Kuala lumpur: The implementation of the Selected Pre-Qualified Open Tender Procurement (Selected Pre-Q Procurement) at the Ministry of Energy Transition and Water Transformation (PETRA), the Ministry of Works (KKR), and the Ministry of Rural and Regional Development (KKDW) has not achieved the objective of expediting the procurement process.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the implementing agency audited was the Sabah Public Works Department (JKR). The report highlights that the Selected Pre-Q Procurement in the three ministries should not be continued due to potential manipulation and lack of transparency in the selection process, where only certain companies were allowed to bid.

The audit found that market competitiveness is hindered as the ministries or departments lack a comprehensive database of reputable and high-performing companies that have previously received contracts. Moreover, the procurement method does not set a maximum period for the second-stage invitation process and the overall procurement period, resulting in delays ranging from 152 to 553 days.

The audit suggests that the Pre-Q Selected Procurement method should be discontinued in favor of the open tender procurement method to ensure greater accountability and transparency. However, for large-scale or high-impact projects requiring specific technical and financial capabilities, the Pre-Q method may still be relevant, provided there is initial screening of companies.

The report recommends that projects under the procurement method should consist of targeted projects requiring immediate implementation and not involve specific expertise for their execution. Furthermore, the report advises establishing clearer and more transparent terms and criteria to expedite the initial screening process, reducing time and cost associated with evaluating ineligible companies.

Additionally, the audit suggests that the ministries or departments involved should utilize a central company database, such as the Centralised Information Management System (CIMS) of the Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB), to ensure a more efficient procurement process. Finally, harmonizing open and selected tender procedures and creating comprehensive guidelines for technical and financial evaluation is recommended.