Statement by HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Khalifa, Chairman of Abu Dhabi Department of Finance on the new Procurement Law
His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Khalifa Al Nahyan, Chairman of Abu Dhabi-Department of Finance (DoF) and Member of Executive Council, has announced that as per the guidance of His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed, President; and HH General Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Supreme Commander of UAE Armed Forces and Chairman of Abu Dhabi Executive Council; to adopt modernization and decentralized systems, the Abu Dhabi Department of Finance (DoF) has taken a pioneering initiative to implement a decentralized system for procurement and tenders at the Department, and Abu Dhabi and Al Ain Municipalities.
This system, which DoF initiated in 2006, uses the latest management methodologies and e-Procurement applications to bring about a quantum leap in modern management practices complemented by smoother and easier procurement processes without bureaucratic involvement.
Sheikh Mohammed Bin Khalifa said that the new system has been developed and implemented through a total partnership between DoF and the Abu Dhabi & Al Ain Municipalities following several workshops.
Commenting on completing over one year of successful implementation of the procurement and tender system, Sheikh Mohammed Bin Khalifa explained that the system has achieved the goals it set, which include easier and faster procurement and tender processes coupled with sound financial management practices.
This was followed by a new procurement, tender, bidding, and warehousing law, which is being implemented at all government entities in Abu Dhabi. The law is suited for all government bodies that have independent financial systems. Sheikh Mohammed Bin Khalifa reiterated that DoF welcomes the support of any entity willing to implement the new law through knowledge and experience sharing.
Sheikh Mohammed Bin Khalifa said that the implementation of the new procurement law coincided with adopting a modern authorization system which has also proved to be successful.
On DoF's achievements, the Chairman said that it achieved significant developments in the last two decades in all fields, including the use of computerized financial and budgeting applications, which required upgrading the IT systems. "DoF has successfully implemented a total computerized system - the largest ever financial application that connects DoF with more than 40 local entities through one network covering the Western and Eastern Regions and all Customs Centers within Abu Dhabi. This network has facilitated the implementation of various online processes, including procurement."
He highlighted that work is in progress to implement new advanced applications such as Data Bank and Performance Measurement Standards System, and Decision-Making Support Systems.
Sheikh Mohammed Bin Khalifa said that the last phase of online procurement system has begun, following the success of the new procurement and tender system. "This phase will include enabling suppliers and contractors in the private sector to deal on-line with Abu Dhabi government bodies for tender release, registering, and procurement order receipt. All processes will be online and integrated with internal electronic procurement measures. On-line procurement users are also expected to be exempted from registration fees for tenders."
The Chairman expressed his trust in the new procurement system that it will bring more competition, transparency, and proficiency of work relationships between government and private sector entities, while providing better and easier procurement processes.
