INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY IN GOVERNMENT PROCUREMENT

                                   Possible Issues for Examination Identified as a Result

                                                  of Consultations with Delegations

                                                Communication from the Chairman

        This paper reproduces the list of possible issues for examination identified as a result of consultations with delegations that was submitted by the Chairman to the Interim Committee on Government Procurement at its meeting of 4 April 1995.  This list was drawn up by the Chairman as agreed by the Interim Committee at its meeting of 15 November 1994.

GENERAL

1.     The replies given by delegations (reproduced in document GPA/IC/W/7 plus ten Addenda) to the questionnaire (GPA/IC/W/4/Rev.1) basically address two distinct categories of use of information technology: one category addressing the access to procurement opportunities contained on databases and one category addressing the carrying out of a significant part of the procurement process through electronic means, going beyond the dissemination of opportunities.  Do delegations find it desirable to structure the discussion on the use of information technology along those two separate categories of use? 

FOLLOW UP TO QUESTIONNAIRE

2.     In relation to each category of use of information technology, a follow up to the replies given by delegations to the questionnaire may be desirable. Delegations are therefore invited to submit supplementary questions (or supplementary information) to the secretariat for circulation to the Members of the Interim Committee, before the date of the next meeting so as to allow for a fruitful discussion at that meeting.

ACCESS TO PROCUREMENT OPPORTUNITIES

3.     Compatibility of databases.  To what extent do the existing and planned databases of signatories have in common with each other information they contain and the structure within which it is organized and what are the implications of this for the compatibilities of different systems? 

4.     What common guidelines regarding format are required in order to assist foreign, as well as domestic, suppliers retrieve information, encourage them to compete, and ensure that they can quickly and painlessly find the tenders relevant to their line of business?