The Framework of Contracts also aims to enhance the role of Qatari companies, and develop their capacity. Under the framework process, the main criteria for the selection process is the need for the successful bidders to be either a Qatari-registered company, or a joint venture of an international firm with a Qatari partner who owns not less than 50% of the shares of the company. This Framework of Contracts will also allow Qatari companies gain the experience they need to participate in larger projects in the future. Through this system, Ashghal will be able to process the preliminary approvals and prior agreements that have been concluded with the participating contractors. This, in turn, will reduce the time required to award contracts for the implementation of projects. In this context, Ashghal has initiated agreements allowing qualified companies to implement field visits to sites covered by the Local Roads and Drainage Program; thus, speeding up the purchase of services and contracts according to the general plan of the work program adopted in late 2011. In the past, the programme’s implementation works were announced after the designing process, and each individual project was tendered separately resulting in delays in implementation. However, this Framework of Contracts ensures pre-qualification process for contractors, and then evaluation of qualified contractors to carry out the program as a whole on the basis of sets of works. Each stage of the bidding process comes with specific criteria determined by the terms of agreement. The new Framework of Contracts enables qualified contractors to purchase materials they need for implementing the projects in a shorter time, and to price according to price charts provided by contractors during the early stages of the contract. To provide high performance, quality, safety, and environmental standards, the Framework of Contracts have included conditions and general obligations, price charts, job applications and other procedures for each of the qualified contractors. The number and values of the sets of works, geographic locations of projects and the size of contractors will be taken into consideration during the selection of contractors, and the assignment of work. The Framework of Contracts for the Local Roads and Drainage Program is an important and positive factor that supports the implementation of projects, not because it contributes to accelerating the pace of works, but because it also enhances the mechanisms for implementation of projects which will contribute to the development and improvement of local roads and drainage in the State of Qatar. Ashghal’s Local Roads and Drainage Programme is designed to upgrade and maintain the roads and drainage network across the country. It also comes as part of Ashghal’s plan to develop the country’s infrastructure to achieve Qatar National Vision 2030, which includes the implementation of more than 200 projects spread across the country over the next five to seven years. The aim of this project is to develop the existing infrastructure through modernizing the existing roads, and upgrading the comprehensive sewage networks, water, and electricity in line with international standards.(END)