Public procurement practices and policies: Implications for public research and development in the Philippines
Abstract
. This study examines procurement practices and policies that hinder or facilitate public research and development. An online survey and interviews with key informants in 44 research development institutions (RDIs) in the Philippines were conducted. Participants include Project Leaders, members of the Bids and Awards Committee (BAC), the BAC secretariat, chief accountants, technical working groups, and suppliers. The results show that some procurement policies, workflows, and capacities of the procuring entities contribute to procurement delays. A lack of qualified or suitable suppliers and a limited market of highly specialized and scientific equipment are also factors affecting procurement efficiency. It is recommended that the Government Procurement Policy Board and various national government agencies engage in a dialog regarding potential changes to Section 53.6 of the 2016 Implementing Rules and Regulations that govern public procurement so that RDIs can review their procurement policies, management structures, and practices to better meet the needs of the R&D process.
