http://quintagroup.comhttp://openprocurement.org

OpenProcurement toolkit

OpenProcurement

OpenProcurement is an open source software toolkit developed for

procurement automation and optimization.

This operational e-procurement solution automates the selection of

suppliers via electronic reverse auction, stores procurement data and

provides access to the database via an API.

Licensing

OpenProcurement is distributed under the Apache license.

The toolkit can be used for:

◩ public procurements

◩ commercial solutions

Open Contracting Data Standard

Data Standard was developed on the basis of Open Contracting 1.0RC.

These standards were extended to ensure practical implementation of the

procurement process in the Prozorro system.

Open source technologies applied:

◩ Python

◪ Pyramid

◩ Angular.js

◪ Bootstrap

◩ Flask

◪ CouchDB

◩ PouchDB

OpenProcurement consists of:

◩ Central database (CDB)

◩ API - REST-ful interface that provides programmatic

access to the CDB.

◩ Auction module

eMall

◩ eMall (broker/procuring platform/e-trading venue) - is a web

platform that implements e-Procurement system features and

provides access for procuring entities, suppliers and regular

visitors.

◩ eMalls are independent private structures that receive payment

for each bid made via their platform. Such approach increases

competition, prevents corruption, and adds reliability.

◩ The suppliers can access the system only via the eMall services.

They are provided with temporary credentials to access the

Auction module.

◩ eMall interacts with the CDB via OpenProcurement API.

System’s architecture

Procurement process is divided into 5 stages:

1. Procurement Initiation

2. Bid registration

3. Reverse auction

4. Qualification

5. Completion

1. Procurement Initiation

◩ A procuring entity creates Tender announcement that is published on

all related eMalls.

◩ There procuring entity defines procurement parameters, technical

and qualification requirements, and adds any other necessary

information.

◩ Participants (anonymous until the auction finishes) can ask for clarifications or submit suggestions for tender documentation change to increase competition.

2. Bid registration

◩ Bidders can register/amend/withdraw their bid proposals within

specified time frame.

◩ Only bidder knows about the bid proposal registration. No

information about it (supplier’s name, price offer, documents) and

even the fact of its registration is provided.

◩ If suggestions for tender documentation update or correction were

ignored by procuring entity, participants can submit complaints about

tender conditions.

Bid proposal consists of:

◩ Information about the bidder;

◩ The initial bid (price offer);

◩ Attached documents containing the description of the proposal and

related specifications.

◩ If no bids were sent in during the bid registration period, the

tender is automatically marked as "Canceled"

◩ If only one bid was sent in during the bid registration period, the

system automatically records this bidder as a candidate and goes

to "Qualification" period.

◩ If more than one bid was sent in, the system starts auction on the

scheduled date and time.

3. The electronic reverse auction

A reverse auction is a type of auction in which the roles of buyer and

seller are reversed.

In an ordinary (forward) auction, buyers compete to obtain a good or

service by offering increasingly higher prices.

In a reverse auction, the sellers compete to obtain business from the

buyer and prices will typically decrease as the sellers undercut each

other.

The auction process

◩ The auction starts automatically on the scheduled date and time.

◩ Via the eMall interface bidder receives the individual URL of the

Auction page.

◩ The system gives participants 5 minutes so that they can get

acquainted with bids of anonymous competitors.

Auction consists of 3 rounds

During each round each participant has 2 minutes to lower their

previous bid or leave it unchanged.

When all participants make their bids, system pauses for 2 minutes

and announces the next round.

Ranking

◩ System ranks all submitted bids automatically by price,

forming rating of bidders positions.

◩ This information is automatically published as soon as the

electronic reverse auction finishes.

◩ Then users can get complete information about bid

proposals and participants who submitted them.

4. Qualification

The procuring entity reviews commercial and qualification parts of the

bid and has right to request candidate’s qualification documents that

were not mandatory at the time of the bid registration.

The procurement committee publishes its decision online.

Disqualification

If the procuring entity disqualifies the chosen candidate, the system

automatically determines the next candidate - bidder with the next

price offer (according to the auction ranking).

Disqualification reasons:

◩ Commercial or qualification part of the candidate’s bid does not

meet the procurement requirements.

◩ The candidate did not submit qualification documents within the

time specified in advance by the procuring entity.

5. Completion

◩ If candidate’s commercial and qualification offers meet the

procurement requirements, this candidate becomes Winner.

◩ The contract between the procuring entity and winner is prepared

and signed.

◩ The procuring entity publishes contract in the system.

Complaints Submission

◩ Complaints about the procurement results should be submitted by users within standstill period after the award disclosure but prior to the date of the contract signing.

◩ Complaints must be resolved in a timely manner. If violation affected the award, the qualification decision would have to be reviewed.

Data storage

◩ All system users have right to find and view information about

procurement on any of its stages.

◩ The system should be publicly available and ensure non-

discrimination and equal access to information for all users. The

system has security mechanisms that enable it to protect

information from loss, misuse and unauthorized change.

Advantages of Open Procurement System

◩ Free and open source toolkit

◩ Reliable technology

◩ Based on Open Contracting standards

◩ Easy-to-use transparent procedures

◩ For both free and proprietary solutions

Find more information at:

Project website: http://openprocurement.org

API Documentation: http://api-docs.openprocurement.org

Code repository: https://github.com/openprocurement

OpenProcurement case: http://quintagroup.

com/cms/cases/openprocurement