Government ePSR digital procurement system active: only 30% of VAT registered businesses signed up to bid on government contracts digitally

Mon, Sep 28th 2020, 04:27 PM

As we all continue to experience the first global pandemic in the digital age, the Ministry of Finance’s eProcurement and Supplier Registry System (ePSR) enables businesses interested in securing government contracts to participate in a 360-degree digital procurement process.

However, since the system launched in 2019, only 1,629 of the 5,330 VAT registered businesses have signed up as ePSR suppliers - enabling them to bid on and secure government contracts through the online portal.

The ePSR system brings greater efficiencies and transparency to the government procurement process with all contracts across all agencies requisitioned and sourced online. To date, more than 300 government opportunities have been posted on the portal. However, businesses must register to access the stream of government contract opportunities available through the portal.

“The ePSR system is web-based and user-friendly, allowing for a more efficient and contactless procurement process for users which is especially important given the current social climate,” stated Daniel Ferguson, Procurement Officer in the Ministry of Finance. “I would encourage every business to register as a supplier on the ePSR portal to access a new potential revenue stream by exploring and actively bidding on those opportunities that align with the goods and services they offer.”

Through the ePSR system, registered businesses can:

· View public posting of all Government opportunities

· Receive email notifications of new contract opportunities

· Bid on available tenders

· Participate in a wholly digital vetting process

· Receive acceptance of electronic bids/quotes and proposals digitally

Anyone can search for opportunities on the ePSR website without being registered. However, suppliers wishing to receive email notifications of bidding opportunities and participate in tender activities must be registered. Registration is free at https://suppliers.gov.bs/.

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