Checklist for selecting an ICD (dry port) design consultant

A polished profile is not enough to prove that a firm can design an ICD that operates well. The project owner needs to check legal capability, experience with the right facility type, and how the team converts throughput into layout, equipment and infrastructure. The checklist below suits the pre-qualification round and for clarifying technical proposals.

1. Do the capability certificates cover the right field and scope?

Check the certificate code, design or review field, capability grade and expiry date against the database or records issued by the competent authority. Do not look only at the words 'Grade I' while overlooking the specific scope of activities.

2. Are the lead personnel named?

The proposal should name the project manager, the lead for each discipline, their practicing certificate numbers and their level of involvement. A generic company staff list is no substitute for the team that will actually deliver the contract.

3. Are there similar projects in terms of function, not just area?

Relevant experience should be matched by cargo type, capacity, handling technology, vehicle type, connection conditions and design stage. A large industrial park does not necessarily demonstrate experience in laying out container yards.

4. Does the firm understand ICD operations?

Ask the firm to show how it calculates container inventory, dwell time, peak factor, effective stacking height, number of gate lanes and equipment productivity. The answer should show the input data and how it is verified, not just an area allowance per TEU.

5. Are the disciplines coordinated in one model?

The operations layout, structure, site grading, drainage, electrical, fire protection, technology and cost estimate must use the same assumptions. The proposal should describe how interfaces between disciplines are controlled and who is ultimately responsible.

6. Are the deliverables and number of revision rounds clear?

Check the list of drawings, reports, calculation sheets, models, cost estimates, handover format, number of options and number of feedback rounds. Anything not in the list often becomes a dispute once the project starts.

7. Is there a data and change management plan?

The consultant should state clearly how it receives data, manages versions, approves changes and records assumptions. This is especially important when throughput, technology or phasing changes midway through design.

8. Is the schedule tied to the project owner's decision milestones?

A good schedule is more than drawing delivery dates. It must include milestones for fixing the brief, confirming data, selecting the option, approving technology and collecting stakeholder feedback.

9. Can the quote be traced to quantities?

Require costs to be broken down into survey, design, simulation, cost estimate, procedural support and out-of-scope work. When changes are needed, both sides then have a basis for pricing the additional work instead of renegotiating everything.

10. Is there a commitment to support appraisal and implementation?

Clarify the number of clarification rounds, responsibility for revising documents, support in contractor selection and handling of queries during construction. A good dossier must carry through the later steps, not stop at the handover date.

Legal references

The capability requirements for organizations and individuals participating in construction activities are set out in Decree 175/2024/NĐ-CP; when selecting a contractor, also check any amendments and the project-specific requirements at the time of implementation.

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