Private Sector Hails Gov’t Tender Reforms
THE absence of a transparent public procurement system has increased the Bahamas’ cost of doing business, the Chamber of Commerce’s chairman said yesterday, at the launch of the Government’s e-tendering system.
The system, which will also feature a supplier registry, is targeted to come online in February 2018 in a bid to enhance ‘value for money’ for taxpayers, improve tendering competitiveness and openness, and create an equitable playing field for all bidders. Mike Maura, speaking at the launch, said government procurement – the bidding and awarding of public sector contracts – has been the subject of persistent mismanagement complaints for decades.
“The absence of a transparent procurement system increases the cost of doing business and the cost of building in the Bahamas. The consequences associated with poor procurement include higher taxes, higher public debt, widespread inefficiency and a higher total cost for all of us,” said the Chamber chairman.
K Peter Turnquest, the Deputy Prime Minister, said enactment of the Public Procurement Bill 2018 was scheduled for early in the New Year. It is designed to strengthen the regulatory and enforcement framework around government procurement.
Through the bill, a Public Procurement Department and a Public Procurement Board will be established.
A Public Review Tribunal will also be established “to give recourse to persons who believe there have been an injustice rendered to them during the tendering process”.
Mr Turnquest said the new system will offer transparency. “There will be complete visibility,” he added. “All qualifying Bahamian businesses will be able to register to do business consistent with qualifications.
“Moreover, all persons visiting the portal will be able to view business opportunities, know all the offers available, monitor the process, see who is awarded contracts and at what price, and the justification behind the award.”
Mr Turnquest added: “There is tracking of every decision along the procurement chain. All bid forms are item stamped, which prevents interference following the close of bids, and every action taken by government personnel within the system is tracked.”
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