Being an Act to make provision for the continuance in existence of the National Public Procurement Authority, to further regulate and harmonise public procurement processes in the public service, to decentralize public procurement to procuring entities, to promote economic development, including capacity building in the field of public procurement by ensuring value for money in public expenditures and the participation in public procurement by qualified suppliers, contractors, consultants and other qualified providers of goods, works and services and to provide for other related matters. Repeals the Public Procurement Act, 2004 (Act No. 14 of 2004).
Here are the key points summarized from “The Public Procurement Act, 2016”: Title and Purpose: The act aims to regulate and harmonize public procurement processes in Sierra Leone to promote economic development, ensure transparency, and achieve value for money in public expenditures. Application: The act applies to the procurement of goods, works, and services by various bodies and organizations, including government ministries, local councils, state-owned enterprises, and private entities using public funds. It emphasizes compliance with government policies promoting the appointment and participation of women. Interpretation: Definitions are provided for terms such as “Authority,” “bid,” “bid security,” “Board,” “consultant,” “contract,” “goods,” “procurement,” “procuring entity,” and others to clarify their meanings within the context of the act. Establishment and Functions of National Public Procurement Authority: The National Public Procurement Authority, existing before the act, is continued as a body corporate with perpetual succession. It is responsible for acquiring, holding, and disposing of property and performing all acts as bodies corporate may legally perform. The Authority is governed by a Board consisting of a Chairman, representatives from the Attorney-General’s office, the Chief Executive, and appointed members with expertise in public procurement and the private sector. The Chairman must be competent and knowledgeable in public procurement and the public service. These points encapsulate the essential provisions of the act, outlining its scope, interpretation, and the establishment of the National Public Procurement Authority to oversee public procurement processes in Sierra Leone.
