What are the four main principles of procurement?

The four main principles of procurement—equal treatment, non-discrimination, proportionality, and transparency—play a crucial role in ensuring that procurement processes are conducted fairly and effectively.

Equal treatment ensures that all suppliers or contractors have the same opportunities in the procurement process, preventing favoritism or bias. Non-discrimination upholds that all parties should be considered based on their merits without arbitrary barriers that could exclude qualified bidders. Proportionality emphasizes that the requirements and actions taken during the procurement process should correspond to the needs of the project or the goods/services being procured, ensuring that specifications are not overly restrictive or excessive. Transparency guarantees that the procurement process is open and clear, allowing stakeholders to understand how decisions are made and fostering trust in the system.

These principles collectively aim to create a competitive and fair market environment, which ultimately leads to better outcomes in procurement activities. By adhering to these core principles, organizations can enhance accountability and efficiency while minimizing the risk of corruption and disputes.