Procurement Method 2

A Procuring Entity (PE) sought guidance as follows:

1. Guidance is required concerning the appropriate procurement approach for acquiring mobile communication devices. The last Closed User Group (CUG) contract was executed in 2019. Since that time, the entity has continued to utilise the services through informal renewals and payments, while procuring mobile devices from local phone distributors rather than the authorised CUG service providers, Digicel or Flow.
2. Based on the most recent assessment of our mobile device inventory, the replacement of devices will need to be implemented on a phased basis, with Phase 1 scheduled for 2026 and Phase 2 for 2027. In the interim, the organisation requires a minimum of ten (10) additional devices to meet immediate operational needs.
3. Advice is thus required regarding the most appropriate procurement process to follow in these circumstances. Specifically, we seek clarification on whether the CUG arrangement may be treated as a service-based procurement, inclusive of the additional devices now required, or whether the devices should instead be procured separately through a standard goods procurement process outside of the authorised CUG service providers for devices and services (Digicel and Flow).”