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The skin is the largest organ of human, and its care and health are, therefore, important. Cosmetotextiles development transforms daily ordinary textile products into cosmetically active products, ending the need to actively apply the cosmetic substance.

The textiles can act as delivery systems of bioactive compounds such as vitamins, fragrances, metallic compounds and drugs, as well as some plant-based compounds. Encapsulation and grafting/coating technologies have provided these cosmetic ingredients with effective stabilization, sustained dermal delivery and prolonged dermocosmetic efficiency.

Current cosmetotextiles in the market claim to be moisturizing, cellulite-reducing, perfumed, body slimming, energizing, rejuvenating, refreshing, improving the firmness and elasticity of skin or reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. This paper provides an overview of the development history, important cosmetic ingredients and their applications and commercial cosmetotextile products available in the market.

For the past few years, the emergence of cosmetic textiles has created even further synergy between the benefits provided by products offered by the textile and cosmetic industries. Thus, cosmetic textiles appear on the market as part of two megatrends – one is a strong movement toward general well-being, and the second is embracing more technology into our everyday lives.

Insufficient time allocation for the bidding period occurs, causing drawbacks to both parties, the client and the bidder. Hence, this study aims to evaluate the time allocated for preparing a bid proposal as per the National Competitive Bidding (NCB) in the Sri Lankan context.

The study has adopted a mixed method approach and expert interviews and document review to detect, analyse and validate the issues, and solutions based on NCB along with the adequacy of the allocated bidding period used as main data collection tools. Both qualitative and quantitative data were analysed through manual content analysis and inferential analysis respectively.

Overall, 24 local issues with the existing competitive bidding process and solutions for each were identified. Among the 24 local issues, it was unanimously agreed by all interviewees that three specific issues require attention and improvement. These issues are related to the standard and incompleteness of bidding documents, inaccurate BOQ quantities measured by the consultant or the main contractor, and the excessive number of bidding document amendments by the consultant. It was revealed that a maximum of 42 calendar days (6 weeks) is sufficient for the bidding process while a minimum of 21 calendar days (3 weeks) is insufficient.

The findings of this study would be recommended that Information and Communication Technology Agency (ICTA) understand the necessity of revising the NCB reference to the time allocated for the preparation of bids. By recognising the importance of sufficient time allocation for bid preparation, this research serves as a practical guide for authorities involved in policy formulation, aiding them in implementing revisions that align with the dynamic requirements of bidding procedures.