📺Procurement oversight guide for media

Exercising oversight

One of the cornerstones of democracy is that government leaders should be held accountable for how they use their power, including how they manage public funds. Through organisations and elected representatives, the public has a duty and a right to monitor government performance and draw attention to broken promises and mismanaged public resources.

When public procurement happens behind closed doors it is much easier for unscrupulous government officials to collude with private companies, accepting bribes and kickbacks in exchange for contracts. It is not difficult for opportunistic private companies to exploit understaffed and overworked government departments.

Which parts of the procurement process are under scrutiny?

• Procurement planning (to a limited extent)

• The bidding phase

• Contract implementation

A lack of transparency around public procurement can also make it difficult for the public and businesses to compete fairly for government contracts. The same suppliers may be contracted over and over, even when there are others who could deliver the same goods or services at a better price, or more effectively.

The role of media

The role of the media in public procurement In public procurement oversight the role of ‘watchdog’ is often associated with the media. Many procurement scandals have been uncovered by the media and a free and independent press is a powerful tool to promote transparency and accountability in public procurement.

Role as society's ‘Watchdog’

In public procurement the role of the media is three-fold.

• Firstly, it is a channel for communication regarding public procurement and the transfer of formal procurement information such as tender notices, award notices, etc.

• Secondly, the role of the media in public procurement is the previously mentioned function as ‘watchdog’. Investigative journalism can uncover procurement irregularities, and thus strengthen the claim for transparent and accountable government.

• Thirdly, the media can serve as a vehicle for education regarding public procurement, informing the general public on procurement systems, rules and regulations and principles.