Taxpayers have interest in integrity of government procurement processes: expert

Paul Barratt, an expert in policy advising in the areas of defence, foreign relations and international trade, has said that every taxpayer has a vital interest in the quality and integrity of our government procurement processes.

“This means that before putting out a significant tender, it is incumbent upon governments to do the following,” Barratt said.
 
1. To determine that they really do want to purchase the service if supply is available on acceptable terms of quality and price
2. To commit to the necessary funds being made available to make the purchase at the expected cost
3. To give clear advice about when Requests for Tender will be issued and to adhere to the timetables that have advised to industry
4. To evaluate tenders promptly and in accordance with the timetable advised to industry
5. To refrain from lazy rollovers of existing tenders.

“The costs of any failure to observe these principles will ultimately be borne by the taxpayer,” he said.

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