The Public Procurement Commission (PPC) is reiterating its commitment to simplifying the procurement process while reducing lengthy wait time.

PCC executive director Nadia Morris, speaking at a public procurement seminar at the UWI Regional
Headquarters in St Andrew, on Thursday (January 23), shared that speed and accuracy in processing procurement submissions is among the top priorities on her agenda.

Scores of procurement officers and specialists were introduced to the Procurement Endorsement Database Management System (PEDMS), which has significantly expedited the review process, allowing applications that once took up to eight weeks to be processed in just two weeks.

This system enables procuring entities to track their submissions in real time, enhancing transparency and efficiency.

“Our role at the PPC is to ensure accountability and maintain appropriate checks and balances for public-sector procurement,” Morris said.

She emphasised the PPC’s critical role in safeguarding the procurement of goods, services, and works, thereby ensuring good governance and the responsible use of public resources.

The PPC oversees Tier 2 contracts (valued between $30 million and $60 million) and Tier 3 contracts (valued above $60 million), providing endorsements or recommendations to Cabinet for Tier 3 contracts requiring final approval.

Presenters at the seminar pointed out that although improvements have been made, challenges remain regarding compliance with procurement protocols among certain ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs).

Morris noted that incomplete or inaccurate submissions can lead to delays. It was noted that while most submissions are approved, some are rejected due to questionable procurement methods or criteria that limit competition unfairly.

The executive director stressed the importance of MDAs adhering to established Procurement Rules and Regulations to facilitate efficient processes.

Among the guidelines is ensuring that suppliers are properly registered.

Captain Richard Campbell, senior director in the PCC’s Supplier Registration Branch, said, “It can be a person, it can be a limited liability company, a trading house, a charity, a partnership.”

“It can be overseas… as long as you meet the minimum requirement and you’re interested in doing business with the Government of Jamaica, you can come and register with the PPC; we bar no one,” he said.

Since its establishment in April 2019 under the Public Procurement Act (2015), the PPC has been dedicated to enhancing public procurement in Jamaica.

This includes maintaining a Registry of Approved Suppliers and promoting compliance with procurement legislation.