PHILIPSBURG:--- The Integrity Chamber has completed an investigation into bidding procedures within Government. The basis for the investigation was a notification of suspected misconduct reported to the Integrity Chamber, which described the misconduct as a violation of, or non-compliance with, existing bidding procedures within the Council of Ministers.
The Integrity Chamber concluded that the claims made in the notification of suspected misconduct were justified as there was insufficient compliance to the bidding procedure. To obtain a better understanding of the level of compliance, other bidding procedures that occurred within Government in the last five (5) years were included in the investigation.
By analyzing the different bidding procedures, the following was determined:
• Non-compliance with bidding procedures and applicable laws (Comptabiliteitsverordening) occurred regardless of the circumstances.
• Key documents necessary for proper decision-making were not available and/or not registered in the document registration system.
• In circumstances where deviation from the standard procedure was possible, the required justification was not provided.
• The necessary corrections were not applied when steps in the process were omitted.
The advice from the Integrity Chamber included the following:
• Establish and implement a National Decree pertaining to the manner in which bidding procedures should be executed (in accordance with Article 47, paragraph 6 of the Comptabiliteitsverordening), to ensure transparency and accountability within the process.
• Determine the possible integrity risks within the procurement process and adjust the procedures accordingly to minimize these risks.
• Ensure that the bidding procedures are accessible to all relevant stakeholders (internally and externally), to uphold the integrity of the process.
• Implement an internal control system to ensure compliance and reduce omissions in the procedure.
The Integrity Chamber trusts that the above advice will lead to the necessary improvements within bidding procedures, the efficient use of Government finances, and a fair and equal process for citizens.
For more information about the work of the Integrity Chamber, visit the website at www.integritychamber.sx.
