INTERNATIONAL PUBLIC PROCUREMENTS: METHODS OF ACCESS
In addition to international public procurements, Multilateral Institutions and Agencies enter into other types of contracts.
- Limited (restricted) international procurements: These procurements are called by direct invitation and are not publicly announced. The invitation to procurement is restricted to a shortlist of qualified suppliers, selected based on pre-qualifications, interest shown, databases and other sources. This procedure is used when there is major demand or when it involves products or services whose availability is limited. In certain cases, in order to be able to participate in a contract for services, it is necessary to first be registered on the registry of contractors of the agency or body promoting it (DACON, Data on CONsultant Registry).
- National public procurement (NPT): this procurement method is perhaps the most efficient and most economic for acquisition procedures which, for a variety of reasons, are unlikely to attract international competition.
- Price comparison: a type of private procurement, either national or international, which is suitable for the acquisition of products or services with standard specifications and of low value that are already available on the market, as well as for small, straightforward projects.
- Direct hiring: There is no competition in this type of contract. The method involves entering into a contract directly with a supply company. The use of this method is justified in a variety of circumstances, ranging from the existence of a previous contract that may be extended to include provisions of similar nature, to make it compatible with existing supplies or because the supplies required are subject to a patent and can only be obtained from a sole provider. Another important reason for using this contract method may be emergency situations resulting from natural catastrophes.
- Direct administration: although this is not strictly a means of hiring, it should be mentioned, as it has been used emergencies that require immediate attention or in other situations when a public procurement is not advisable. This procedure involves the borrower itself carrying out work or providing certain services using its own personnel and equipment. This method is used when there has not been any opportunity to determine the work to be done in advance, when it is a question of small, dispersed projects or work in remote locations for which it is unlikely that the qualified construction companies will make reasonably priced bids, when the works must be carried out without interfering with the operations in progress, and the contractor is in the best position to take on the risk of an inevitable interruption of the works, or when it is an emergency situation requiring immediate attention.
- Performance-based hiring: Also known as results-based hiring, this refers to the competitive hiring processes (LPI and LPN) that give rise to a contractual relationship in which payment is based on measurable results. The technical specifications define the results expected, the elements to be measured and the parameters to be used to measure them. The expected results must satisfy a functional need in terms of quality, quantity and safety. Payments are made in accordance with the quantity of the results obtained, subject to delivery at the required quality level. Performance-based hiring may be used for supplies of services to be paid for according to results, the design, supply, construction or rehabilitation and authorisation of facilities to be used by the contractor, or the design, supply, construction or rehabilitation of a facility and the supply of services for their operation and maintenance for a specific number of years, agreed after commissioning.
