New entity to handle Driving Licence Info System
In a bid to cut costs, upgrade services and tackle malpractices, the Motor Traffic Department (MTD) is planning to step up outsourcing some of its key functions and improve the quality of driving licences using modern technology, a top MTD official confirmed.
The department will select a new private, public or joint venture (JV) entity to upgrade and maintain the driving licence Information system and printing and personalisation section with the aim of improving the quality standard of driving licences.
The term of contract awarded to Metropolitan Group and a foreign firm came to an end and the Transport Ministry has to call for fresh bids and upgrade driving licence management and information system to streamline the personalisation, production and issuance of the new licences using smart card and biometric technologies at a low cost, he added.
The Ministry has already published a tender calling for bids to award the contract to an eligible firm that is a private entity, a government owned entity - or a combination of such entities in the form of a joint venture (JV) towards this end.
The selected firm or joint venture will be entrusted with the task of supplying, delivery, installation, testing, operation and maintenance of driving licence information system and printing and personalisation functions of the department.
In the case of a JV, all members shall be jointly and severally liable for the execution of the contract in accordance with the contract terms.
The JV shall nominate an authorised representative who shall have the authority to conduct all business for and on behalf of any and all the members of the JV during the prequalification process, bidding (in the event the JV submits a bid) and during contract execution (in the event the JV is awarded the contract).
The MTD has also decided to outsource some of the practical exams, conducted by the department when issuing licences, to the Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLTB) and the Automobile Association of Sri Lanka.
A senior official of the department told the Business Times that the aim of the move is to curb irregularities that could take place in the practical examination process.
The Cabinet of ministers has already approved the outsourcing process considering a proposal submitted by Transport Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva.
The department has launched a trial project at the Werehera office of the Department and it is expected carry out 100 practical tests by the SLTB and the Automobile Association.