Please refer to the tender notice for the captioned tender published on the Bank’s Website on July 27, 2023 inviting application from eligible bidders through e-tender on MSTC Portal (https://www.mstcecommerce.com/eprochome/rbi/).
| Sr. No. | Section / Para mentioned by prospective bidders | Query raised by prospective bidders | Clarification on queries |
| 1 | Section III: Point No: 11
Audited Balance sheet and Statement of Profit and Loss for 2020-21, 2021-22, and 2022-23 | Can we provide the audited statement for FY 19-20, 20-21 and 21-22? | The bidders have to submit Audited Balance sheet and Statement of Profit and Loss for the financial years - 2020-21, 2021-22 and 2022-23. |
| 2 | Section III: Point No: 15
Client certificate regarding the performance of the contractor for the qualifying works, as per the prescribed format of Annexure - IX. | Minimum how many client certificates need to be provided? | Any number of client certificates may be submitted, but the cumulative worth of projects executed during the last three years shall be at least rupees forty lakh. |
| 3 | Section III B, Point No: 7
Subject Matter Expert profiles. | Typically, the buyer or bank supplies the Subject Matter Profiles (SME) and the vendor's instructional design team collaborates with the client SME to create a storyboard for the content. Can you clarify if by "profiles" you mean the instructional design team's qualifications or if the bank requires vendors to have SMEs knowledgeable in bank-related topics?
Please clarify. | The bidder should have SME(s) knowledgeable in topics related to the Bank. |
| 4 | Section V: Scope of Work Point – para no. (d) - The Bank is in the process of implementation of Learning Solutions (LSO) module of SAP HCM as Learning Management System and the e-learning content is to be distributed on this platform.
Accordingly, the e-learning material have to be developed satisfying the specifications / requirements in terms of formats, platform compatibility, browser compatibility, etc. | Can you confirm whether we will have access to staging in SAP HCM Learning Solution to review the course package before sending it for deployment? | As per our present policy access cannot be given. |
| 5 | Section V: Scope of Work point – para no.(e)
The SCORM compliant e-Learning material may have to be developed in HTML 5 and / or SWF formats, if need be | Let us know if RBI has any preference on the Authoring tools to be used for this content development. | We do not have any preference for authoring tools. Currently the e-learning content developed and used in the Bank is based on Articulate 360.
The vendor should be able to provide e-learning content based on evolving technological requirements during the Tender period. |
| 6 | Section V: Scope of Work point – f
The e-Learning content may also need to be delivered through mobile devices, tablets, etc. | Please confirm whether the content to be delivered to mobile devices is through SAP HCM mobile APP or via browser. | The Bank may require content that is compatible for both SAP HCM mobile app and browser based. |
| 7 | Section V: Scope of Word, Point: i
The Bidder should be able to develop e-learning content in Hindi and other Official Languages. | Please clarify whether the bank requires the original course to be created in English and then translate the same into Hindi and other languages or whether the original course should be developed in Hindi and then translate the same in other Official languages.
In how many languages the courses are expected to be translated?
What type of translation is expected? Complete translation or partial translation?
Whether each translated course shall be considered as a separate course? | The language for the initial version of course content shall be in English or Hindi or bilingual.
The language for the additional version shall be in any of the official languages declared by Government of India.
Accordingly, price bid needs to be submitted for initial and additional versions separately as per the format prescribed in MSTC portal.
Translation of contents may not be required by the bidder.
Each translated content will be considered as an additional version. |
| 8 | Level IV, para no. l under Section VI: Real-time Interaction | As per our understanding, this level looks like a facilitator-led classroom session. Please clarify.
It would be great if more clarity / examples on this requirement were provided for our understanding. Specifically, please clarify.
Collaborative Environment session with other learners and a facilitator...do you refer to a Physical environment or virtual environment.
Also, we need clarity on the below 2 points.
• In-built Authoring Tools / Environment.
• Facilities to edit/update a part or whole of e-material as and when required. | (i) Yes.
Example: Real time interaction enables collaboration and communication between participants viz., facilitators, teachers and learners in a virtual environment regardless of the participants physical location. Faculty deliver sessions and engage learners in real time allowing learners to seek clarification and faculty to give responses on assignments.
(ii) Sessions may be held in a collaborative environment in virtual mode.
(iii) The e-material delivered should be developed using authoring tools so that the content is compatible with the Bank’s LMS.
(iv) The e-material delivered should facilitate editing / updation of content. |
| 9 | Section X – Other requirements – Para no. (g) - Payment terms: | It is mentioned that the payment of 20% will be delivered after one year of signing UAT.
