(The Ministry of Finance and Treasury (MOFT) office in Solomon Islands)
The Ministry of Finance and Treasury (MOFT) in Solomon Islands has taken significant steps to enhance transparency, accountability, and efficiency in public procurement and asset disposal. Through the Treasury Division Procurement Unit (TPU) and the Central Tender Board (CTB), MOFT aims to ensure value for money in the utilization of public funds.
In 2022, MOFT implemented the Procurement Regulations 2021 and the SIG Procurement Manual 2022, which provide clear rules and guidelines for procurement activities. These regulations enabled the TPU to enforce compliance among Ministries and Departments, ensuring adherence to the established procurement processes.
During the pandemic situation, MOFT temporarily relaxed procurement rules and guidelines to facilitate swift responses to the COVID-19 crisis. However, with the enforcement of the Procurement Regulations 2021, MOFT has reinforced procurement rules and guidelines to ensure that public funds are utilized effectively.
The Central Tender Board (CTB) plays a crucial role in the decision-making process for tender awards and processes. In 2022, CTB received 249 submissions from ministries, including bid waiver requests, contract variation requests, and requests for tender awards. Of these submissions, 193 were approved, 26 were rejected for non-compliance with SIG Procurement Guidelines, and 14 were referred back to ministries for additional information. Sixteen submissions were referred back to ministries for inclusion in the 2023 budget due to their late submission in the previous financial year.
Recognizing the growing value and volume of procurement activities, MOFT acknowledges the importance of ensuring the proper utilization of public funds. With the Pacific Games scheduled for 2023, it is vital to maintain high standards and quality in the provision of goods, services, and activities.
To improve accountability, MOFT no longer accepts retrospective approvals for contract awards, bid waivers, and contract variations, regardless of the urgency or circumstances surrounding the procurement. Similarly, payments for goods, works, or services procured without prior approval from designated procurement authorities will not be approved.
To streamline the payment process, ministries are strongly encouraged to use Local Purchase Orders (LPOs) to secure payment for the delivery of goods and services. Advance Payments for works procurements are limited to 20% but are generally discouraged due to potential abuse and uncertainties in delivery.
MOFT emphasizes the importance of win-win partnerships with suppliers, vendors, contractors, and the business community at large. The business community is advised to ensure that fully signed contracts and addenda are in place before providing goods, works, or services to ministries. MOFT provides clear guidelines for different procurement values, requiring specific contract signatures from designated officials based on the value range.
MOFT highlights that it will not bear responsibility for any goods, works, or services delivered to ministries in the absence of fully signed contracts or addenda. These rules and guidelines have been reiterated to ministries through Finance Circular 01/2023: 2023 Budget Execution Strategy.
MOFT expresses its gratitude to key stakeholders, including donors, the business community, ministries, and the general public, for their support and collaboration in this important endeavour.
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Solomon Islands 
Papua New Guinea 
