Tenders/Invitation for Bids

Information for Tenderers

Govt's Procurement Policy

Role of the Contractor General's Department

Role of the National Contract Commission

Government's Procurement Policy

The work of the Office of the Contractor-General was enhanced with the addition of the National Contracts Commission (NCC). The Contractor-General, the Office of the Contractor-General and the National Contracts Commission are independent Commissions of Parliament established to ensure that the public sector procurement process can withstand public scrutiny.

The Government’s objectives are the strengthening and auditing of the procurement process. The thrust involves:

• The establishment of a framework that allows for transparency and openness in the government procurement process.
  
  
• Non-discrimination in the award of government contracts.
  
  
• Ensuring impartial and fair review for the resolution of complaints and appeals associated with public sector procurement.
  
  
• Maximizing economy and efficiency in the procurement process and thus, savings of government funds.
  
  
• Promoting fairness, integrity and public confidence in the procurement process.
  
  
• Contributing to sustainable development by seeking to minimize any negative impact on the environment.

In pursuit of these objectives, the Government of Jamaica aims to ensure that:

• Public sector procurement policy applies to all Government Entities, including Central Government Ministries, Agencies and Departments, Local Government Authorities, Statutory Bodies, Executive Agencies, Public Enterprises and any entity in which the Government of Jamaica owns a majority share, or otherwise exercises control over the operations of the entity, including an entity which acts on behalf of the Government.
  
  
• Value for money must be a primary factor in the procurement process.
  
  
• With due regard to international and/or regional obligations, public sector procurement must as far as practicable provide an opportunity for capable domestic contractors to participate in the provision of goods, services and works on a sustainable and efficient basis as an integral part of the process of fostering national development.
  
  
• Recognizing the need for flexibility in the application of procurement modalities, although competitive tender is the primary mode, the use of limited tender and direct contracting through negotiation or sole-source processes, may be permitted in certain circumstances.

The National Contracts Commission (NCC):

• Approves or oversees the award of contracts by Government of Jamaica Entities within specified limits.
  
  
• Assesses the financial and human resources proposed in tenders, as well as the ability of the contractors to perform.
  
  
• Oversees the activities of Sector Committees for specialised work.
  
  
• Makes regulations regarding competitive bidding, the qualifications of the contractors and the circumstances for cancellation of registration.
  
  
• Makes rules relating to public sector contractual arrangements.