The Department of Government Support announced today the launch of the Abu Dhabi Standards for Government Procurement as part of an integrated regulatory framework for procurement, to be used by all government entities.

The move aims to unify standards and practices that apply to procurement procedures, as well as enhance government procurement strategic planning and the sources defining strategies, and enable and support flexible and efficient procurement.

The new standards will also support local content and encourage collaboration with micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises within the government procurement system.

The regulatory framework for government procurement includes a comprehensive list of standards and guidelines, and a procurement guide to help adopt best practices. It will also support the adoption of a flexible and efficient system for procurement delegation of authority, a government procurement charter outlining a unified system for governance and performance management.

This proactive initiative will positively impact the procurement systems and procedures within Abu Dhabi government, while helping to make proper use of the available resources and raising the value of government procurement, in addition to enhancing the principles of governance

Fahad Al Kayyoomi, Undersecretary of the Department of Government Support

“Launching the Abu Dhabi Standards for Government Procurement is aligned with the vision and direction of our leadership to strengthen processes and apply best global practices in order to enhance services provided by  government entities. Launching the Abu Dhabi Standards for Government Procurement is a major step towards making this vision a reality,” said HE Fahad Al Kayyoomi, Undersecretary of the Department of Government Support.

“We are certain that this proactive initiative will positively impact the procurement systems and procedures within Abu Dhabi government, while helping to make proper use of the available resources and raising the value of government procurement, in addition to enhancing the principles of governance. Procurement standards define the core principles and ethics by which procurement parties must abide when carrying out their responsibilities,” he added.

Furthermore, HE indicated the ease and flexibility of implementing government procurement processes, which attracts foreign investment and encourages local suppliers and emerging, micro, small and medium sized enterprises to provide services in a competitive environment in order to carry out business with government entities.

This will be achieved by defining unified standards that clarify the basic requirements of the procurement process. This will help achieve Abu Dhabi’s economic plan and vision aimed at building a competitive and sustainable economy, based on flexibility and skill, and an economy that supports micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises within the government procurement system.

The Abu Dhabi Standards for Government Procurement comprise three main standards: Foundation Standards, Empowerment Standards and Execution Standards. Standards of Foundation cover setting the intitial standards, as well as their intended use and application.

Empowerment Standards detail the departments and individuals responsible for carrying out  procurement, and the requirements of those involved, including the  dealings and conditions that ensure efficient procurement. It also covers the processes and the performance expected from the procurement team.

The Department of Government Support plans to publish the Abu Dhabi Standards for Government Procurement on its own website as part of a policies and procurement guide. It will also respond to entities’ enquiries regarding the standards via dedicated channels.

DGS is also planning to launch,via its procurement office, a series of introductory programmes and workshops, as well as a comprehensive guide,  in order to prepare those working in procurement, including senior managers, to learn about the new system and measures to be applied in government procurement, according to the new standards.  

Government entities are currently adapting their operations to the new standards, which will be mandatory from 1 July 2021

The Office of Government Procurement, a subsidiary of DGS, has prepared these standards based on the prerequisites of Law No 4 of 2020 regarding the foundation of DGS, in collaboration with consultants and experienced government procurement professionals, in line with international best practice. They have been audited and verified by legal advisors from the Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply (CIPS).