Implementation of the Public Procurement Act No. 8 of 2020: A Case of the Technical Education Vocational and Entrepreneurship Training Authority

Abstract

The study evaluated the implementation of Public Procurement Act No. 8 of 2020 by public entities, focusing on the case of the Technical Education, Vocational, and Entrepreneurship Training Authority (TEVETA). This study aimed to assess the implementation of the Public Procurement Act No. 8 of 2020 at TEVETA. A descriptive research design was employed. The target population included Directors, Managers, specialists, and officers from the Finance, Audit, Procurement, and Information Communication and Technology (ICT) departments. Purposive sampling techniques were utilized to select seven (7) finance staff, two (2) Audit staff, and three (3) procurement staff. Data from Finance staff, Audit staff, and Procurement staff were collected using interview guides, while Information Communication and Technology staff participated in focus group discussions. Observation checklists and document analysis were also employed. The researcher personally conducted the administration of the guides and focus group discussions. The collected data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and presented in tables, charts, and graphs using Microsoft Excel. The study identified challenges in the implementation of the Public Procurement Act No. 8 of 2020 at TEVETA, leading to non-compliance with the existing public procurement law. It was found that the electronic government procurement system (e-GP) was not implemented due to a lack of capacity among procurement professionals. There was a lack of interaction between procuring entities and the Zambia Public Procurement Authority (ZPPA) to organize training workshops, seminars, and conferences on interpreting and implementing the Public Procurement Act. Challenges were also noted in implementing section 12 of the Public Procurement Act No. 8 of 2020 related to the use of the market price index. The study highlighted that the quarterly market price provided by ZPPA was susceptible to price fluctuations and the depreciation of the Zambian currency against major currencies. Consequently, the study concluded that the Public Procurement Act No. 8 of 2020 was not effectively implemented at TEVETA. It was recommended that ZPPA and TEVETA collaborate to enhance the capacity of procurement professionals for effective interpretation and implementation of the Public Procurement Act. Additionally, it was suggested that the quarterly market price index (MPI) be reviewed monthly due to price fluctuations and currency depreciation compared to major currencies.