The bank has already held the bidder’s performance BG as a security deposit. On top of this, if the bank holds 20% of the invoiced amount for one year, it won’t be profitable to the bidder.
We request that the bank revise this clause. | The request to revise the clause cannot be accepted. |
| 10 | Annexure III: Number of e-learning Modules (minimum 35 slides each) developed. The Bank may seek supporting evidence in terms of references from clients, etc. | Does the bidder need to submit any samples for each Level or just the client reference is enough? | The bidders are required to submit supporting evidence in terms of references from clients and any other evidences, such as samples, completion certificates, etc. |
| 11 | Annexure III – Client profiles and Bidders expertise | Does the bidder need to provide any document evidence for the details shared? | Yes. |
| 12 | Annexure – VIII | Minimum how many work details need to be provided? | Details of all similar qualifying works executed during the last five years need to be provided. |
| 13 | Annexure - IX | Minimum how many client references need to be provided? | Any number of client certificates may be submitted, but the cumulative worth of projects executed during the last three years shall be at least rupees forty lakh. |
| 14 | Annexure – IX | Some of the client’s contact who fills out Annexure IX doesn’t have provisions / rights to use the official seal. In such case, can we include an email copy from them attaching the annexure? | Yes. |
| 15 | General | Could you please provide an estimate of the total number of hours of content development expected during the contract period? | It cannot be specified, as the duration of the e-courses may vary depending on the content size. |
| 16 | General | What is the nature of the learning material planned for this content development project? | The content will be on topics / functions related to the Reserve Bank of India and Banking & finance related topics. |
| 17 | General | We understand that the scope of work involves both design and development of new eLearning content and the updation of existing learning materials. Please confirm.
Could you please confirm
How many hours of existing material require updation? | Yes.
The number of hours for updation of existing material cannot be confirmed at this stage. |
| 18 | | What version of SCORM is required? | SCORM V 1.2 |
| 19 | | Is there any upload Size limitation for the SCORM packages? | 1 GB |
| 20 | | We will use Storyline to develop the modules and the course will be published in HTML5.
Let us know if there is any specific tool to be used for development. | We do not have any preference for authoring tools. Currently the e-learning content developed and used in the Bank is based on Articulate 360.
The vendor should be able to provide e-learning content based on evolving technological requirements during the Tender period. |
| 21 | | What kind of support is required in the deployment of courses on RBI’s LMS platform? | The bidder should provide technical support for successful deployment of courses on the Bank’s LMS platform. |
| 22 | | Also, do we need to coordinate with the LMS Vendor for all deployments or will it be an one-time activity. | It can be a one time activity or coordination with LMS vendor will be required if any issue arises. |
| 23 | | Does the LMS support this Collaborative feature? | Yes. |
| 24 | | Would RBI’s Facilitator deliver the Blended learning material created by us? | Yes. |
| 25 | | Who are the targeted audiences? [Age Group / IT literacy / Experience] | As decided by the Bank. |
| 26 | | What is the approximate duration of each module [Minimum to Maximum]? | The duration of each module cannot be specified at this stage. |
| 27 | | What is the required visual approach?
• Bitmap [Photo realistic]
• Vector [Illustrations]
Or a mix of both | Either bitmap or Vector or mix of both. |
| 28 | | Will there be any kind of video-based learning projects? | Yes. |
| 29 | | Is there any planned percentage of Levels [1 to 4]? | The requirement will be based on the content of each e-course and cannot be specified at this stage. |
| 30 | | Do we need to use a Mascot across the module to guide the Learner? | The requirement will be decided based on the content of each e-course. |
| 31 | | Will the modules require Knowledge checks in between topics? | Yes. |
| 32 | | Will the Post Assessments be part of the module or will it be given separately via LMS? | Both. |
| 33 | | Will the Assessment questions be given to vendor team or do you want us to create them? | Assessment questions will be given by the Bank. |
| 34 | | Any requirement for multiple voiceover artists? | The requirement will be decided based on the content of each e-course. |
| 35 | | Will there be a requirement for Video Shoot? | The requirement will be decided based on the content of each e-course. |
| 36 | | Are there any defined delivery dates for each level?
For example Level 1 in 20 days & Level 2 in 40 days & Level 3 in 80 days | No.
