Microsoft Word Public Procurement Procedures Handbook Final version January 2013

PART I
PART I
PART I
PART I
GUIDELINES ON GOVERNMENT PROCUREMENT 
GUIDELINES ON GOVERNMENT PROCUREMENT 
GUIDELINES ON GOVERNMENT PROCUREMENT 
GUIDELINES ON GOVERNMENT PROCUREMENT 
PROCEDURES
PROCEDURES
PROCEDURES
PROCEDURES FOR THE PUBLIC SECTOR
FOR THE PUBLIC SECTOR
FOR THE PUBLIC SECTOR
FOR THE PUBLIC SECTOR 
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CHAPTER 1.
CHAPTER 1.
CHAPTER 1.
CHAPTER 1.
THE HANDBOOK ON PUBLIC PROCUREMENT 
THE HANDBOOK ON PUBLIC PROCUREMENT 
THE HANDBOOK ON PUBLIC PROCUREMENT 
THE HANDBOOK ON PUBLIC PROCUREMENT 
PROCEDURES
PROCEDURES
PROCEDURES
PROCEDURES
The introduction of this Handbook marks a significant step 
forward in public procurement in Belize. It is a major element 
in the implementation of the reform process to improve and 
modernise budget and financial management along with
 
the 
procurement system in Belize. 
Section 1 
Section 1 
Section 1 
Section 1 Purpose
Purpose
Purpose
Purpose
1.1 The Public Procurement Procedures Handbook has been compiled to provide 
guidance to public officials responsible for public procurement, auditors and other 
financial management specialists in their everyday business relating to public 
procurement. It is intended as a reference tool for guiding the practice of public 
procurement, ensuring compliance with the current legislation of Belize and 
application of procurement international best practices. It also serves to facilitate the 
standardisation of procurement practice across all Procuring Entities in Belize with a 
view to ensure 
an efficient and transparent public procurement system that is central 
to good financial management and offers equal opportunities for eligible competitors. 
1.2 The Handbook is also aimed at the private sector contractors to better understand 
the public procurement systems and processes, facilitate their participation in 
contracts, and ensure application of legal and best procurement practices.
1.3 The Handbook gives procedural guidance and instructions on the many aspects 
of procurement and contracting, including standard and model documentation 
provided in Annexes. Where funding is provided by international donor partners, 
there may be a requirement to use the donor’s own procurement procedures; 
guidance on this is given in the Handbook
.
Section 2
Section 2
Section 2
Section 2 Scope
Scope
Scope
Scope
2.1 This Handbook is applicable to all Government of Belize (GOB) procurement of 
goods, works and services, including sale contracts and disposition of public assets, 
carried out by all Procuring Entities, whether in or outside Belize, for and on behalf of 
the GOB, using public funds, at Ministry, District, local government and Statutory 
body level, unless specifically excluded.

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2 
Section 3 Usage
Section 3 Usage
Section 3 Usage
Section 3 Usage
3.1 The Handbook is designed so that it allows the user to easily find practical 
information and guidance
through the sequential stages of the procurement process, 
from planning to bidding. It also contains step by step guide for developing the tender 
documentation for the procurement of goods, works or services.
3.2 The Handbook itself is comprised of two volumes. Volume I describes 
procurement processes and procedures, and includes two Parts; Part I being 
designed for public officials and Part II more specifically geared toward the private 
sector. The body text is divided into Chapters, each of which is broken down into 
Sections. Volume II consists of standard procurement documentation: Standard 
bidding documents (SBDs) with their guidance notes, and standard forms and 
templates. 
3.3 This Procedures Handbook is issued by the Ministry of Finance and Economic 
Development and has been developed in close cooperation with other government 
entities and under the oversight of the Contractor-General. It is anticipated to require 
further review and amendment after being in use for a period of time, and as the 
procurement context evolves in Belize and within the framework of international and 
regional organisations, particularly the CARICOM Community and the Economic