Leading software companies, including Tata Consultancy Services, Wipro, Hewlett Packard, HCL, Global Communication and ICICI Infotech, are in the race for the computerisation and modernisation programme of the department of company affairs. The bids are expected to be opened on May 17. 
 
A DCA official said eight companies had submitted their expressions of interest, of which six had been shortlisted after evaluation of the documents. 
 
The programme involves not only the computerisation of the operations but also the setting up of front offices at various locations for citizens, facility improvement and appropriate training to users. 
 
"The contract will be awarded on a build, operate and transfer basis. The plan of floating a special purpose vehicle for the purpose has been shelved, until an enabling clause allowing an SPV can be inserted in the Companies Act," the official said. 
 
According to the bid document, the selected operator, apart from executing the project will be responsible for the operation of the programme and maintenance of the system for six years. 
 
The Unit Trust of India Investor Services Ltd has also been engaged to manage and monitor the progress of the project and periodically inform the DCA. 
 
The programme covers the DCA headquarters in Delhi, the Serious Frauds Investigation Office at Delhi and its regional branches in Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata and 21 Registrar of Companies offices all over the country. It will enable corporates to comply to the specifications of the Companies Act electronically. 
 
Meanwhile, DCA has got its Centre for Corporate Excellence registered and has finalised the programmes the centre will undertake. 
 
The United States-based Global Corporate Governance Forum is expected to contribute to the programmes undertaken by the centre by giving its views on any initiative taken by the forum in the improvement of corporate governance. 
 
The centre will be headed by the DCA secretary and will include representatives from the Confederation of Indian Industry, the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India and Institute of Company Secretaries.
 
Modern times 

• Tata Consultancy Services, Wipro, H-P, HCL, Global Communication and ICICI Infotech in fray for project.
• The contract will be awarded on a build, operate and transfer basis.
• UTI-ISL has been engaged to manage the project and periodically inform the DCA.