Challenges in implementing the Electronic Government Procurement (e-GP) in Public Works Department (PWD)

Abstract

The master thesis work involved the challenges in implementation of Electronic Government Procurement (e-GP) system in the Public Works Department (PWD). The e-GP system provides an on-line platform to carry out the procurement activities by the Public Agencies - Procuring Agencies (PAs) and Procuring Entities (PEs). It’s a new and technology based online procurement process. The system facilitates easy and convenient way of tendering goods, works and services for the Govt. As procurement is always a sophisticated and complex mechanism, Electronic Govt. procurement can minimize the complexity of its users in different ways as it can be accessed from anywhere and anytime. The major challenge in implementing e-procurement is, at its core, an exercise in change management. As with any major organizational changes, upper management buy-in is the key. The values of e-procurement must be clearly communicated to all stakeholders; from the top on down, or else there will be the risk of trying to make changes without the proper authority, which, in turn, will lead to high levels of non-compliance. The government of Bangladesh has under the wider “Digital Bangladesh” project has displayed enormous commitment to the E-Procurement initiatives, while PPA and the entities who are involved in the pilot phase of the e-GP implementation are ensuring that the pilot phase succeeds to inform a nationwide rollout. The engagement of a consultant to assist the CPTU (Central Procurement Technical Unit) with the implementation and the recent study tour to India and England has confirmed the commitment to learn and adopt best practices as far as the e-GP is concerned. Benefits of an e-GP system cannot be over- emphasized. Complimenting government’s efforts to ensure good governance, the CPTU is fully committed to see to the implementation of this project and continues to collaborate with all stakeholders to ensure its success.