Procurement
Procurement and Letters of Agreement (LoAs)
Latest content update: 09/05/2016
The principal objective of the Organization’s procurement activities is the timely acquisition of goods, works and services in a competitive and transparent manner, while meeting users’ requirements, as well as the optimum combination of expected whole life benefit versus cost to procure (“Best Value for Money”).
CSAP has added many resources to the FAO Handbook to support the implementation of MS502 and MS507 and facilitate the procurement of goods and services (including vehicles), letters of agreement activities and improved procurement practices across the organization. The Handbook site includes the relevant Manual Sections and guidelines, sample forms and templates, training materials and other important information and useful links, all of which are regularly updated.
Together with Manual Sections 502 and 507 and the supporting guidance, the FAO Handbook provides detailed guidelines on tasks expected from the Budget Holder, the Authorized Official, the Local Procurement Committee, the Tender Opening Panel, the Technical unit, the Requester and the Buyer.
In addition, to support the review, oversight and monitoring of LoAs and procurement, a Decentralized Office Dashboard has been developed to provide exception and monitoring reports generated from GRMS. FAORs are encouraged to access this information on a regular basis to review the status of purchase requisitions, purchase orders, contracts and Letters of Agreements.
It is essential that all the staff involved in the procurement cycle and Letters of Agreement (including project staff as applicable) are fully conversant with MS502 and MS507, their related guidelines, and that FAORs ensure their rigorous application. In addition to reducing the risk of fraud, compliance of these guidelines will positively impact on your allotment as they are intended to ensure the most economical procurement.