Department of Budget and Management (DBM) Secretary Amenah F. Pangandaman has lauded the leadership and members of Congress for the ratification of the New Government Procurement Act (NGPA).

Pangandaman said this legislation is a significant milestone under the Marcos administration’s ongoing efforts to reform government procurement practices in the country.

“As the NGPA inches closer to becoming a law, we are set to implement a transformative reform that will promote greater efficiency in the implementation of projects and purchase of goods and supplies," Pangandaman said.

The NGPA, a priority measure of President Marcos, seeks to amend the decades-old Republic Act No. 9184 and introduce progressive measures to modernize public procurement processes.

The proposed legislation aims to promote transparency, competitiveness, efficiency, proportionality, accountability, public monitoring, procurement professionalization, and sustainability in government procurement.

The NGPA will introduce new procurement modes, including competitive bidding, limited source bidding, competitive dialogue, unsolicited offer with bid matching, direct contracting, direct acquisition, repeat order, small value procurement, negotiated procurement, direct sales, and direct procurement for science, technology, and innovation.

These modes aim to provide flexibility, efficiency, and transparency in government procurement practices.

Moreover, the NGPA will adopt the principle of sustainable procurement to achieve value for money while reducing adverse environmental impact.

The Green Public Procurement approach will require procuring entities to procure goods, infrastructure projects, and consulting services with reduced environmental impact throughout their lifecycle.

Additionally, the NGPA will promote an Inclusive Procurement Program, providing equal opportunities to vulnerable and marginalized sectors, microenterprises, social enterprises, and startups.

Procuring entities will also be encouraged to involve these sectors in procurement activities, emphasizing inclusivity in programs related to gender equity, ethnic equity, poverty reduction, and fundamental labor standards.

To enhance the professionalization of government procurement practitioners, the NGPA will provide sustained training, capacity-building, and support to stakeholders in the government procurement process.

Furthermore, the NGPA creates a Joint Congressional Oversight Committee to oversee the implementation of the Act, ensuring transparency and accountability in government procurement processes.