Implementation of RGoB Procurement Rules and Regulations (2009): The Challenges of RUB Colleges

Abstract

This study presents the challenges of Tender Committees of the colleges of the Royal University of Bhutan (RUB) in implementing the Royal Government of Bhutan’s Public Procurement Rules and Regulations (RGoB PRR 2009), hereafter referred to as the manual. The challenges of the manual have been extensively deliberated in the parliament, Royal Audit Authority, Anti- Corruption Commission and media in the country. However, there is lack of consideration to address the matters due to rapidly growing challenges among the procuring agencies in the country with no exception to colleges of RUB. The key variables examined in the study are the level of knowledge, the procedure compliance and enforcement of the manual. A total of 36 committee members participated in the study through survey questionnaires and personal interviews. The descriptive statistics was used to analyse and present the findings. The findings showed the need for all colleges to address the challenges and ensure uniformity in the implementation of the manual in the process of procurement. The capacity building programme for the tender committees is one of the key recommendations.