The Singapore Government, like any other company, purchases goods and services. Having the Government as your customer can increase your revenue and at the same time help build your reputation and business credibility.

The Value Of Government Contracts
SMEs And Government Contracts
Types Of Goods & Services
Who Is In Charge Of Purchasing?
How Does The Government Buy?

The Value Of Government Contracts

• The Singapore Government, spanning across individual ministries, departments and statutory boards, buys goods and services worth about S$10 billion each year.

• In 2005, some S$4.7 billion worth of Government contracts is expected.
  
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SMEs And Government Contracts

• Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) have been benefiting from these Government Contracts.

• From 1 April to 31 December 2004, 90% of the 594 Government tender contracts valued up to S$100,000 each went to SMEs with net assets less than S$500,000. This excludes supplies procured through quotations and subcontracting.

• The Government has also been streamlining the procurement process to level the playing field between larger and smaller suppliers. For instance:

• SMEs no longer need to have track records to pre-register for potential tenders.

• The Government has relaxed the rule on the amount of security deposit required from suppliers.

• SMEs will also be able to form consortiums to bid for projects. Forming a consortium is useful for tenders of larger value where small suppliers may not be able to meet the financial and operational requirements on their own.

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Types Of Goods & Services

Goods

• All materials, manufactured items, consumables and non-consumables, e.g. computers, furniture, machinery, office equipment and supplies, etc.

Services

• Cleaning, maintenance, repairing, overhauling and testing of goods.
  
  
• Consultancy, publishing, advertising, training, etc.

Construction Services

• Renovation, maintenance works and building works on buildings.
  
  
• Installation, maintenance of electrical and mechanical facilities in buildings.

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Who Is In Charge Of Purchasing?

• Each Government ministry, statutory board or department is in charge of purchasing its own goods and services.

• The Expenditure and Procurement Policies Unit (EPPU), Defence Science and Technology Agency (DSTA), and Infocomm Development Authority of Singapore (IDA) purchase goods and services that are commonly used by the entire public sector. For instance, paper, cleaning services, IT security services, courier services etc.
  
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How Does The Government Buy?

The Government buys products and services through 3 procedures, based on the value of the contract.

Small Value Purchases (Up to S$3,000)

• The Government buys directly from you or "off the shelf".
  
  
• Usually, the Government agency which requires the product or service will ask around for quotations and make a direct purchase.
  
  
• These small value purchases are not publicised on Government Electronic Business (GeBIZ) - the Government's procurement portal.
  
  
• You can also upload your electronic catalogues into GeBIZ Mall, where Government buyers can browse and issue