Course Overview

Government contracting (also called public procurement) is a predetermined process by governments to guide the process through which governments acquire/outsource services. The process is relevant to government officials or civil servants responsible for the procurement process who include procurement officers, auditors, and other related financial management experts.

The course covers sections that are applicable to the procurement of public goods, works, and services such as sales contracts and disposal of public assets by the relevant government departments/ministries or agents.

This course from Zoe Talent Solutions provides a standardized public procurement method that is informed by best practices globally with the aim of achieving a more transparent process towards better financial management and an equal plain field for potential competitors. Thus, it covers all the relevant stakeholders in the procurement process, which include but not limited to public officials, the private sector, international donors among others.

Course Objectives

On successful completion of Government Contracting Course, participants shall be able to:

• Get equipped with the relevant skills with respect to the procurement methodological approach in the acquisition of goods and or services by respective government entities
• Look into the bidding processes and the necessary documentation for an effective and flawless process
• Impact Practical information and guidance through the sequential stages of the procurement process, from getting to bidding
• Provide best case methodological approach to public procurement

Training Methodology

Zoe Talent Solutions tailors all training packages to suit the learners and their professional orientations. Classroom lecturers coupled with case study demonstrations by seasoned trainers constitute a major part of the training.

In addition to that, trainee participation is encouraged via group discussions, brainstorming, Q&As, group activities, case studies, etc. Moreover, trainees are also encouraged to share their experiences, issues, concerns, and best practices from their respective organisations, which are discussed in detail by the trainer.

Zoe Talent Solutions follows the ‘Do-Review-Learn-Apply’ model.

Organisational Benefits

Organisations whose professionals undertake this Government Contracting Course will benefit in the following ways:

• A workforce that is more skilled and equipped to manage Public Procurement activities and initiatives for the organisation
• Better and more effective Procurement strategies addressing the exact requirements and needs of the organisation

Personal Benefits

Professionals attending this Government Contracting Course will benefit in the following ways:

• Better understanding, awareness, and knowledge of the public procurement process
• Enhanced skill and knowledge to devise an effective procurement strategy and successfully implement it in one’s organisation
• Increased knowledge, capability, and understanding of best approaches to public procurement
• Increased awareness and perspective to settle on the foremost effective public procurement approach or method for one’s organisation, demonstrating talent and potential and increasing opportunities for one’s career development

Who Should Attend?

• Public officials responsible for public procurement, auditors, and other financial management specialists in their everyday business concerning public procurement
• Top management of an organisation who got to understand the importance of excellent and effective procurement methods
• The private sector contractors who want to raise their understanding of the general public procurement systems and processes, facilitate their participation in contracts, and ensure the application of legal and best procurement practices
• Investors who got to understand the process of accessing government projects/contracts
• Members of government and private agencies who support organisations in their procurement plans and methods

Course Outline

The course is divided into two parts (PART I – Instructions and Guidelines on Government Procurement Procedures for the Public Sector, and Part II: Public Tendering for the Private Sector). It will cover areas that are critical to understanding the best case to public procurement of goods, services, and works by government officials and departments.

PART I – INSTRUCTIONS AND GUIDELINES ON GOVERNMENT PROCUREMENT PROCEDURES FOR THE PUBLIC SECTOR

Module 1: The Public Procurement Framework

• Legal considerations
• Institutional arrangements and responsibilities

Module 2: Principles and Objectives

• Fundamental Principles
• Value For Money
• Fairness And Equity
• Transparency
• Integrity And Ethics
• Competitiveness

Module 3: Tender Committees

• Committee formation
• Roles of the committee
• Ad-hoc tender committees
• Organization of the tender committee

Module 4: Planning and Budgeting the Procurement

• Tender Budgeting and Planning
• The Planning Process
• Effective Planning
• Planning Levels
• Options of Procuring
• Procurement Monitoring and Evaluation

Module 5: Procurement Methods and Strategies

• Competitive procurement
• Pre-qualification of Bidders
• Contract definition
• Methods of tendering
• Bid opening
• Bids evaluation
• Contract award
• Standard bidding documents and clauses
• Significant contract provisions

Module 6: Procuring Consulting Agencies

• Methods And Strategies
• Procedural Approaches
• Methods of Procurement
• Terms of Reference and Budgeting
• Expression of Interest (EOI)
• Preparation of Request For Proposal (RFP)
• Evaluation Process
• Types of Contracts and Negotiation

Module 7: Contract Administration and Monitoring

• Effective contract management
• Monitoring contract performance
• Managing payments
• Other relevant elements

Module 8: Complaints and Protest Management

• Complaint’s mechanisms
• Review of the procurement process

PART II: PUBLIC TENDERING FOR THE PRIVATE SECTOR

Module 9: Undertaking Business with The Public Sector

• Introduction
• Public procurement principles
• Expectations from suppliers
• Goods, services, and assets
• Qualities of a good supplier/purchaser

Module 10: The Tendering Process/Approach

• Competitive tendering
• Procurement types
• Criteria for Selection and awards

Module 11: Approaching the Public Sector Market

• Market research
• Getting on qualified suppliers
• Pre-tendering considerations

Module 12: Tender Preparation and Submissions

• Tender preparation (Bids)
• Submitting the tender/bid

Module 13: Contract Awards and Beyond

• Opening bids
• Awards and debriefs
• Conflict management and dispute resolution
• Public customer relations