The delivery date for each e-course (as a whole) will be specified in the work order. |
| 37 | | Are there any other specific inputs? | Nil. |
| 38 | Reference: Page 18: Section IV - Point f) The Bidder should have had an average annual turnover of over Rs. 5 Crore for the last 3 years | We would like to request if you can reduce the average annual turnover required for the bidder to Rs. 3 Crore for the last 3 years instead of Rs. 5 Crore. | The request to revise the condition cannot be accepted. |
| 39 | Reference: Page 36: Price Bid - Cost of Development (Per slide inclusive of GST and all other charges) | We would like to clarify if the cost of development to be quoted for in the Price Bid should be for development of the slide in English language only. As the capability of the bidder to develop e-learning content in Hindi and other Official Languages is required as per Page 19: Section V: Scope of Work Point i) and Page 50: Section II: Scope of Work - Point i). | The language for the initial version of course content shall be in English or Hindi or bilingual.
The language for the additional version shall be in any of the official languages declared by Government of India.
Accordingly, price bid needs to be submitted for initial and additional version separately as per the prescribed format in MSTC portal. |
| 40 | | Is EMD amount of INR 100000 exempted for small scale industries under MSME act belonging to start-up fraternity? | No.
Since the estimated cost of the scope of work is Rs. 50 lakh, the exemption from submission of EMD for MSMEs is not applicable. |
| 41 | | Is it necessary to have experience of content development from Banking and Financial Sector? | Yes. |
| 42 | | After empanelment, how much time will it take for work allocation? | It cannot be specified at this point of time. |
| 43 | | Total work value in three years is INR 5000000. Is this value will be allocated to the single empanelled partner or to all the empanelled partners? | As specified in para (a) of Section IX of the tender document, all the empanelled vendors will be given equal opportunity while allotting the purchase orders. The order of allocation will start from the highest scorer in the techno-commercial evaluation. |
| 44 | E-Material Development Methodology - The successful Bidder/s has to provide collaborative tools using which the SMEs can review and comment on deliverables. | Is there any specific tool that the bank will suggest for collaboration? If yes, kindly elaborate | We do not have any preference for collaborative tools. Currently the e-learning content developed and used in the Bank is based on Articulate 360.
The vendor should be able to provide e-learning content based on evolving technological requirements during the Tender period. |
| 45 | Levels & Descriptions - Complex simulations where learner must enter actual data. | Kindly elaborate on the point and what sort of data?
Complex simulations where learner must enter actual data. | Certain slides may require inputs from the learner to decide on further proceedings in the course. Learners may be required to enter free-text data. |
| 46 | Levels & Descriptions - Session is most likely held in a collaborative environment with other learners and a facilitator.
In-built Authoring Tools / Environment.
Facilities to edit / update a part or whole of e material as and when required | Kindly elaborate on the point?
Session is most likely held in a collaborative environment with other learners and a facilitator.
Kindly explain what exactly you mean by in-built Authoring tool?
In-built Authoring Tools / Environment.
Facilities to edit / update - do you mean by vendor or RBI?
Facilities to edit / update a part or whole of e material as and when required
Facilities to edit / update a part or whole of e material as and when required | Collaborative Environment mode of conducting e-courses will involve two or more participants to communicate, coordinate and collaborate to accomplish a shared objective. The collaborative environment will also include a facilitator led model for brain storming, group discussion, reaching a consensus or analysing problems, etc.
Authoring tool enables to create a digital course and publish it in select formats.
The content shall be editable / modifiable / updatable by the Bank or the vendor. |
| 47 | Other Requirements -During the warranty period, if needed, in view of the LMS specific requirements, changes in related technology, etc., modification / customization support shall be provided by the Bidder at no additional cost | Can the bank elaborate on the changes in related technology point? What other technologies is the bank referring to? | The vendor should be able to provide e-learning content based on evolving technological requirements during the Tender period. |
| 48 | Purchase Order Cancellation - Delay in delivery and installation beyond a period of 6 weeks from the date of purchase order | is the duration of 6 weeks fixed or will it change as per the duration and Levels of Content Development? | The condition is revised as delay in delivery and installation of e-course beyond the due date mentioned in the purchase order. Please refer to the Corrigendum issued in this regard. |
| 49 | E-Material Development Methodology (d,g,h)-
d) Successful Bidder should earmark Subject Matter Expert (SME) with sufficient domain knowledge in banking and finance to manage the RBI’s account. Successful Bidder should assign a dedicated team to each eLearning content / material development project.
g) While the Bank shall usually assign its own SMEs for the e-material under development, who shall be a single point of contact for communication from and to the Bank for that particular e-material, the successful Bidder should also assign their own SMEs to interact and understand the requirement of the Bank.
h) The successful Bidder/s shall assign in addition to the SMEs, a Project Leader for e-material development and the assigned project leader shall be a single point of contact to the Bank from the Bidder/s side. | Please confirm if Vendor should also provide an SME.
