(GINA) THE consultations on the formulation of standardized bidding, and contract documents and evaluation criteria for Government contracts continued yesterday with representatives of the National Procurement and Tender Administration (NPTA) meeting with contractors and consultants who execute Government contracts.

Contractors and consultants at the meeting .

Finance Minister Dr Ashni Singh said that Cabinet, during its special three-day meeting last week, had highlighted the issue of performance and execution of contracts and compliance with the Procurement Act.

He said that it is intended that the spirit and intent of the Procurement Act and other modern financial management legislation that were enacted and are being implemented are achieving the desired results.

While the contract documents may vary based on the size and purpose of the contract, the standardized documents are expected to remove subjectivity from the procurement process while ensuring that the clauses relating to liabilities and performance are enhanced to strengthen claims for liability.

The Minister said it was important that the NPTA, which was mandated to formulate these documents, meet with all stakeholders to ensure that the final document was user friendly.

Previous consultations were held with contractors and consultants and Government accounting officers aimed at soliciting their views on the draft documents. After consideration is given to the suggestions coming out of the consultations the revised version of the document will be submitted to Cabinet for final approval and implementation.