HAL Rejects PwC Claim; R&D Consultant Selection in Progress
Published • 12 April 2025 at 10:37 AM
HAL Denies PwC R&D Consultancy Finalization Rumors
Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) has officially denied claims circulating on social media that it has finalized a consultancy firm—specifically PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC)—for benchmarking its Research and Development (R&D) processes. In a statement issued on Saturday, HAL clarified that no firm has been selected yet and that the selection process is still ongoing. HAL had earlier issued a Request for Quotation (RFQ) to engage a consultancy firm to conduct a benchmarking study of its R&D framework, aligning it with global Aerospace and Defence standards. This initiative follows recommendations from a high-power committee on Public Undertakings, aimed at enhancing HAL’s modernization and continuous improvement strategy. The state-owned defense PSU emphasized that the selection is being conducted transparently through the Government of India’s GEM Portal, in compliance with all procurement regulations. HAL reaffirmed that no official award of work has been made, and any claims suggesting otherwise are premature and misleading. The company remains committed to maintaining transparency and fairness in its procurement practices.
No Final R&D Consultant Picked Yet, Says HAL
- HAL Denies Finalizing PwC: HAL clarified that it has not finalized PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) or any other consultancy firm for R&D benchmarking.
- Social Media Claims Refuted: The clarification was issued in response to misleading social media posts claiming PwC had been selected.
- Selection Process Ongoing: HAL stated that the process to select a consultancy firm is still underway.
- RFQ Issued: A Request for Quotation (RFQ) was issued to engage a firm for benchmarking its R&D framework against global Aerospace and Defence companies.
- Recommendation-Driven Initiative: The benchmarking exercise is based on recommendations from a high-power committee on Public Undertakings.
- Goal of the Study: The initiative aims to enhance HAL’s modernization and continuous improvement strategy.
- Transparent Procurement: The selection process is being conducted through the Government of India’s GEM Portal in line with procurement regulations.
- No Contract Awarded Yet: HAL confirmed that no official award of work has been made to any consultancy firm.
- Commitment to Transparency: HAL reiterated its dedication to fairness and transparency in all procurement practices.
- Misinformation Caution: HAL cautioned against premature and incorrect information regarding the consultancy selection.