Please confirm who will provide the base content (raw content) for the e-learning course development. | Yes. The vendor should provide SME.
The Bank will provide the content. |
| 50 | Other Requirements (C)- During the warranty period, if needed, in view of the LMS specific requirements, changes in related technology, etc., modification / customization support shall be provided by the Bidder at no additional cost.
Updations:- All the empaneled Bidders should be agreeable to provide updations for various e-Learning Modules. The updations shall include enhancement, updation, modification of the existing e-learning material. The updation work will also include ensuring proper deployment and commissioning of the e-Learning module on the Bank’s LMS platform after enhancement. The empaneled vendors will also be required to extent updations if required by the Bank for the existing e- learning material developed by other Bidders. The cost for carrying out updation work for the e-Learning module will be worked out at per slide basis at the benchmark price for the particular type of e-learning module. | Does updation if any in the existing module is required, will that be paid. If not please give a clear differentiation between Modification and Updations. Also please confirm which updations will be paid and which updations will not be paid. | Yes. |
| 51 | E-Material Development Methodology (l)- Please specify the duration of content or number of slided to be developed for each level. We require the details for Financial Bid Submission | Please specify the languages that Language Expert must be experienced in. Multiple Languages is too broad.
Please specify the languages that Language Expert must be experienced in. Multiple Languages is too broad. | The Official languages declared by Government of India. |
| 52 | Earnest Money Deposit (EMD) for a sum of ₹. 1,00,000/- shall be remitted to the Bank Account of the Reserve Bank Staff College. The account details for NEFT / RTGS transactions are as follows. Beneficiary Name: RBSC CHENNAI IFSC: RBIS0SCPA01 Account No.: 186003001 | Here account details for NEFT / RTGS payment of EMD are mentioned. However, on the same page it is also mentioned 'EMD shall also be submitted in the form of Bank Guarantee (Annexure IV) at the IT Cell, Reserve Bank Staff College, Chennai – 18'. Please confirm if the EMD must be submitted in the form of Bank Guarantee or it has to be transferred via NEFT / RTGS. | The bidder has the option to remit EMD either through NEFT or submit the Bank Guarantee. |
| 53 | Section III A. Eligibility Assessment 19) Income Tax Return for the last three years (2020-21, 2021-22 and 2022-23). | Are these Financial Years or Assessment Years? | Financial Years 2020-21, 2021-22 and 2022-23. |
| 54 | Section III A. Eligibility Assessment 19) Income Tax Return for the last three years (2020-21, 2021-22 and 2022-23). | If these are financial years and ITR for 2022-23 is not done then can bidder submit for previous 3 years, that is 2019-20, 2020-21 and 2021-22? | The bidders have to submit ITR for the financial years 2020-21, 2021-22 and 2022-23. |
| 55 | Section IV Eligibility Criteria b) The bidder should have minimum 5 years of experience of undertaking similar works, viz., providing ‘Design, Development and Updation of e-Learning Content’. For establishing the same the bidder should submit copy / copies of work order/s for similar work/s, issued to the bidder, on or before June 30, 2018. | How many work orders need to be submitted for this criterion? | The work order of at least one similar qualifying work executed on or before June 30, 2018 needs to be submitted. |
| 56 | Section IV Eligibility Criteria The bidder should have been in the business of e-learning content development for the last 5 years, i.e., after July 01, 2018. To establish the same documentary evidence in the form of purchase orders issued to the bidder on or after July 01, 2018 should be submitted. Failure to submit the documents will lead to disqualification. | How many work orders need to be submitted for this criterion? | The work orders of all similar works executed on or after July 01, 2018 needs to be submitted. |
| 57 | Section V Scope of the Work: a) Design and Develop latest version of SCORM compliant e-learning material based on the content that would be provided by the Bank. | Here it is mentioned 'based on content that would be provided by the Bank'. Hence, we assume that vendor will not be required to source any raw content. They will only use the content provided by the Bank. - Please confirm. | Yes.
The content for the course will be provided by Bank. |
| 58 | Section V Scope of the Work: i) The Bidder should be able to develop elearning content in Hindi and other Official Languages. | Kindly specify which all languages the content should be developed in. | The Official languages declared by Government of India. |
| 59 | Section V Scope of the Work: i) The Bidder should be able to develop elearning content in Hindi and other Official Languages. | Base version of any e-Learning course will be English. For billing purpose, a course developed in English and translated to Hindi will be considered as one course or two separate courses? | Yes, it will be considered as two separate courses (initial version and additional version).
