In this serious effort to fight corruption, officials appointed to committees that shortlist bidders, or making a final decision on any procurement related project, must sign a declaration before and after each time an offer is made.
Besides the government officials involved, the successful contractors or firms are also required to make similar declarations from April 1.
According to a Treasury circular sighted by FMT, the objective of this move is to enhance integrity among the officials involved as well as transparency in the offer and acceptance of government contracts.
“At the same time, it is aimed at eradicating leakages in government expenditure and eliminating abuse of power.
“Agencies must pay serious attention and play an important role to inculcate a culture of integrity among civil servants and companies that bid for government projects. This is absolutely vital to stop leakages and ensure the government and people benefit eventually,” it said.
The circular said the integrity pact involves signing a declaration or an agreement by the officers and firms pledging not to involve in any corrupt practice in the procurement or implementation of contracts, with details of the possible actions that can be taken for any violation.
“The agencies are also required to include a non-collusion declaration in all tender documents or acceptance letters,” it said.
The Treasury specified that all employees involved directly or indirectly in government procurements or contracts must first sign an initial declaration the moment they report for work in the departments or agencies and this must be renewed annually.
“Besides this requirement, an employee must sign an integrity pact declaration each time he or she is appointed to a procurement committee. They are also required to sign another declaration after the job is completed,” it said.
Similar conditions apply to civil servants appointed to committees dealing with the final approval of the contracts or procurement.
In addition, it said firms and contractors must submit a signed integrity pact declaration when applying to be registered with the finance ministry, and also during renewal of their registration.