E-Procurement in PPRA -19.08.2024
NON MEMORANDUM
E-Procurement in PPRA
No. SO(I&C-1) 5″-4/ 2024. In exercise of the powers conferred under section 26 of the Punjab Procurement Regulatory Authority Act, 2009 (VIII of 2009), the Punjab is pleased to make the following amendments in the Punjab Procurement Rules 2014, with immediate effect:
AMENDMENTS
ln the Punjab Procurement Rules 2014:
- In rule 2, in sub-rule (1):
- in clause (u), for the word “five”, the word •ten” shall be substituted; and
- in clause (ab), for the word “five”, the word “ten” shall be substituted.
- After rule 3 the following shall be inserted:
- “3A. E-Procurement (1) A procuring agency, as and when notified by’ the Authority, shall carry out the public procurement through e- Procurement:
- Provided that a procuring agency, not notified by the Authority may also carry out the public procurement through e-Procurement.
- (2) A procuring agency shall carry out e-Procurement in such manner as prescribed in the regulations or guidelines issued by the authority.
- (3) person, sole proprietor, firm, contractor, company, consultant and any public or private organization shall be eligible to participate in e-procurement subject to registration and payment of such fee as fixed by the Authority.”
- In rule 38, in sub-rule (2):
- before the words ‘”other than consultants” and after the word “contractors”, the words “in public procurement” shall be inserted; and
- In rule 46-A, the expression “for purposes such third party validation, bid evaluation, terms of reference, preparation of document relating to prequalification and request for proposal, pre-shipment inspection, audit simple engineering design or supervision of non-complex work, whe.re the cost of consultancy does not exceed three million rupees” shall be omitted.
In rule 57, in sub-rule (1), at the end, for the full stop”, the expression “colon” shall be substituted and thereafter, the following proviso shall be Inserted: “Provided that any discount voluntarily offered by the lowest evaluated bidder may be accepted.”
- Procurement refers to the use of digital technologies to manage and streamline the procurement process, which includes buying goods and services for public institutions. The Public Procurement Regulatory Authority (PPRA) is responsible for overseeing procurement practices to ensure fairness, transparency, and accountability. As of August 19, 2024, PPRA has enhanced its guidelines to incorporate e-Procurement systems, reflecting a significant modernization effort in public sector procurement.
- For example, electronic submission of bids allows suppliers to submit their proposals online, reducing delays associated with physical delivery and paperwork. Additionally, automated systems can track and manage procurement activities in real-time, offering instant updates and reducing the likelihood of mistakes.
One of the major advantages of e-Procurement is increased transparency. Digital systems maintain a clear, accessible record of all transactions and decisions, making it easier to review and audit procurement activities. This transparency helps to deter corrupt practices and ensures that procurement processes are open to scrutiny by all stakeholders.
Efficiency is another significant benefit. Automation speeds up tasks such as bidding, evaluation, and contract management. This not only accelerates the procurement cycle but also leads to cost savings by reducing administrative overhead. For instance, automated notifications and reminders can keep all parties on track, preventing delays.
Accountability is also enhanced with e-Procurement. These systems often include features like audit trails, which record every action taken within the system. This means that any decision or transaction can be traced back, providing a clear history of actions and making it easier to resolve issues or disputes.
Conclusion:
The adoption of e-Procurement within the PPRA framework as of August 19, 2024, represents a critical advancement in public sector procurement. By leveraging digital technologies, PPRA aims to make the procurement process more transparent, efficient, and accountable. This shift not only improves the speed and accuracy of procurement activities but also fosters greater trust among the public. As more government agencies embrace e-Procurement, the overall effectiveness and integrity of public procurement are expected to significantly improve, ultimately benefiting both public administration and the wider community.