Your ICV score can decide whether you win or lose a tender. In many bids in Qatar’s energy sector the score changes how your price is judged. A higher score gives you an edge over a competitor with the same price. A lower score does the opposite.
The sad part is that many companies lose points for simple reasons. Most ICV mistakes are not about business size or budget. They come from poor records and late planning. This guide covers the most common ones and how to fix them.
A Quick Reminder: What Is ICV?
ICV stands for In-Country Value. It measures how much your company adds to the local economy. Things like local spending and Qatari employment are part of the picture. The program is run by QatarEnergy under the Tawteen initiative. You can read more on the official ICV portal.
Your score is checked and certified by an approved ICV certifier. These certifiers are independent accounting firms picked by Tawteen to validate and certify the ICV scores. If you want a full overview of our process you can visit our ICV certification service page. marhaba
Mistake 1: Poor Record Keeping
This is the number one problem. ICV is built on proof. If you cannot show a document for a spend or a salary then that item may not count. Many companies keep records in different places. Some have invoices on paper and payments in a bank file. When the certifier asks for proof the team spends weeks looking for it.
How to fix it: Keep one clean folder for each year. Store invoices, payment proof, contracts and payroll records together. Update it every month and not once a year.
Mistake 2: Not Knowing Where Your Money Goes
Many owners do not know how much they spend with local suppliers. They only know the total cost. Without a clear split you cannot see how to raise your score.
How to fix it: Make a simple supplier list. Mark each supplier as local or foreign. Add the yearly spend next to each name. This takes a few hours but shows you where you can improve.
Mistake 3: Ignoring the ICV Status of Your Suppliers
Your suppliers matter. When a supplier has its own ICV certificate it can add more value to your own score. The ICV portal also updates scores when newly certified sub-suppliers are added into existing scorecards. This means a supplier getting certified can help you later. ognnews
Many companies never ask their suppliers about ICV. They lose this benefit without knowing.
How to fix it: Ask your main suppliers if they hold an ICV certificate. Where you have a choice give preference to certified local suppliers. Our guide on how to improve your ICV score in Qatar covers more ways to do this.
Mistake 4: Weak Tracking of Qatari Nationals and Their Training
People are a big part of the score. Companies often fail to record their Qatarization data accurately, and others forget to track training spend. If the payroll record is wrong or the training proof is missing, you lose value you already earned.
How to fix it: Keep a clear employee list with nationality and salary. Save training invoices and attendance sheets. Match your payroll to your Wage Protection System records so the numbers agree.
Mistake 5: Records That Do Not Match
Certifiers compare your documents with each other. If your audited accounts show one number and your supplier list shows another then questions start. This slows the process and can lower your final score.
How to fix it: Check that the numbers in your audited financial statements match your internal reports. If your accounts are not up to date fix them first. A good audit and assurance team can help you get this right before you apply.
Mistake 6: Weak Payment Proof
Paying in cash or paying without a clear invoice creates a problem. The certifier needs to see that the money really went to the supplier. Missing payment proof is a common reason for items to be removed.
How to fix it: Pay by bank transfer where possible. Keep the invoice and the transfer slip together. Make sure the supplier name on both is the same.
Mistake 7: Thinking About ICV Only When a Tender Appears
Many companies wake up to ICV when a tender is already open. By then it is too late to change anything. Spending patterns and hiring take time to change.
How to fix it: Treat ICV as a yearly plan. Set a target score. Review your spend and hiring every quarter. Small changes made early give much better results than a rush at the last minute.
Mistake 8: Missing the Renewal Date
An ICV certificate does not last forever. If it expires you may not be able to join a tender that needs a valid certificate. Some companies find out only after they miss a bid.
How to fix it: Put the expiry date in your calendar with a reminder months before. Start collecting documents early. Our guide on ICV certificate renewal in Qatar explains the requirements and timeline.
Mistake 9: Not Checking Which Rules Apply to You
The program has changed over time. QatarEnergy has introduced an ICV+ policy for local manufacturers and a Blanket Score policy for micro and small enterprises. Many small firms do not know these options exist. Others use old rules that no longer apply. qatar-tribune
How to fix it: Check the latest rules on the official portal before you start. Ask your certifier which policy fits your company size and type.
Mistake 10: Choosing the Wrong Certifier or Doing It Alone
Some companies pick a certifier only on price. Others try to prepare everything alone and make small errors that cost points. A weak process leads to delays and rework.
How to fix it: Pick a certifier with real experience and a clear process. Ask how long it takes and what documents you need. Our article on choosing the right ICV certification consultant lists what to look for.
Get Your ICV Score Right the First Time
Kreston SVP is part of the global Kreston network and has helped many Qatar businesses with ICV certification. We review your records before you apply and point out gaps early. Contact our team or call +974 4469 4481 to talk about your ICV plan.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most common ICV mistake?
Poor record keeping is the most common one. If you cannot prove a spend or a salary with a document it may not count toward your score.
Can I fix my ICV score after the certificate is issued?
Your certificate shows the score for a set period. To raise it you usually need to improve your numbers and go through the process again. That is why early planning matters.
Do my suppliers affect my ICV score?
Yes. Using local suppliers helps. Suppliers that have their own ICV certificate can add even more value. It is smart to ask your key suppliers about their ICV status.
How early should I start preparing for ICV renewal?
We suggest starting a few months before your certificate expires. This gives you time to collect documents and fix any gaps.
Do small businesses need ICV certification?
It depends on the tenders you want to join. Small companies may also have special options such as a Blanket Score. Check the current rules on the official ICV portal or ask a certifier.
Can a wrong document cancel my certification?
Wrong or mismatched documents can delay the process and reduce your score. Serious errors can lead to bigger problems. Always give true and clear records.
How long does ICV certification take?
The time depends on how ready your documents are. Companies with clean records finish much faster than those that need to fix gaps first.
Who can help me improve my ICV score?
An approved ICV certifier and your accounting team can guide you. Kreston SVP can review your records and suggest practical steps.
