording: The session is recorded and securely stored on RITES’ portal for future audits, ensuring process integrity.

Verification Steps

  • Location Confirmation: The call begins with capturing the manufacturing facility’s GPS coordinates to verify compliance.
  • App Check: Vendors must download a specific Android-only application from the Play Store to verify the physical setup aligns with submitted documents.

Streamlined Login System for GeM Vendors

GeM has introduced a dedicated login system for RITES assessments, improving organization and efficiency for vendors.

By combining document validation and video verification, RITES ensures a transparent, trustworthy, and reliable assessment process for GeM sellers.

Fee Payment Process

The fee payment structure has been updated for added convenience:

  • Vendors now pay assessment fees directly to RITES at the time of document submission.

Updated Fee Payment Structure

The fee structure, to be paid after assessment completion, is outlined below:

Category: OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer)

Category: Re-Sellers

Beyond Assessments: The Broad Impact of RITES on GeM

RITES’ involvement extends beyond vendor assessment on the GeM platform:

While RITES is primarily known as the vendor assessment partner for GeM, they are also a participating seller on the platform. This demonstrates that RITES is a multifaceted organization that utilizes GeM to procure goods and services required for its own operations.

The table below showcases a list of orders secured by RITES Limited on the Government eMarketplace (GeM) platform, highlighting their diverse participation.

GeM Vendor Assessment Exemptions granted under the following scenarios

GeM Vendor Assessment Exemptions for OEMs, Deemed OEMs, and Contract Manufacturers

As vendors on the Government e-Marketplace (GeM), we understand the importance of vendor assessment in ensuring quality and reliability. However, GeM recognizes certain scenarios where exemptions from vendor assessment may be granted to streamline the procurement process. This article outlines these exemptions, focusing on OEMs, Deemed OEMs, and Contract Manufacturers.

GeM aims to create a transparent and efficient platform for government procurement. Vendor assessment plays a crucial role in this process, verifying the capabilities and credibility of sellers. However, certain established entities are granted exemptions to reduce administrative burden, leveraging their existing credentials and reputation.

Note:
Businesses that haven't completed a year of operations can still benefit from the NSIC Single Point Registration Scheme and obtain a provisional certificate of registration.

GeM Vendor Assessment Exemptions are granted under the following scenarios:

  • Central/State PSUs: Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) owned by the Central or State governments are typically exempt.
  • OEMs holding BIS License: Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) possessing a Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) license for the specific product category are exempt. This certification ensures adherence to quality standards.

Sellers recommended by CPSEs/Government Bodies:

Exemption Criteria

Important Considerations:

  • Exemptions are subject to change based on GeM’s policies.
  • Always refer to the official GeM portal for the most up-to-date information.
  • Consult with GeM support for specific queries related to your product category.

FAQs about GeM Vendor Assessment

Q: • What is the significance of the "VA" tag on GeM?

A: The "VA" tag indicates that a vendor has successfully undergone and passed the GeM's vendor assessment process, signifying that their credentials have been validated and authenticated.

Q: • What are the key benefits of vendor assessment on GeM?

A:Vendor assessment enhances buyer confidence, allows OEMs to claim MSE policy exemptions during tendering, and ensures a higher standard of quality and reliability on the GeM platform.

Q: • Why was RITES chosen for vendor assessment on GeM?

A: RITES was selected due to its extensive experience in quality control, verification, and validation processes, particularly in the transportation and engineering sectors. Their proven track record made them a suitable partner to enhance the effectiveness of GeM's vendor assessment process.

Q: • What are the two stages of the vendor assessment process with RITES?

A: The two stages are: Desktop Assessment (document and information validation) and Video Assessment (a thorough review of operations and processes).

Q:• How does the video assessment enhance the credibility of the vendor assessment process?

A: The video assessment allows RITES auditors to visually verify the seller's operations, ensuring that the information provided during the desktop assessment accurately reflects the seller's actual capabilities and facilities.

Q:• Where can I find the most up-to-date information on vendor assessment changes on GeM?

A: It is recommended to follow GeM Portal blogs 2024 and official announcements on the GeM website for the most current information.

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