New bill seeks to reduce delays in government of Guam procurement

By Pacifci Island Times News Staff

Sen. Sabina Perez has introduced a bill that would require government agencies to set timelines for responding to procurement protests and to clarify written determinations in the procurement record.

“Delays in protest responses and resolutions have stalled critical projects and services for years, resulting in increased costs to the government and depriving the community of much-needed improvements and support,” Perez said.

Protests may play an invaluable role in government procurement by promoting accountability, bidder confidence, and agency compliance, and by highlighting gaps in law that can initiate reforms to ensure vital public funds are properly spent.

However, Perez noted that the lack of specified timelines for protest responses has resulted in unnecessary delays in protest resolution and, ultimately, in the procurement of goods, services, and construction.

Bill 353-38 requires the purchasing agency to respond within 20 business days of protest. If no decision is served within five business days, then the protest is deemed denied and subject to an appeal.

“By requiring timely responses to protests, Bill 353-38 aims to reduce delays in government procurement, increase the confidence of private partners in doing business with agencies, and maximize the purchasing values of public funds to meet the community’s needs in an efficient and cost-effective manner,” Perez said.

Te bill is co-sponsored by Sens. Therese M. Terlaje and Chris Barnett,