Public Procurement

Component IV: Public Procurement is a continuation of the reform effort begun in 2010 by the Ministry of Finance. Using the framework developed by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD)/Development Assistance Committee (DAC), this reform effort will create a consolidated and unified legal framework at the statutory level so that the Bahamas can better promote high standards in line with international procurement best practices. The Financial Act has already been amended and sanctioned.
 

As part of the reform, the Public Procurement Department (PPD) has been established as the designated entity responsible for the development, oversight and functioning of the revamped procurement system. Public Procurement in the Bahamas will also on a new professional outlook as well with a defined career path for public procurement officials. The upcoming E- Tendering and Supplier Registry System will become the flagship platform for tendering. Procurement processes will be automated with digital records on the value and method of selection for procurement being more readily accessible.
 

Component IV will modernize the public procurement system by promoting efficient market competition and value for money in support of the new procurement law approved by parliament in October 2013 by financing the following:

1. The development of a transactional module to enhance the National Procurement System, including an action plan.
2. The implementation of the new business model for procurement in the Bahamas which includes
   1. The establishment of a new Public Procurement Department (PPD)
   2. New procedures, instruments  (regulations, standard bidding documents, manuals, training and change management plan) according to the new Financial Act
   3. The management of physical and technological infrastructure
3. The development of the functional and technical specifications of an e-procurement system
4. The implementation, monitoring and quality control of the e-procurement system project
5. The development and implementation of a career path for public procurement officials, including a permanent training program led by the PPD.

Key Links

♦  Financial Administration and Audit (Amendment) Bill, 2013

♦  Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development

eProcurement

The Supplier Registry and e-procurement system is to enhance the efficiency and transparency of the Government of The Bahamas procurement processes, through facilitating access through Information and Communication Technology (ICT), among other initiative.

The system is a centralised electronic registry of suppliers and Micro Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) which will be managed and maintained by the Ministry of Finance, Procurement Unit, with access granted to Government Ministries and Departments. It will increase the number of users and enhance measures of customer satisfaction. The electronic system will facilitate standardised procurement processes including data collection, monitoring and maintenance. The eProcurement system will result in cost savings on the public expenditure and also result in value for money through the procurement of goods and service.

Who are our users?

The procurement website is accessible to all government registered Vendors and the general public with an interest in government tendering process. Full access is available for both buyers and suppliers. Registered Suppliers will receive notifications about procurement opportunities and complete all stages of the tendering process electronically.

Why Register?

• Become a qualified supplier
• To have access to tender opportunities available within Government
• To have accurate records of tendering activities within Government
• To receive reminders and notifications for important competition activities
• Participate actively in competitive bidding and submit bids and also request for clarification
• To have information on approved tender awards

How to access the Suppliers Registry?

Visit the site https://suppliers.gov.bs/ and click on “Register Now”
Register your company and/or Organization in the system
Obtain access to registration guidelines
Upload supporting documents (Tax Compliance Certificate (TCC), etc)

Procurement Opportunities

View the latest Tendering Opportunities
Select the Tender Offering and participate online
Upload tender notice document or complete HTML Form (i.e – scope of works form)
Submit tender bid on or before the specified closed date and time

Where can I find more information?

Further information on a specific tender notice, you can contact the relevant Ministry, and the Ministry of Finance. Contact information can be found within the Tender Notice document. Contact details for the Tenders Board is as follows:

Chairman
Tenders Board
Ministry of Finance
Cecil Wallace Whitfield Centre
Tel. No: 242-327-1618
Fax. No. 242-327-7
tendersboard@bahamas.gov.bs