Islamabad, December 4, 2024 – The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) announced the formation of multiple procurement committees on Wednesday to facilitate the implementation of its Transformation Plan.
These committees are tasked with ensuring compliance with Public Procurement Rules, 2004 (as amended) and handling procurements related to the Transformation Plan for financial years 2024-25 and 2025-26, as well as other assignments designated by the competent authority.
Key Committees and Their Responsibilities
1. Procurement Committee
The Procurement Committee is chaired by the Member (Admin/HR) and includes representatives from various operational sectors. Its primary responsibilities include:
• Approving procurement activities before and after bid evaluations.
• Validating the necessity of procurement.
• Reviewing and approving bid evaluation reports.
• Deciding contract awards for qualified bidders.
A quorum of two-thirds of the committee members is required for decisions.
2. Technical/Financial Evaluation Committee
Supporting the Procurement Committee, this committee, chaired by the Member (IR-Operations), focuses on:
• Designing tender documents.
• Ensuring evaluation criteria align with the nature, complexity, and value of procurements.
• Deciding market approach options, specifications, and procurement methods.
• Evaluating bids and ensuring compliance with procurement regulations.
This committee safeguards against conflicts of interest, with any member found in conflict being replaced promptly.
3. Physical Inspection Committee
This committee, led by the Chief (IR-Operations), oversees the inspection and verification of procured items, ensuring they conform to specifications. Key tasks include:
• Verifying delivered goods or services match required standards.
• Ensuring items are stored and retained as per protocols.
4. Grievance Redressal Committee
According to the FBR, the Grievance Redressal Committee, chaired by the Member (IR-Legal), addresses concerns raised by bidders during the procurement process. Responsibilities include:
• Hearing complaints from aggrieved bidders.
• Analyzing grievances and making recommendations in compliance with procurement rules.
• Preparing formal reports detailing decisions and justifications.
The committee can co-opt experts as necessary to resolve complex grievances effectively.
Objective and Framework
The FBR emphasized that these committees are structured to ensure transparency, fairness, and compliance in procurement processes. By assigning specialized roles to each committee, the FBR aims to streamline operations, minimize risks, and enhance accountability in implementing its Transformation Plan.
These measures reflect FBR’s commitment to upholding public procurement standards while driving modernization efforts.