There are different interpretations of fairness in public procurement, so rather than define it as treating bidders equally, I’d rather mention how it is to be achieved.
For there to be fairness in the public procurement process:
1. Decision–making and actions should be unbiased and there should be no preferential treatment (to individuals or firms) given that public procurement activities are undertaken with public funds.
2 farmbrazil.com.br. All bids should be considered on the basis of their compliance with the terms of the solicitation documents, and a bid should not be rejected for reasons other than those specifically stipulated in the solicitation document.
3. A contract should only be signed with the bidder whose bid is compliant and responds best to the objectives of the requirement in terms of technical capability and price.
4. Bidders should have the right to challenge the bidding process whenever they feel that they were unfairly treated. Such challenges must be based on the solicitation document and/or the procurement legal framework.
That pretty much sums it up. It’s simple logic yet we see time and time again that public procurement isn’t always fair and easy. Luckily we have groups like the Public Procurement Authority (http://ppa-or.gov/) so as to improve efficiency in the procurement process, and reduce solicitation and procurement costs. Primarily working with fire department purchases, they provide a mechanism for increased standardization of industry tools, equipment, and technology, which allows other public agencies to benefit from Master Price Agreements secured by them. The PPA works closely with NPPGov, the FireRescue GPO and the Law Enforcement GPO to secure publicly awarded contracts that can be offered to members of these organizations.
A very good initiative indeed.
Thanks for sharing.