422 seek Bid Evaluation Committee roles

The Central Procurement Board of Namibia (CPBN) has received 422 applications from members of the public seeking to join its database of prospective Bid Evaluation Committee (BEC) members, following a recent call for expressions of interest.

The board said the response reflected growing public interest in supporting transparent, fair and accountable public procurement, while highlighting confidence in the country's procurement system.

Women accounted for 235 applications, or 56% of the total, while 187 applications, or 44%, came from men.

The recruitment drive follows reforms introduced by the CPBN earlier this year to strengthen the process for appointing Bid Evaluation Committee members. The board said the measures are aimed at improving service delivery and reinforcing transparency, accountability and integrity throughout the procurement process.

Under the Public Procurement Act, 2015, the CPBN is responsible for appointing members to Bid Evaluation Committees, including representatives nominated by public entities. The Act also provides for the establishment of ad hoc committees made up of suitably qualified and independent professionals.

Bid Evaluation Committees assess bids managed by the CPBN in line with the Public Procurement Act and applicable procurement procedures before submitting recommendations to the board for adjudication.

The CPBN said applications are now being verified and assessed. Shortlisted candidates will be required to complete a mandatory five-day training programme, followed by a competency assessment.

Only applicants who successfully complete both stages will be added to the CPBN Bid Evaluation Committee database and become eligible for appointment to future evaluation committees.

Successful candidates are expected to be notified by the end of August. The training programme will be delivered in partnership with the Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST) as part of the qualification process.