Accordingly, price bid needs to be submitted for initial and additional versions separately as per the prescribed format in MSTC portal. |
| 60 | Section VI E-Material Development Methodology
d. Successful Bidder should earmark Subject Matter Expert (SME) with sufficient domain knowledge in banking and finance to manage the RBI’s account. Successful Bidder should assign a dedicated team to each eLearning content / material development project.
g. While the Bank shall usually assign its own SMEs for the e-material under development, who shall be a single point of contact for communication from and to the Bank for that particular e-material, the successful Bidder should also assign their own SMEs to interact and understand the requirement of the Bank. | Kindly specify the total number of SMEs the vendor needs to hire for the project. | It cannot be specified. |
| 61 | Section VI E-Material Development Methodology i. Representatives / SMEs from the successful Bidder/s should meet the Bank’s SMEs at different stages of development after seeking their prior appointment. | We assume that the meetings with Bank's SMEs can be done online via web meeting instead of physical meetings. - Please confirm. | The meetings can be online or physical as decided by the Bank. |
| 62 | Section VI E-Material Development Methodology k. In order to ensure that the project is carried out as per the specifications of the Bank, periodical review meetings to discuss the work done by the successful Bidders shall be held at the Bank and the dates of such review meetings will be finalized in consultation with the successful Bidders, one week after the work is awarded. | How many review meetings are tentatively expected during the contract period? | The number of meetings depends as per the requirements of the Bank. |
| 63 | Section VI E-Material Development Methodology k. In order to ensure that the project is carried out as per the specifications of the Bank, periodical review meetings to discuss the work done by the successful Bidders shall be held at the Bank and the dates of such review meetings will be finalized in consultation with the successful Bidders, one week after the work is awarded. | The travel, lodging and boarding cost of vendor's representative will be borne by the Bank or vendor must bear it? | The Bank will not bear any cost in this regard. |
| 64 | Section VI E-Material Development Methodology l. Successful Bidders should be prepared to develop the e-material based on the text content supplied by the Bank under any of the following defined levels. Level II: Limited Interaction
• Option of audio narrative and videos. | We assume that the videos mentioned here are animated videos. - Please confirm | It may be animated or otherwise. |
| 65 | Section VI E-Material Development Methodology l. Successful Bidders should be prepared to develop the e-material based on the text content supplied by the Bank under any of the following defined levels. Level II: Limited Interaction
• Option of audio narrative and videos. | If Live shoot videos are required for any Level of courses, we assume the Bank will provide such videos and vendor will integrate them in the courses. - Please confirm. | If the course content necessitates, the Bank will provide live shoot videos and vendor will be required to integrate them in the e-courses. |
| 66 | Section VI E-Material Development Methodology l. Successful Bidders should be prepared to develop the e-material based on the text content supplied by the Bank under any of the following defined levels. Level II: Limited Interaction
• Option of audio narrative and videos. | if vendor needs to do video shoot, please specify following details: - Total hours of videos required. - Is any actor / narrator required for the videos? - Shooting has to be done at one or multiple locations? - Shooting has to be indoor or outdoor? - Cost of videography team and equipment will be borne by the Bank or by vendor? | If the course content necessitates, the Bank will provide the content and vendor will be required to integrate them in the e-courses.
The Bank will not bear any cost in this regard. |
| 67 | Section VI E-Material Development Methodology l. Successful Bidders should be prepared to develop the e-material based on the text content supplied by the Bank under any of the following defined levels. Level IV: Real- time Interaction
• Session is most likely held in a collaborative environment with other learners and a facilitator. | This is feature will need to on the LMS and not in the e-Learning course. Please confirm that Bank's LMS has such feature. | The bidder should be in a position to deliver e-learning content that could support real time interaction through Bank’s LMS. |
| 68 | Section VIII Techno-Commercial – Evaluation Methodologies | For the evaluation criteria what documents must be submitted as proof? | The bidder shall submit the documents as specified in Section III (A) & (B), Annexure VIII, IX and all the relevant documents mentioned in the Tender document. |
Note, that the quotes will need to be matched for all four levels of content development in additional version. In case, any of the bidders under consideration for empanelment has quoted the rate lower than the benchmark rate for additional version, for any or all of the levels, then the lower rate quoted by them will only be the rate of content development for that particular bidder. Only those bidders agreeing to this arrangement will be considered for empanelment.
All other terms and conditions mentioned in the tender remain unchanged. Any clarification in this regard may be sent to the e-mail IDs: principalrbsc@rbi.org.in and itcellrbsc@rbi.org.in, latest before 5:00 pm of September 15, 2023.