GS/USDA – INPRI Course 1

3 Days / Tuition $945

Procurement affects and shapes every aspect of daily life because it involves the spending of considerable public and private sector resources as governments and organizations carry out their mandates. It is therefore essential for managers, business developers, policy makers, journalists, economists, lawyers, commercial officers and other middle to senior officials to gain a thorough understanding of international procurement issues and practices shaping the world today.

Objectives:

Participants in this course will be able to obtain an overview of international best practices and current issues in public sector procurement.

Upon completion, participants will: Increase their understanding of the importance and complexities affecting public sector procurement; the implications of the application of good and bad procurement practices; the Project Cycle and Contract Award Mechanisms of the Multilateral Development Banks (MDBs); the opportunities available to vendors and suppliers, particularly Small and Medium Enterprises in relation to Free-Trade Agreements; and the implications of the introduction of Electronic Government Procurement (e-GP).

Pre-requisites: None

Participants will be awarded a Joint Certificate of Attendance from GS/USDA and INPRI.

Day 1

1. The Basic Principles of Public Sector Procurement (1.5 hours)
1. Economy: value for money, mechanisms for participation and betterment of the procurement function
2. Efficiency: the role of the market, support systems
3. Transparency: dissemination, accountability
4. Due Process: Legal frameworks, remedies, complaints
2. Procurement Policies of the MDBs (3 hours)
1. World Bank
2. Regional Development Banks
3. Harmonization efforts
3. Reform of the State and Procurement Reform  (1.5 hours)
1. Reforms to the Legal Framework
2. Institutional Reforms and Capacity Building Issues

Day 2

1. Procurement of Goods, Works and Services (3 hours)
1. Methods
2. Techniques
3. Trends
2. New Trends in Public Sector Procurement (1.5 hours)
1. Framework Contracts
2. Reverse Auctions
3. Public-Private Partnerships
3. Selection and Contract Award Criteria (1.5 hours)
1. Goods
2. Works
3. Services
4. Consulting Services

Day 3

1. Use of and Implications of the Government Procurement Chapters of  Free Trade Agreements (1 hour)
1. NAFTA
2. CAFTA
3. Chile – US
2. Electronic Government Procurement (e-GP) (1.5 hours)
1. Best Practices
2. Case study on a National System
3. The Fight Against Corruption (1.5 hours)
1. Conventions
2. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act  
4. Dispute Resolution Mechanisms (1.5 hours)
1. Arbitration
2. Mediation
5. Wrap-Up and Course Evaluation (0.5 hours)