Bidding Process and Tender Performance of Persons With Disabilities in Public Procurement

Abstract

This study set out to establish Bidding process and Tender Performance of Persons with Disabilities in Public Procurement. The objectives were to establish factors influencing the bidding process of AGPO and to establish the relationship between the bidding process and tender performance of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs). The study adopted a cross sectional descriptive survey and sampled 172 out of 302 PWD entities registered in AGPO using stratified random sampling to participate in the survey. The research used questionnaires as the main data collection tool. SPSS was used for data analysis using descriptive statistics. Data is presented in graphs, frequency tables, percentages and pie chart. The study found out that PWDs businesses are mostly limited companies and that majority of PWD businesses are in the wholesale and retail sector. The study concluded that tender documents, tender evaluation, tender awards, supplier payment, reviews and appeals, and professionalism are the most important factors influencing bidding process. The study also concluded that there is a significant relationship between bidding process and tender performance. Only supplier payment, bidding, professionalism and reviews and appeals contribute significantly to tender performance. Based on the conclusions, the study recommends procuring entities (PEs) should use mandatory tender documents, strengthen the tender committees, flag supplier payments that exceed 30 days for immediate attention, and hold workshops and seminars for PWD suppliers. The Treasury and PPRA should consider reducing charges for reviews and appeals and strengthening the Public Procurement Administrative Review Board. The government should encourage PEs to comply with PWD tender reservation. The study also concluded that in spite of challenges the bidding process in public procurement is useful for implementation of government policy such as economic empowerment of PWDs.