What is DPR?

What is a DPR?

A Detailed Project Report is a document that describes a proposed project in enough detail for the buyer to approve it, fund it and tender it. It is common for roads, buildings, water supply, irrigation and other infrastructure works.

A DPR is often prepared by a consultant engaged by the department, and the consultancy itself is frequently awarded through a tender. The approved DPR then becomes the basis for the works tender.

What a DPR usually contains

The contents vary with the sector and the department’s guidelines.

• Need for the project, site details and survey data
• Design options, the chosen design and drawings
• Quantities and a cost estimate, often based on the applicable schedule of rates
• Implementation plan and timelines
• Environmental, social and land matters, where relevant

How DPRs matter to bidders

For a works tender, the BOQ and estimated cost often come from the DPR. Some buyers share the DPR or parts of it with the tender documents, usually for reference only, and expect bidders to verify site conditions and quantities themselves.

For consultants, DPR preparation is a service that many departments tender, often with QCBS evaluation. Check the tender for the scope, the deliverables and how the DPR will be reviewed and approved.