Enhancing Procurement Skills Through Specialized Training
A three-day continuous professional development training session was recently organized by ProSupp Consult, a leading procurement and supply chain consultancy firm. The event focused on the effective writing of specifications, drafting of bill of quantities (BOQs), and terms of reference (TORs) for consultancy services. The training took place at the National Banking College in Accra and aimed to equip procurement and supply professionals with essential skills for preparing tender documents.
The workshop provided participants with the necessary knowledge and tools to create efficient and value-for-money procurement documentation. This includes tender documents for goods, works, and consultancy services. The goal was to ensure that all procurement processes are conducted in a manner that maximizes efficiency and minimizes waste.
Over 50 participants attended the session, representing a diverse range of sectors. These included practitioners from the public and private sectors, as well as professionals from security services, revenue assurance, healthcare, banking and finance, pensions, pharmaceuticals, and transport services across the country. The event offered a platform for sharing expertise and gaining insights into best practices in procurement.
Addressing Gaps in Procurement Practices
Mr. Collins Agyemang Sarpong, Managing Consultant at ProSupp Consult, highlighted the importance of the training. He stated that there is a significant gap in the drafting of effective specifications for goods, the development of clear BOQs for works, and the preparation of TORs for consultancy services. According to him, the training was designed to empower participants with the knowledge needed to achieve value for money in their respective institutions.
Sarpong emphasized that having clear and concise specifications, as well as understandable BOQs and TORs, enables procurement professionals to ensure competition, fairness, and value for money. He noted that buying for luxury is not a good procurement practice and can be addressed by preparing tender documents with the right specifications and terms of references. These documents should ensure that procured goods and contracts are fit for purpose, highly needed, and offer value for money.
Participant Experiences and Recommendations
Christian Erskine Esq., a procurement executive at GOIL, shared his experience of the training. He mentioned that the session significantly shaped his understanding of key procurement practices, especially in the areas of specifications and the drafting of BOQs. Erskine added that the training was enlightening and that he learned about the importance of being involved in the drafting of BOQs and TORs when procuring goods, works, and services.
He concluded by stating that the training was impactful and that he plans to apply the knowledge gained. Erskine strongly recommended the training to other practitioners across the country.
Another participant, Ms. Efia Ofei, a banker, expressed how the training motivated procurement and supply professionals to take an active role in the preparation of BOQs and TORs. She emphasized that it is crucial for procurement personnel to act as coordinators rather than leaving these tasks solely to user departments or other professionals. Ofei suggested that similar trainings should be conducted for other professionals to raise awareness about the importance of collaboration in the procurement process.
About ProSupp Consult
ProSupp Consult is a reputable firm specializing in procurement and supply chain management, training, and consultancy. The organization continues to play a vital role in enhancing the skills and knowledge of professionals in the field, contributing to more efficient and effective procurement practices across various sectors.