E-Tendering framework for public procurement in Sri Lanka

Abstract

The growth of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) opens new opportunities for businesses all over the world which accelerates the competition among the businesses and professions. Even though good communication is an essential tool for procurement and consultation process, the usage of IT in public procurement in Sri Lankan construction industry is . not as much of other sectors, while other developed and developing countries are practicing and gaining advantages. However, adopting e-Tendering in pre contract stage, yields several benefits which can be experienced directly and indirectly. In an economic point of view, e-Tendering enhances the efficiency through transaction cost savings and reduce the direct procurement costs, maintaining transparency, accountability, ease of use and speedy exchange of information including other intangible benefits such as reduced administrative costs. Eventually, e-Tendering will lead to pave the way to reduce the time, cost and resources of a project from which the triple bottom line of the Sustainability can be accomplished to a great extent. This research paper discusses the benefits and challenges in adopting e-Tendering and the legal, technological and material requirements to be appraised in forming a proper framework for e-Tendering. A qualitative research approach is proposed considering the aim and the context of the study.