Frequently Asked Questions

• Why was it necessary to create the specification library?

  The Office of the Chief Procurement Officer through the Strategic Procurement Chief Directorate has been developing commodity sourcing strategies for various institutions since 2015, this process includes drafting commodity specifications which were handed over to specific clients upon project finalisation. The specification library is therefore developed to publish all those specifications to assist all other institutions that are undertaking bidding processes for similar commodities.

• What was the process of developing the specifications?

  The specifications were drafted by the Cross-Functional Sourcing Team made up of subject matter experts from the various state institutions

• Was there any consultation or involvement of the industry during the drafting of the specifications?

  The industry was consulted through a request for information specification meeting invitation that was published through open tender platforms. A meeting was further convened with all the industry role players to discuss the drafted specifications and solicit industry input

• Are the specifications final and ready to be used?

  The specifications are final as consulted and handed over to the custodian institution e.g., National Department of Health.

• Can the specifications be customised to specific institution’s requirements?

  The specifications can be customized based on the needs of the institution at the time of procurement

• Can these specifications be issued as they are in a bid?

  The regulations and standards change from time to time and due to innovation, some items have new versions therefore it is advisable that necessary consultations are done before issuing the specifications.

• How can the end-user propose additions or changes in the specifications?

  Additions and changes in the specifications are done by National Treasury through the Office of the Chief Procurement Officer. Contact Strategic Procurement unit at strategic.procurement@treasury.gov.za

• Are the specifications for only those published commodity categories?

  At this stage, these are the only available specification categories that could be published.

• Will the institutions be allowed to publish their specifications on this platform?

  Institutions can approach the Strategic Procurement team if they need to share their specifications on this open platform.

• Will other specifications be developed and published?

  Other specifications will be developed and published as and when further Strategic Procurement projects are conducted for other commodity categories.