The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has decided to bring the procurement process related to the Transformation Plan for the financial year 2026-27 under a new administrative structure. For this purpose, separate committees have been formed for procurement, bid evaluation, inspection of goods and handling complaints.
Four committees will work under the new arrangement. These include the Procurement Committee, Technical and Financial Evaluation Committee, Physical Inspection Committee and Grievance Redressal Committee. This arrangement will be applicable to the procurement related to the Transformation Plan in FY27.
The Procurement Committee will take key decisions from approving the procurement requirement to awarding the contract to the successful candidate after examining the bids. The committee will also review whether the relevant procurement is really necessary or not.
The second committee will look at the technical and financial aspects. Its scope includes preparing tender documents, reviewing bids and determining the appropriate procurement method. The nature, value, market and potential risks of the procurement will be taken into account during the review.
The FBR has also laid down clear rules for communicating with the bidding companies. If clarification is required from a candidate, it can be obtained in the prescribed manner, however, the price or basic content of the bid cannot be changed through this process. A bid declared unsuitable will also not be allowed to be made acceptable later by changing its original content.
Safeguards regarding conflict of interest have also been included. If a committee member has an interest in a bidder or a related party, he must report it in writing. If necessary, another qualified person may be appointed in place of such a member.
The role of the Physical Inspection Committee will start after the completion of the procurement. This committee will check the goods, equipment and services provided as per the quality and quantity stipulated in the contract. The prescribed procedures related to storage and supply will also be monitored.
A separate Grievance Redressal Committee has been formed for the objections of the bidders. This forum will review the complaints received against the technical and financial evaluations and make recommendations as per the relevant rules. A formal report containing the reasons for the decisions will also be prepared.
According to the FBR, all the committees will have to work under the Public Procurement Rules 2004 and related regulations. This new arrangement will segregate the responsibilities of different stages of the procurement process, which will ensure a clear administrative path for decisions, inspections and complaints.
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