The Ministry of Defense is placing a sizeable order for new BDF gear, but this time, the procurement process is attracting almost as much attention as the supplies. The ministry has issued an open invitation for qualified suppliers to bid on eight thousand camouflage uniforms, along with one thousand pairs of jungle boots, one thousand Bergen backpacks and one thousand sets of webbing. The tender comes as the Auditor General examines the ministry’s financial records amid concerns about questionable payments and possible conflicts of interest. So, does this open bid signal a shift toward greater transparency, and what safeguards will prevent politically connected suppliers from gaining an advantage? We put those questions to Chief Executive Officer Francis Usher.
Francis Usher
Francis Usher, CEO, Ministry of Defense
“Every time things are put out to bid or tenders go out, the government procurement process is very clear and the details surrounding what is going on at the time, the different types of items needed, specialized or not, that determines what type of procurement is used, whether it be open tender, selective, limited. So, it depends on the details and the circumstances surrounding it.”
Paul Lopez
“So this is an open tender?”
Francis Usher
“Yes, this is an open tender. This is one of the few times where we were able to plan accordingly. We have the funding allocated and we realize the need. So, we are putting it out. We have a good idea of what we are looking for in terms of the quality of the kit and equipment so the subject matter experts will have to evaluate the submissions of each company or individuals that submit bids, then we go from there.”
Paul Lopez
“How do we ensure that this does not go into the hands of favored suppliers or politically aligned and connected suppliers?”
Francis Usher
“Well there are safety mechanisms in place to ensure that the bids are properly assessed, evaluated when submitted to the Ministry of Finance and then the Contractor General. All of these are steps in the process that ensures the process is open, fair and we get quality for the Belize Defense Force.”
Paul Lopez
“Processes that one could argue failed in the past, in terms of keeping these bids out of the hands of politically favored and aligned people.”
Francis Usher
“Well, I think you are jumping ahead to the findings of the audit. As you say, one could argue that, but I think we could wait for the findings of the audit before jumping to any conclusions.”
The invitation to bid expires on September eighteenth.
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