Over 50% of submitted bids disqualified by procurement board

The Central Procurement Board of Namibia (CPBN) says due to non-compliance, more than 50% of bids submitted are disqualified.

The reasons range from incomplete forms, incorrectly filled in forms or late submissions.

Between April 2017 and March 2024, CPBN has awarded tenders worth N$11.8 billion to local businesses.

During yesterday’s public and bidders campaign launch, board chairperson Mary Shiimi said bidders need to be more deliberate when filling in bidding documents to avoid being disqualified.

“We should be concerned with the investments we make and the value we get when more than 50% of participating bidders in a bidding process are disqualified for reasons that could easily have been prevented,” said Shiimi.

This has led to many bids not making it to the financial stage of the bid evaluation process.

“There has been a significant level of unhappiness from bidders and our clients emanating from increasing unfavourable outcomes from the procurement process,” said Shiimi.

Shiimi added that due to some bids going to court, service delivery in key sectors has been delayed.

“Public procurement is a cornerstone of good governance and economic development and I am concerned when bids are stuck in courts and services do not reach the public that so needs it,” said Shiimi.

She added that the only way the procurement process will work effectively is if there is public trust in the system.

A total of 28 legal cases have been filed against the procurement board since its inception: the courts ruled in the board’s favour 18 times and ruled against the board four times, while two cases were settled out of court.

CPBN spokesperson Johanna Kambala says the campaign is designed to equip all those interested in the bidding process with knowledge to do so properly.

“The public and bidders education campaign will empower all participants with the knowledge and tools they need to engage effectively in procurement activities,” adds Kambala.

The CPBN has also released an educational guideline to the public.