The Abu Dhabi Department of Finance (DoF) has taken a pioneering initiative to implement a decentralised system for procurement and tenders at the department as well as Abu Dhabi and Al Ain municipalities.

The 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. 

The new system has been developed and implemented through a total partnership between DoF and the Abu Dhabi & Al Ain municipalities following several workshops, said Sheikh Mohammed Bin Khalifa Al Nahyan, DoF chairman.

Khalifa said it is being initiated under the guidance of UAE president Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed and Abu Dhabi crown prince and supreme commander of UAE armed forces general Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

The implementation of the new procurement law coincided with adopting a modern authorisation system which has also proved to be successful, he noted.

On DoF's achievements, the chairman said that it had achieved significant developments in the last two decades in all fields, including the use of computerised 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 added.

Khalifa said that the last phase of online procurement system had 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.'-TradeArabia News Service