To further strengthen the procurement processes by achieving efficiency, transparency and cost-effectiveness, Electronic Government Procurement (e-GP) phase 2 was launched in Thimphu, today. Finance Minister Namgay Tshering launched the system. e-GP System provides single-point access to the information on procurements made across various Procuring Agencies.
With the launch of the e-GP phase 2, various procuring agencies can not only save cost and time but also enhance transparency while publishing tenders, corrigendum and notification of contract award. It is also expected to increase competition and standardise procurement practices in the country.
Finance Minister Namgay Tshering, during the launch of the system, says the second phase will further boost and strengthen the procurement system. “Because of the success of phase 1 of the e-GP system, we are very proud that we could take forward and launch phase 2. Taking into consideration of all the stumbling blocks, technical hiccups and the transition gaps from paper-based procurement services to the electronic platform, I am pretty sure that going forward, the phase 2 will also further boost, facilitate and strengthen the government procurement system,” Lyonpo said.
Lyonpo also added that with the launch of the e-GP system phase 2, issues related to public procurements are also expected to be curbed accordingly.
Unlike the previous e-GP system which was launched three years ago, the e-GP Phase 2 has been enhanced and integrated with six relevant agencies for better delivery of efficiency, effectiveness and to reduce administrative costs. The new system will also have an online evaluation and grievance or complaint features to ease the verification of credentials during evaluation and avoid any corresponding.
Since the launch of the e-GP in 2017, more than Nu 7.2bn worth of contracts were awarded through the e-GP system across 127 government agencies. As of June this year, over 3,400 bidders have registered with the portal and over 4,600 tenders were invited with the help of the system.
The phase 1 of the e-GP system was developed by Department of National Properties in collaboration with New Edge Technologies Private Limited with support from Dohatec New Media, Bangladesh. Currently, 10 ministries, 20 Dzongkhags, 4 Thromdes, 2 Drungkhags, 9 regional offices and 34 autonomous agencies are using e-GP System.
Passang Dorji
