A pre-bid meeting for captioned limited e-tender was held in virtual mode at 11:30 hrs on December 09, 2025.
2. (a) List of Bank’s Officials who attended the meeting:
3. The queries asked by the participants during the meeting vis-à-vis the clarification given by the Bank are given below:
| S.no | Query | Our Comments/ Reply |
| 1 | How the camps will be spanned out during the tenure of the study. | FLCs generally conduct one financial literacy camp per month for each target segment, while CFLs typically organise camps on a more frequent basis. Centres will, however, be advised through the ROs to ensure the regular conduct of camps and to maintain a schedule in advance for the same. |
| 2 | What is the general footfall for camps conducted by CFLs and FLCs? | Footfall varies across centres and locations, depending largely on the mobilisation efforts undertaken by each centre. In instances where participant turnout is insufficient, the shortfall may be accommodated in a subsequent camp organised by the same centre. |
| 3 | How advance the details of camps will be provided to agency? | RBI will share the details of the nodal officers from Regional Offices (ROs) as well as CFLs and FLC counsellors with the survey agency. Additionally, information on the surveyors/state coordinator of Agency will be provided to the ROs so that the schedule of the survey may be planned in a coordinated manner. |
| 4 | Clarity was sought on what Bank means by clear audio. | Clear audio refers to a recording in which both the interviewer and the interviewee can be heard clearly. Some background noise is acceptable as long as the questions and responses are audible and clear. However, to account for unavoidable on-ground circumstances the penalty of ₹5,000 per instance of poor audio quality will be levied after providing leeway of 5% in the sample size. It shall be the responsibility of the agency to employ appropriate recording devices, microphones, and operational practices such as training surveyors, to minimise audio distortion and ensure reasonable clarity. |
| 5 | Given that the tender specifies a 50:50 sampling framework, how should the agency proceed in situations where maintaining an equal male–female ratio is not feasible due to the actual demographic distribution of participants at a particular centre/camp? | Based on the discussion, it is clarified that within the overall sampling framework it may be ensured that at least 30% male and 30% female respondents are covered, with the remaining 40% covered in proportional manner depending on the on-ground participant flow, irrespective of gender. This approach accounts for practical challenges faced at various centres. However, the agency should strive to avoid any skewed representation. |
| 6 | As specified in para 5.4 of the tender, the agency must ensure that no surveyor is assigned more than three (03) centres to maintain the quality, accuracy, and independence of data collection. In this regard, is it permissible to extend the limit to five (05) centres per surveyor? | The maximum number of centres that each surveyor may cover is now increased from three (03) to five (05) so that agency can plan their manpower accordingly. |
| 7 | Whether there is any requirement of technical bid? | The surveying agency is required to submit only the financial bid. However, the following mandatory documents must also be submitted:
a) Annex A – EMD
b) Annex K – Acceptance of the tender terms
c) Valid Udyam Registration Certificate (where applicable) |
| 8 | Can the current 10-day timeline for the training and pilot survey be extended, and will this timeline commence from the date of signing the contract? | The timeline for has been extended from 10 to 14 calendar days; however, this period will begin from the award/ issuance of the work order to successful bidder. |
| 9 | Given the tight schedule and the instance-based penalties, can the survey timeline be relaxed? | The time allowed for the T0/T1 surveys, including the qualitative component, stands extended from 30 days to 45 days. A similar relaxation will be provided for the T2 survey as well. The earlier gap of 90 calendar days between T0/T1 and T2 remains the same. The time for submitting the cleaned raw data (in RBI prescribed format) will be increased from 5 to 7 calendar days. |
| 10 | The tender specifies that if the required sample size is not achieved i.e., less than 98% in the quantitative survey or less than 100% in the qualitative survey, the payment for completed interviews will be made on a pro-rata basis at only 90% of the quoted rate per valid schedule. The agency sought clarification on how the sample size can be achieved in cases where the footfall at certain centres is low, and whether buffer centres can be allowed in such situations. | The agency was informed that if there is a shortfall in the target group due to rejection or unwillingness of participants to undergo the interview, the concerned centres will be advised to organise an additional camp so that the agency can meet the required sample size. The option of using buffer centres may be considered only in unavoidable situations such as Model Code of Conduct etc. |
