PPADB urges bidders to explore UN markets

NELSON DIRENG
Correspondent | Tuesday December 8, 2009 00:00

The workshop was also aimed at companies interested in supplying goods such as agricultural implements, medicines, vehicles, uniforms, chemicals, IT equipment and stationery to public sector institutions.

Bidders were taken through the importance of exploring international markets and ways in which they can register online to become vendors.

They were also taken through the distinct and separate mandate of the UN's organisational entities such as the World Health Organisation (WHO), the World Food Programme (WFP), the Food and Agricultural Organisation (FAO) and United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) and the various products that bidders could supply to them.

Bidders were further urged to visit each organisation's specific website in order to learn its distinct portfolio and characteristics as each organisation may conduct their own procurement activities. Organisations may also have their own specific requirements for goods and services that constitute a separate and distinct customer or partner.

Among other issues discussed were ways in which bidders could enhance their chances for tendering successful bids that comply with tender requirements.

These included presentations and discussions on standardised bidding packages, the delicate process of evaluation and adjudication of tenders, price adjustments, debriefing and bid protest mechanisms, the noble and laudable government scheme regarding the use of locally manufactured goods and services and business ethics in PPADB.

PPADB Supplies Executive Director, Idah Marumo, said in tendering, no requirement is taken for granted.

She said any requirement stated in the tender is there for a purpose and failure to meet it will result in losing out on a tender. PPADB's guiding principles are enshrined in the PPADB Act of 2001.

These include fairness and equity, transparency, competition, value for money, efficiency, effectiveness and accountability. 'A system that is not guided by these principles is bound to fail the public procurement system and service delivery,' Marumo said.

She revealed that PPADB is currently undertaking a re-engineering process to streamline, standardise and publish its internal processes. Further, she said, they are planning on introducing satellite offices in some major towns and villages in Botswana so as to enhance service delivery.

 Marumo said there is a debriefing policy that provides bidders with information on their deficiencies on tendering and there are also measures put in place for bid protests. 'This year has seen PPADB install a toll free number that will be launched formally to the public next year,' she said.