Multidimensional Complexity of Public Sector Tendering Procedures to Special Groups Participation through TANePS Use: A Case of Arusha City Council

Abstract

Public tendering procedures and the procurement cycle in general tend to be lengthy and tedious to complete in one cycle. This has led to efforts to simply the process through adoption of electronic platform and takes advantage of increased ICT capabilities. In Tanzania, introduction of TANePS as an e-procurement system has marked an important milestone in simplification of tendering procedures. This study was based on the main proposition that Special groups’ participation in public tender opportunities has increased following introduction of TANePS as a tendering procedures handling platform. Guided by the transaction costs economics theory (TCE), this qualitative study adopted a case study design done at Arusha City Council (ACC). A structured closed ended questionnaire was administered to 52 respondents randomly selected from the existing special groups and 3 ACC staff from the procurement department. Primary data collected in form of nominal measurement, were modelled and analysed using logistic regression for dependent variable which was reduced into binary/dichotomous responses against the categorical independent variables of the study. The overall findings ended up refuting the main proposition and factors related to access to TANePS and registration conditions as well as proficiency in using the platform were found to significantly affect special groups participation in public tender opportunities. The implication of these findings is that the responsible institutions and special groups alike should exert concerted efforts to ensure training on TANePS’ use is extended to special groups and related support services. Similar studies are suggested especially to Procuring Entities (PEs) located in more settings where challenges of internet access may be more adamant as they are also required to set aside 30% of tender value per annum for special groups.