SECTION 55

(1) The preliminary studies referred to in Article 54 above should define the specifications and nature of the services that are the subject of the contract and result in a design study describing all the characteristics of the works to be executed or supplies to be made, or the terms of reference of the services concerned. (2) Preliminary studies shall be compulsory and must take into account, in particular: (a) destruction of property, bare ownership, displacement of networks (water, electricity, telephone, etc.), release of the selected site, payment of compensation to persons evicted and access conditions in case of works contracts; (b) the disability approach to infrastructure projects; 26 (c) promotion of employment through the development of local resources such as manpower, local equipment and materials, particularly through the labour- intensive approach (HIMO), in accordance with the regulations in force; (d) compliance with safety standards, particularly those relating to buildings open to the public; (e) compliance with environmental standards; (f) sizing or allotting the project so as to highlight the services to be provided by local small- and medium-sized enterprises and community-based organizations on the one hand, and those likely to be subcontracted to local enterprises on the other hand. (3) Preliminary studies for work contracts for the maintenance and/or rehabilitation of roads or civil engineering structures and repair of buildings or equipment shall include a degradation survey and indicate the level of service sought. (4) Studies for new works and procurement of new equipment should be conducted up to the final design level for roads and procurement, and to the detailed engineering level for buildings and other infrastructure. (5) Terms of reference for intellectual services should include the context, the scope of planned services, the objectives and expected outcomes, the specific competences and qualification of experts to be mobilized, and the schedule and estimated cost of services. (6) Studies for supply contracts should specify the detailed functional or performance characteristics of the goods or equipment to be procured, the applicable standards and delivery constraints for the preparation of delivery schedules. SUB-SECTION II APPLICABLE STANDARDS