BPP plans online-only bidding for federal government contracts

Contractors bidding for federal government projects would submit their documents online rather than deliver them physically under an electronic procurement system being developed by the Bureau of Public Procurement.

BPP Director-General Adebowale Adedokun outlined the plan at an engagement with professional bodies in Abuja on Thursday. He said contractors and consultants would submit bids and proposals electronically without having to meet officials.

Daily Trust reported his remarks. The proposed system would require bidders to demonstrate their capacity through the platform, with Adedokun saying it would reduce personal discretion in the selection of contractors.

The bureau also plans to issue procurement approvals and certificates digitally. Adedokun said the aim was to make an approved certificate available within 30 seconds instead of requiring applicants to wait for days or weeks.

He said submissions from the Federal Ministry of Education and federal universities were already being processed digitally through the PCOMS platform.

A separate electronic audit system would allow agencies to submit procurement documents online for review. Physical intervention would be reserved for cases in which the digital review identified red flags, according to the BPP chief.

Adedokun also outlined an online community procurement scheme for eligible projects worth up to N30 million. Businesses in the local government area where a project is situated would be able to apply electronically.

Aminu Mohammed Bashir, president of the Nigerian Institute of Quantity Surveyors, said professional bodies would work with the bureau on the reforms. He said procurement required the participation of architects, engineers, quantity surveyors, builders and other professionals.

Source: Daily Trust