According to the Bank’s website, the regional technical assistance (TA) will provide targeted support to Asian Development Bank (ADB) developing member countries (DMCs) in implementing the Procurement Directive for ADB Borrowers--Goods, Works, Nonconsulting, and Consulting Services.

The evolution of ADB's procurement framework is anchored in globally recognized principles for quality infrastructure. These principles emphasize that infrastructure delivery should (i) maximize economic, environmental, social, and development impacts; (ii) incorporate life-cycle costing and sound governance; (iii) strengthen transparency; and (iv) promote resilience, sustainability, inclusivity, and efficient resource allocation. The procurement directive supports these principles by moving procurement decision-making towards a more holistic assessment of quality, sustainability, and value for money while enhancing market competition and increasing secondary economic benefits on ADB projects.

The TA will support the implementation of all aspects of the procurement directive, with particular focus on three key reform areas: (i) the application of the merit point criteria (MPC) evaluation method, (ii) the incorporation of local participation considerations in bidding documents, and (iii) the design of early market engagement (EME) interventions prior to the advertisement of bids.

MPC strengthens value for money and allows the design of fit-for-purpose procurement approaches by evaluating bids based on technical merit in addition to price. Technical merit may include qualitative criteria, such as performance, quality, innovation, sustainability, and risk management, enabling borrowers to select the bid that best meets project objectives and delivers the desired development impact.

Local participation interventions promote meaningful, inclusive, and sustained engagement of local labor during project implementation, supporting skills development and increasing domestic economic growth.

EME is a structured and transparent process through which borrowers engage with the market during development of the procurement strategy, prior to the commencement of bidding. It enables assessment of market capacity, testing packaging and budget assumptions, critical analysis of technical specifications, and identification of key risks and opportunities, thereby improving procurement efficiency, competition, and overall project outcomes.

Outputs:
Output 1: Knowledge and capacity of DMCs to implement the requirements of the procurement directive enhanced.
Output 2: Direct support for project-level implementation of the procurement directive strengthened.

The TA financing amount is $1,200,000, which will be financed on a grant basis by ADB’s Technical Assistance Special Fund (TASF 8 $500,000 and TASF-other sources $700,000).

No contacts available at the time of disclosure.

ACCESS TO INFORMATION

You can submit an information request for project information at: https://www.adb.org/forms/request-information-form

ADB has a two-stage appeals process for requesters who believe that ADB has denied their request for information in violation of its Access to Information Policy. You can learn more about filing an appeal at: https://www.adb.org/site/disclosure/appeals

ACCOUNTABILITY MECHANISM OF ADB

The Accountability Mechanism is an independent complaint mechanism and fact-finding body for people who believe they are likely to be, or have been, adversely affected by an Asian Development Bank-financed project. If you submit a complaint to the Accountability Mechanism, they may investigate to assess whether the Asian Development Bank is following its own policies and procedures for preventing harm to people or the environment. You can learn more about the Accountability Mechanism and how to file a complaint at: http://www.adb.org/site/accountability-mechanism/main.