The introduction of an e-Procurement system has been identified as a mechanism for many countries to improve their procurement processes and thereby reduce the cost of procurement and deliver better value for money. E-procurement is the use of secure web-based platforms by the government as a buyer to communicate with bidders in a paperless environment, free from the inconveniences, delays, and physical insecurities of any kind.
However the phrase "e-Procurement" can cover a number of elements including:
- The ability to download bidding documents from a website
- Submission of bids through an electronic tender box
- The development of Management Information Systems to assist with procurement reporting as well as oversight and monitoring
- The publication of contract awards on the website of a procurement regulatory or oversight body
Crown Agents does not offer or sell an e-Procurement software solution, our capability is to support client governments and ministries through the design and procurement of e-Procurement software solutions and also Management Information Systems which will be used in relation to public procurement.
Currently we are supporting the government of Yemen with the procurement of a reporting system to assist with procurement monitoring and this system will be installed in eight key Ministries. In addition we have redesigned the procurement portal in the African Development Bank website to allow bidders and Bank employees' easier access to procurement information.