In-Country Value (ICV) drives economic growth and sustainable development in the UAE. An ICV Improvement Plan is a strategic approach for companies looking to enhance their local economic contribution, improve their ICV score, and gain a competitive advantage in tenders—all while supporting the UAE’s national diversification goals.
An ICV Improvement Plan is a structured roadmap that companies commit to in order to improve their ICV score over time. It outlines:
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Baseline assessment of current ICV performance
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Targets for increasing ICV spend, localization, and local workforce development
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Action steps (process redesign, training, local content sourcing, technology adoption)
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Timelines, milestones, and monitoring to track progress
Generally, the plan is submitted in response to tenders or as required by entities like ADNOC, among others. It’s legally binding when specified in tender documents and influences payment terms tied to achieving the committed ICV targets.
Who Needs an ICV Improvement Plan?
Companies That Can Benefit from an ICV Improvement Plan
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Bidders in Competitive Tenders
Companies participating in projects or contracts where ICV scores are evaluated may adopt an improvement plan to increase their score and strengthen their bid.
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Suppliers Targeting Government Contracts
Organizations seeking contracts with entities such as Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) and other government bodies can strategically develop an ICV Improvement Plan to enhance their evaluation in the tender process.
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Types of ICV Improvement Plans
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Agreement-based Improvement Plan
Specific to a project or contract. The supplier auditor verifies project spending. Payments may be held and released progressively, based on milestones.
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Company-wide (Annual) Improvement Plan
Covers broader operational improvements across the company. Used in conjunction with annual ICV certification; targets are tracked over time.
Why the ICV Improvement Plan Matters
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Competitive Advantage
Companies that show a credible path for increasing ICV are more attractive to government tenders and contracts. An Improvement Plan signals commitment and forward planning. -
Economic Diversification
By increasing local procurement, workforce development, and technology transfer, the plan contributes to the UAE’s goals of diversifying its economy beyond oil. -
Job Creation & Skill Development
Localizing activities boosts employment for UAE nationals and builds skills in local supply chains. -
Enhanced Local Content
When companies invest in local sourcing, manufacturing, suppliers, and services, more value stays within the UAE economy.
Key Components of a Strong ICV Improvement Plan
To be effective, a plan should include:
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A baseline audit of current ICV metrics (current local spend, workforce localization, supply chain mapping)
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Clear benchmarks & targets (e.g. increasing local procurement from X% to Y%, or hiring Z number of local employees)
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Actionable roadmap with defined phases (short-term, medium-term, long-term)
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Assigned ownership and accountability internally
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Monitoring, reporting, and adjustment mechanisms (e.g. quarterly reviews, corrective actions)
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Alignment with standards and requirements of key UAE stakeholders (ADNOC, government tenders, local authorities)
How Assist Plus Can Help You Improve ICV Score
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Conducting a detailed assessment of your current ICV performance
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Identifying priority areas for ICV spend optimization and localization
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Developing a customized ICV Improvement Plan with practical actions & timelines
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Providing support in tender preparation, compliance verification, and documentation
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Monitoring progress and adjusting plan to ensure you meet @ ADONC or regulatory ICV targets
An ICV Certificate is more than compliance—it’s a long-term strategic asset. In the UAE’s evolving economic landscape, companies that embed strong ICV strategy will be better placed to win contracts, build local capacity, and contribute positively to national growth.
