Introduction to Public Procurement (2014)
Public procurement is the acquisition of goods, services, and works by a public “authority” or “body”. Transactions of this nature are public undertakings and, therefore, they are governed by Civil, Community, or International Law. Constituting one of the main expenditures of government in developing countries, the importance of public procurement cannot be denied. Needless to say, any improvements in the public procurement system can have a direct and beneficial effect on the overall economic situation of a country. Given the significance of resources controlled through public procurement systems and the need for improvement, this introductory course will help the participant explore in a short period of time key facets that govern the public procurement process. In addition, this course will focus on contracts entered into by the public authorities/governments (whether central, federal, state, regional or zonal), for the purposes of procurement of goods and works. Finally, this course will also look into various dispute resolution mechanisms applicable in a public procurement context.
At the end of the course, the participants should be able to:
- Describe which procurements are governed by certain existing civil or international laws;
- Recognize the various methods and procedures of domestic and international tendering system, including procurement procedures for World Bank-aided projects;
- Interpret a public procurement contract and be able to assist in its execution;
- Summarize the steps involved in the completion of procurement; and
- Select the applicable method for resolution of disputes in public procurement contracts.
The course consists of the following modules:
- Module 1: Introduction to Public Procurement and Legal Framework
- Module 2: Methods of Public Procurement
- Module 3: Contract Execution in Public Procurement
- Module 4: Post-execution Phase of Public Procurement contracts
- Module 5: Overview of General Terms and Conditions of Public Procurement contracts
In order to ensure the best possible outreach, the course will be delivered through e-learning. Through a multiple-instructional setting, the goal is to achieve the learning objectives by means of learning technologies that match personal learning styles and by the inclusion of non-linear learning that aims at the development of just-in-time skills of adult learners. At the same time, in order to allow participants maximum flexibility of scheduling, the learning will be conducted in an asynchronous manner. Using a state-of-the-art training architecture, UNITAR will combine self-learning with assessments and online discussions. The pedagogy - adapted specifically to professionals in full-time work - will help train participants through various experiences: absorb (read); do (activity); interact (socialize); reflect (relate to one’s own reality).
The course aims to train government officials (whether Federal, Central, State or Regional) and other stakeholders engaged in the procurement of goods, works and services from national and international sources. Members of the Attorney General’s office, officials of the Ministry of Justice and lawyers responsible for drafting, negotiation, or approval of domestic or international agreements for public procurement will also benefit from this course; Members of the Judiciary and representatives from the Law, Economics and Commerce Faculties of the Universities who may be interested in law and procedure of public procurement will also find this course useful.
Additionally, representatives of national and international trade and industry who enter into public procurement agreements for goods and works will find the course immensely informative and beneficial in protecting their rights and interests.
A certificate of completion will be issued by UNITAR to all participants who complete the course-related assignments and assessments successfully. Course schedule is subject to change. Course fee is non-refundable but transferrable to another course or participant and subject to change as per UNITAR's policy on pricing.