A more efficient procurement process

10 August 2012 

Editor, Forum Page

Straits Times

Recently, the National Parks Board awarded a tender for several foldable bicycles

costing $2,200 each. The tender was awarded to the sole bidder at a price

considered to be outrageously high.

The public asked why there was only one bid, when there should be many potential

suppliers that could meet the specification?

The short time allowed for submission for the bid and the intervening holidays

were suspected to be the key factors. 

Having participated in several bids in the GE Biz portal, I wish to 

point out that the portal is extremely difficult to use. 

I had a lot of trouble to register to be a supplier and continue to face difficulty 

in getting information on the tenders that are being invited, and worse, 

to submit a bid. 

It is quite expensive to pay an experienced staff to search the portal 

regularly for tenders and to prepare and submit the quotations. 

I can understand why small businesses are reluctant to participate in the GEBiz

portal and for those who managed to clear this hurdel, decide to give up after a while. 

It is just not worthwhile to spend a lot of work and money, and not get the business 

to cover the cost.

If the government agencies want to have a more transparent and efficient 

procurement process, they should take a look at the GEBiz portal and get 

feedback from users on how the portal can be made more user friendly to 

suppliers.

Tan Kin Lian
Director
Tan Kin Lian & Associates Pte Ltd