Bidders engage PPADB over vague tender terms

Keikantse Lesemela | Thursday March 5, 2015 17:43

During a workshop hosted by Public Procurement and Asset Disposal Board (PPADB), participants raised concerns that they often struggle to understand the tender requirements. “In most cases tender specifications are always complicated and so we are requesting that PPADB should try to simplify the tender specifications so that everyone of us will understand what is required,” said one participant.

The workshop was aimed at capacitating the suppliers of goods on public procurement procedures, to empower them to submit competitive tender offers, as well as ensure that bidders comply with tender requirements to reduce the rate of disqualifications.

Participants also highlighted that authorities should ensure that the PPADB evaluation department practised fairness when evaluating bids. They said the evaluation department was marred by corruption, as some officers had tried to solicit bribes from them.

Responding to the complaints, PPADB executive director, Kgakgamalo Ketshajwang said most of the tenders were cancelled because bidders did not understand the requirements. “It has come to the attention of the PPADB that some tenders get cancelled because of non-responsiveness to the bids due to bidders not understanding the requirements of the tender documents. It is important for the bidders to clearly understand what is required by the tender.”

Ketshajwang added that bidders had the right to be de-briefed on their tenders if they were any complaints. “It is clear that bidders should request de-briefing, if they are not assisted they should report to the PPADB committee. You should not remain quiet when you see that something is not right. We have identified these problems and we are working (on) solutions,” he said.

PPADB senior legal officer, Kealeboga Tshane said de-briefing should be done when bidders had submitted unsuccessful bids or if they were eliminated at the pre-qualification stage. “This is a feedback mechanism meant to ensure tender documents were fully understood,” he said.