Jamaica is jumping on the digital procurement bandwagon seen spreading among governments the world over. According to reports, the government is looking to set aside $51 million in funding for its e-procurement plans as outlined in the 2015/2016 budget.
The Estimates of Expenditure are now headed for debate in Parliament before they can be approved.
Reports say of the $51 million would be allocated to Jamaica’s Electronic Government Procurement system, $31 million will be used for finalizing the implementation digital procurement system on its hosting server. Reports say the system is slated to go live July 1 of this year, with the National Contracts Commission endorsing winners of the tender process.
Another $1.47 million will be used to train users at pilot sites across government entities; other expenditures include the evaluation of the final project as well as a project audit.
The funding comes from the government as well as the Inter-American Development Bank, reports say.
The Ministry of Finance and Planning crafted the project, first launched in 2011, to increase efficiency and reduce spending in the government and has since progressed with automating tender activities among suppliers and the government.
Jamaica among a slew of nations whose governments are setting aside funding for digital procurement and e-invoicing projects, fueled by the success of government projects already in place. Most recently, the World Bank released a report examining the experience of the nation of Georgia in its e-procurement endeavor, deemed such a success that the World Bank would implement its own digital procurement plan based on that of Georgia’s.
The World Bank is among a growing number of supporters of federal e-procurement systems, found by organizations and studies to not only save taxpayer money, but also promote such efficiencies within the private sector.
We’re always on the lookout for opportunities to partner with innovators and disruptors.
Learn More