In order to further standardize the order of engineering construction, ensure that engineering construction is safe, clean and efficient, and promote open, fair, just and orderly development of construction management, Hefei City of Anhui Province recently issued interim provisions on registration and reporting of "intercessions" in engineering construction management. Ten types of "intercession" conduct are explicitly prohibited in the processes of engineering construction, including the "bidding stage," "project management stage," "completion acceptance stage," and "settlement review stage."

　　The provisions clearly stipulate that during the bidding stage, non-project-related personnel are prohibited from pleading on behalf of interested parties at various stages, including the project bidding plan, bidding announcement, bidding Q&A, bid opening, evaluation and award, public announcement, and issuance of the notice of award. Direct or indirect ultra vires interference in setting the conditions of bidding documents is prohibited, as is explicitly or implicitly suggesting that the tenderee, agency, or others tailor bidding documents for a specific bidder. Interfering with the bid evaluation (award) committee members' evaluation and award work is prohibited, as is improperly requiring design units to set specific parameters or specific brands for materials and equipment.

　　During the project management stage, direct or indirect interference in the selection by the winning bidder of specific subcontracting teams, materials, or equipment is prohibited. Pleading or interceding on behalf of participating construction units in matters such as fund payment, change orders, liability for breach of contract, and complaint handling is prohibited.

　　During the completion acceptance stage, explicitly or implicitly suggesting that project management personnel confirm completed quantities that participating construction units have not finished or that are unqualified is prohibited. During the completion acceptance process, explicitly or implicitly suggesting that project management personnel pass unqualified projects in acceptance is prohibited. During the handover and return of quality guarantee deposits, explicitly or implicitly suggesting that project management personnel process relevant procedures for those who do not meet the conditions for handover or return of quality guarantee deposits is prohibited.

　　During the settlement review stage, explicitly or implicitly suggesting that review departments or co-review units lower review standards or give special consideration to the units under review is prohibited during the review process.

　　The provisions start with engineering management systems, strengthen supervision and restraint in the engineering construction field, ensure proactive reporting and registration, and safeguard the "bottom line" of clean governance. "Persons solicited" who fail to register and file truthfully shall be dealt with seriously, and "intercession" conduct shall be dealt with seriously. Depending on the severity of the circumstances, responsible persons may be given supervisory talks and admonishment, circulated criticism, or records of misconduct; "persons solicited" who truthfully record Party members, cadres, and staff violating regulations by intervening in construction project management shall be protected.

　　At the same time, Hefei City is actively organizing and carrying out special governance work in the field of engineering construction bidding and tendering, and in conjunction with the introduction of these provisions, has formulated a special rectification implementation plan. In response to the risks and loopholes existing in the bidding and tendering processes in the engineering construction field, special supervision and inspection will be strengthened, and timely action will be taken against intervention in the engineering construction field. Through institutional improvement, project management will be standardized, engineering construction bidding and tendering work will be promoted in an orderly manner in accordance with laws and regulations, and a sound political ecosystem with integrity will continue to be fostered, ensuring that key engineering projects improve in quality and grade.