(Jamaica Observer) Government says it is working to transform and strengthen its public procurement system, to ensure greater transparency and efficiency in the management of this process.
Among the measures is the streamlining of the procurement process to reduce the time and money spent, according to Dianne McIntosh, director general in the Ministry of Finance and Planning.
Addressing the opening of a five-day training course on public procurement at the Mona visitor’s Lodge at the University of the West Indies, Mona Campus on Monday, McIntosh noted that public procurement, which currently accounts for approximately 30 per cent of Gross Domestic Product (GDP), is a high priority area for the Government.
She pointed out that since January 2013, Cabinet approved a total of 141 contracts valued at approximately J$90 billion.
This figure, she said, is not inclusive of contracts valued below $40 million.
The director general further noted that the Government has also sought to streamline the procurement process through the introduction of Information and Communications Technology (ICT) in the management of procurement and the incorporation of new procedures, aimed at improving transparency, efficiency, value for money and accountability.
“International standards have been attained in all stages of the public procurement process, from planning and requirements definition to the award, signing and administration of contracts,” she added.
Other significant milestones include development and implementation of the electronic Government Procurement System (eGP) in 2015; establishment of a Procurement Appeal Board; mandatory publication of annual procurement plans for Government of Jamaica procuring entities; development and passage of the Public Procurement Act, 2015; and the Public Procurement Certification Programme, which commenced in 2014.
