During the 2024 IIBEC International Convention and Trade Show, the Advocacy Committee approved a new Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) document that will be posted later this spring.
One of the FAQ answers provides members with guidance on steps to take when they see a questionable public tender (i.e., an RFP or RFQ). The FAQ, which will be placed in “Advocacy” area of iibec.org, encourages members to send questionable tenders to procurement@iibec.org, along with a brief explanation as to why they believe the tender is questionable.
Upon receipt, IIBEC will review the document and sender’s rationale to determine the next course of action. By having IIBEC review questionable tenders, consultants can rest assured knowing their name and reputation will be kept confidential. While IIBEC has found that lack of training or the belief that nobody is watching covers most of the transgressions, public procurement departments unfortunately still circumvent laws meant to protect the owner’s interest for other not-so-easily-corrected reasons. (Private-sector procurements are slightly different in that if a company chooses to spend its money unwisely, it is not IIBEC’s responsibility to stop them. Nevertheless, if a member sends one in for review, we review it and provide our recommendations.) IIBEC will call out each of these cases while encouraging the implementation of best procurement practices.
