RECD Procurement: How to Create a Strong Technical RFQ

When industries plan to install a Retrofit Emission Control Device (RECD) on an existing diesel generator set, the procurement process should begin with more than a request for price. A well-prepared Technical Request for Quotation (RFQ) helps suppliers understand the actual application, propose a suitable solution, and provide quotations that can be compared on technical as well as commercial grounds.

For an RECD project, the RFQ becomes particularly important because the solution has to work with an existing DG set, exhaust arrangement, operating profile, installation environment, and applicable emission requirements. A clear technical RFQ can reduce misunderstandings and make supplier evaluation much easier.

Start With Complete DG Set Information

The first section of an RECD RFQ should clearly identify the diesel generator set. Include information such as manufacturer, model, rated power, engine model, number of cylinders, fuel type, year of installation, and operating hours where available.

The buyer should also mention the typical operating load. A DG set that normally operates at 30–40% load may present different operating conditions from one regularly operating near its rated capacity.

Providing accurate information at the RFQ stage allows suppliers to assess the application before recommending an RECD configuration.

Describe the Existing Exhaust System

An RECD is installed within the exhaust system, so the existing exhaust arrangement should be described as clearly as possible.

Useful information includes:

• Exhaust pipe diameter

• Existing silencer details

• Available straight-pipe length

• Exhaust outlet arrangement

• Approximate exhaust temperature

• Existing back-pressure information, if available

• Installation orientation

• Available space around the exhaust line

Photographs, drawings and site measurements can make the RFQ considerably more useful. If exact dimensions are unavailable, clearly mark them as approximate rather than presenting estimates as confirmed data.

Define the Operating Profile

The RFQ should explain how the DG set is actually used. Mention whether the generator operates continuously, intermittently, during power failures, or for scheduled testing.

It is also useful to provide typical load ranges and any frequent start-stop conditions. Such information helps the supplier understand the expected thermal and operational behaviour of the RECD system.

For projects involving emission testing, operating conditions should be defined carefully so that suppliers understand what performance conditions are expected during evaluation.

Specify Testing and Documentation Requirements

A strong RFQ should identify the expected testing and documentation requirements instead of leaving everything open-ended.

For example, the buyer can request technical documentation covering:

• RECD technical specifications

• Installation requirements

• Performance information

• Applicable test methodology

• Test reports or supporting documents

• Maintenance requirements

• Recommended inspection intervals

• Warranty terms

• Installation and commissioning procedures

The CPCB System and Procedure for Emission Compliance Testing of RECDs provides an important official reference for emission compliance testing of retrofit emission control devices for diesel power-generating set engines up to 800 kW. Central Pollution Control Board

Rather than simply asking for “CPCB approval,” the RFQ should specify the documentation and compliance evidence relevant to the particular project.

Include Site and Installation Details

The physical installation environment can have a major influence on an RECD project. An RFQ should therefore mention whether the DG set is installed in a basement, plant room, rooftop enclosure, outdoor area, or another restricted location.

Include information about:

• Access for equipment movement

• Available installation space

• Exhaust routing

• Maintenance access

• Ventilation conditions

• Lifting or handling limitations

• Nearby equipment

• Any shutdown restrictions

For difficult sites, requesting a supplier site survey can be valuable before final technical and commercial submission.

Separate Technical and Commercial Requirements

A good RFQ should make it easy to distinguish between technical requirements and commercial terms.

The technical section can cover the RECD configuration, installation, testing, commissioning, documentation and performance requirements. The commercial section can address pricing, taxes, delivery schedule, payment terms, warranty, service support and other commercial conditions.

This structure allows procurement teams to compare suppliers more objectively instead of selecting an offer simply because it has the lowest initial price.

Ask Suppliers to Identify Deviations

Another useful part of an RECD RFQ is a compliance or deviation statement.

Ask each supplier to confirm whether its proposed system meets every major requirement. If there is a deviation, the supplier should clearly identify it and explain the technical or commercial impact.

This becomes especially useful when multiple suppliers submit proposals with different assumptions.

Keep Regulatory Requirements Current

Emission requirements can change depending on location, applicable authority, project conditions and subsequent regulatory directions. Therefore, an RFQ should avoid relying on outdated statements copied from previous tenders.

For projects in Delhi-NCR, buyers should also check the latest information issued by the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) because its directions and GRAP-related measures can be updated over time. CAQM

The RFQ should state that applicable requirements are to be considered based on the regulations and directions relevant to the project at the time of procurement.

Create a Clear Supplier Comparison Format

Once the technical RFQ is complete, suppliers should ideally respond using a structured format. This can include DG set details, proposed RECD configuration, technical specifications, testing approach, installation scope, commissioning, warranty and exclusions.

For buyers, this makes technical comparison much simpler.

A useful starting point for understanding the broader RFQ considerations is How to Write a Technical RFQ for an RECD Project, which focuses on the information buyers should organise before approaching RECD suppliers.

Conclusion

A strong technical RFQ does more than request an RECD quotation. It gives suppliers a clear picture of the DG set, operating conditions, exhaust arrangement, installation environment, testing expectations and project requirements.

By providing accurate technical information, separating technical and commercial requirements, asking for clear documentation and identifying applicable regulatory conditions, buyers can receive more comparable proposals and reduce uncertainty during procurement.