A Singapore Government Agency Website 

Back to home

What safeguards are there to minimise the risk of procurement fraud?


mof-logo
Updated by MOF
The government procurement system requires approvals to be obtained at key stages of the procurement process. It also provides for segregation of procurement roles and responsibilities to ensure checks and balances. Approval for procurement must be sought before any purchase can be made. When a quotation or tender is called, the officer(s) evaluating the bids cannot be the same person(s)who approves the award of the quotation/tender.  Complex tenders are evaluated by a team of officers with the requisite technical competencies. Procurements above $80,000 in value must be approved by a tender board comprising a minimum of three senior officers. For open tenders and quotations, the schedule of bids and the award notice are published after the close of the tender/quotation to ensure transparency. The Ministry of Finance (MOF) reviews public sector procurement rules and guidelines regularly. We encourage government agencies to adopt, where possible, good practices such as the periodic rotation of officers with procurement responsibilities and further segregation of procurement roles to strengthen checks and balances in the procurement process. However, the Government is also mindful about striking a balance between adding more layers of checks and hindering the operational efficiency of legitimate transactions.  Management supervision plays an important role in detecting procurement irregularities and minimising opportunities for fraud. Agencies are constantly reminded to be vigilant. To facilitate this, the GeBIZ system allows agencies to generate management reports to help them monitor procurements.  Regular audits are also conducted to help detect procurement irregularities and deter potential wrongdoings.

Was this answer helpful?
Your opinion matters! Be the first to vote.

ask-question-illustration
Need more help?
Get in touch