The Public Procurement and Assets Disposal Board(PPADB) said Monday that its Integrated Procurement Management System (IPMS) will go a long way in cutting operational costs for contractors that seek to do business with the government. Through the IPMS, contractors will be able to track the status of their bids and trace bid outcomes.
At the same time, IPMS is also intended to improve transparency in public procurement and interface with other government departments. It would also ensure transparency in assessment of tender bids, improve efficiency in the tendering process by allowing contractors to download tender documents and submit online.
Permanent Secretary at the Finance Ministry, Solomon Sekwakwa who officially launched the IPMS noted that before the set up of the web based procuring system, even international companies had to reach PPADB physically for them to secure tender documents.
“As of today, there is no need for anyone to travel all the way from France to come and collect tender documents here and go back. This system is supported by the recently enacted Electronic Act which paved way for online transactions”.
PPADB Executive chairperson, Bridget John said Monday that the system was developed in two phases with phase one consisting of contractor registration and procurement planning.
“Phase two compromise of E-bidding, capacity building and Asset Disposal. The E-bidding module includes ITT creation by procuring entities and vetting by PPADB, evaluation and adjudication, and dispute resolution,” said John.
It is expected that the E-bidding module will assist the board on managing procurement better as tenders will be submitted, evaluated and adjudicated online.
“In developing the IPMS the board sought to ensure that the principles of the public procurement of competition, transparency, value for money and public confidence among others are taken on board in the design of the system,” noted John.
However despite the Monday excitement, the board has previously admitted that the system could be delayed by low internet speed in the country, high demand for registration and limited capacity at the Board.
The web based system that was launched on Monday has been developed to assist the board in automating its services to amongst others to efficiently manage contractor registration and public procurement and assets disposal.
