However, the settlement verification unit disagreed and said that the cost of hiring a consultant to appraise the bidding documents and appraise the results of selection of construction and installation contractors has been included in the project management costs. 

Mr. Tan asked if the above settlement method is correct?

The Ministry of Construction responded to this issue as follows:

The application of legal regulations corresponds to the implementation time of the investment project.

Construction investment projects shall comply with the Law on Construction and guiding documents. Expenses for preparation and appraisal of bidding documents and evaluation of bids are included in the consulting costs in the total investment.

Bidding and contractor selection shall comply with the Government's Decree No. 63/2014/ND-CP dated June 26, 2014 detailing the implementation of a number of articles of the Law on Bidding on contractors selection and relevant laws.