What is the role of the Public Procurement Commission?
The role of the Public Procurement Commission (PPC) is to monitor the procurement systems undertaken by public procuring entities to ensure that the procurement of goods, services and the execution of works is executed in a fair, equitable, transparent, competitive and cost effective manner.
Additionally, the PPC is empowered to:
- investigate complaints from contractors, suppliers and public procuring entities and propose remedial action,
- organise training seminars,
- make regulations governing procurement,
- determine standard forms and documents touching and concerning public procurement, and
- adjudicate debarment proceedings.
Who does the Public Procurement Commission report to?
The Public Procurement Commission (PPC) is an independent and impartial constitutional body established pursuant to Art. 212W of the constitution of Guyana. It is immune from Government, Executive and or Ministerial control.
The PPC reports to the National Assembly.
Does the Public Procurement Commission award contracts?
No. The Public Procurement Commission (PPC) does not award contracts.
When does the Public Procurement Commission become involved in the procurement process?
The Public Procurement Commission (PPC) conducts ex ante reviews of procurement activities and recommends remedies where applicable.
An ex ante review means that the PPC on receipt of a complaint pursuant to Part VII of the Procurement Act, Cap. 73:05 reviews the procurement process before the award of a contract to ensure that the process is done in accordance with established guidelines, and therefore the contract is issued on the basis of a process that is fair, transparent, equitable and provides for the best value-for-money.
Do I need to pay to use the services of the Public Procurement Commission?
A fee may be applicable for a review on the lodging of a complaint.
What information will the Public Procurement Commission ask for when dealing with enquiries, complaints and or investigations?
The Public Procurement Commission (PPC) may require any person, or any entity, including but not limited to a ministry, government department, contractor or supplier to provide it with information in order to provide accurate and clear responses to inquiries.
Simple enquiries regarding general procurement processes will result in a request for basic information, such as the value of procurement (threshold), type of supplier (goods/works/services) and status of registration, etc.
For enquiries relating to specific procurement processes undertaken by any procuring entity, the PPC may require information such as: details of the enquiry or issue(s) of concern, procurement and contract files, solicitation information, tender documents and tender minutes, evaluation reports, contract awards, communication between procuring entity and bidders and documentation of any enquiry or complaint received by the procuring entity and relating findings, etc.
At the time of an enquiry, the Public Procurement Commission can demand a list of the documents required which may be recorded in writing and/or verbally.
To whom can the Public Procurement Commission disclose your information?
Information shared with the Public Procurement Commission is not disclosed to any external bodies or persons. However, if directed by the Court for the purposes of legal proceedings related to a specific procurement activity, the Commission is legally obligated to share the information requested by the Court.
Are tender awards published?
Yes. Tender awards for which the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB) exercised jurisdiction are published on their website.
