FG mandates 14-day standstill before contract execution

The Federal Government has mandated a 14-day waiting period before public procurement contracts can be executed, warning that non-compliance could result in administrative penalties. This directive prompts government agencies to provide unsuccessful bidders the chance to challenge or request clarification on contract decisions, aiming to enhance openness, accountability and fairness in awarding government contracts.

The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, communicated this requirement in a circular directed to ministers, permanent secretaries, heads of agencies, accounting officers and other personnel engaged in public procurement. This instruction takes immediate effect and applies to all current and future procurement activities.

Procuring entities must notify bidders of an intended contract award following approval from the relevant authority, then comply with the 14-day waiting period before finalizing the contract. The waiting period is intended to give unsuccessful bidders a chance to object or raise concerns before the contract is formally concluded.

The circular specifies that no contract agreement or Letter of Award shall become effective until the 14-day period has elapsed. Procuring entities are also required to promptly respond to complaints or protests from bidders during this waiting period, following the administrative review procedures outlined in the Public Procurement Act 2007 and guidelines from the Bureau of Public Procurement.

Failure to comply with the standstill requirement could result in administrative sanctions under the Public Procurement Act and other relevant regulations. The government emphasizes adherence to this directive alongside existing procurement laws, regulations and guidelines issued by the Bureau of Public Procurement.