| 11 | As per the tender conditions, field verification will be carried out with one day’s prior intimation to the agency, and the surveyor must accompany the RBI official. In cases where the surveyor/moderator fails to accompany RBI officials, a penalty of ₹5,000 per instance is imposed along with rejection of all interviews conducted by that surveyor. It was requested to review/relax this provision. | As per the tender provision, field verifications will be done by officials of RBI, any day at its discretion, during the tenure of the survey with one day prior intimation to the agency. However, it is decided that the officials of RBI would conduct field verification during the fieldwork period, and a three-day advance intimation/notice will be provided to the surveyor/agency. The agency would have to ensure proper coordination with the RO. |
| 12 | As the tender provides for rejection of data in cases of inconsistencies or repeated inconsistencies, the agency requested whether additional parameters, such as GPS information, audio recordings, and other supporting evidence, can also be taken into account before rejecting a partial or whole lot. | It was clarified that the rejection will be decided only after a thorough check, including verification of recordings, GPS readings, inputs from the ROs, and other available evidence. Due diligence will be followed, and the agency will be given an opportunity and adequate time to present its explanation before any rejection is finalised. |
| 13 | Agency stated that considering GPS is technology-dependent and occasional inconsistencies may arise due to network or connectivity issues, particularly in rural areas, a permissible deviation should be allowed. As per the terms of tender, missing or incorrect GPS coordinates would attract penalty of Rs. 5,000/- per instance + rejection of interview. | Based on the discussions and the practical challenges highlighted by the survey agencies, it was noted that the accuracy of GPS coordinates is dependent on available technology and local connectivity conditions. As a result, a deviation of 2 - 3 kilometres are commonly observed, and in certain cases the deviation is even greater. Accordingly, the clause relating to penalising inaccuracies in GPS coordinates shall not be applied, considering Bank has other monitoring mechanisms in place.
However, if more than 5% of the interviews are submitted without GPS coordinates, a penalty of ₹5,000 per instance shall be levied, in addition to the rejection of the corresponding interview. |
| 14 | The agency has sought clarification on the clause regarding deployment of untrained surveyors and requested to revisit the penalty clause. | It was clarified that all surveyors / moderators must undergo the mandatory training provided by the agency to understand the objective of the study, questionnaire(s) and timelines. Deploying any individual who has not attended such training session will be treated as a violation.
The agency was informed that, in order to provide adequate time for training, the training period will be extended from 10 days to 14 days, and the permissible number of centres per surveyor will be increased from 3 to 5. |
| 15 | Given that the tender prescribes a penalty of ₹10,000 per day for non-submission of the daily dashboard/status report within the agreed timelines and considering the possibility of technology-related glitches in automated systems, the agency has requested that this penalty amount be reviewed. | It was clarified that, considering the operational/network related issues highlighted, time of up to three (03) calendar days taken to submit the daily status/dashboard data, will be acceptable. Any delay beyond this period will attract the prescribed penalty. |
| 16 | The agency requested a clearer definition of what constitutes “major non-performance? | The clause on “major non-performance” is intended to cover situations where the agency’s actions or inaction materially affect the completion of the survey. For clarity, this includes, but is not limited to:
• Failure to execute the survey as per the agreed plan and timelines;
• Persistent delays despite reminders or agreed corrective measures;
• Repeated quality failures such as continuous rejection of interviews due to errors or non-compliance;
• Refusal to undertake re-survey where required for data validation;
• Inability to continue work, including withdrawal of teams or non-availability of adequate manpower to complete assigned centres.
These indicative situations are treated as major lapses because they directly impact the delivery, quality, and integrity of the assignment. |
| 17 | The agency requested an extension of time until December 19, 2025, for submission of the financial bid. | It was decided to extend the bid submission deadline to 3:00 PM on December 19, 2025. The financial bids will be opened on the same day at 4:30 PM. |