Government Wastes Millions on Breathtakingly Stupid "E-Commerce" Solution for Procurement
In a move that has left analysts scratching their heads, the National Treasury has announced an RFI (Request For Information) for a proposed government marketplace (e-commerce) solution. The supposed goal of this project? To "enhance efficiency, transparency, and accountability" in government procurement. Yeah, right.
Behind the veil of bureaucratic double-speak, this ambitious project aims to create an online platform for government procurement, where bureaucrats can leisurely browse and purchase supplies, services, and contractors. Because, you know, nothing says "government efficiency" like a team of bureaucrats clicking through virtual shopping carts.
But it gets better. The request for information specifically asks companies to provide detailed information about their solutions, including strategies for implementation, industry best practices, and a cost model to ensure operational "efficiencies." Because we all know that the first step to achieving true bureaucracy is to waste millions on unnecessary consulting fees.
Furthermore, the Treasury has decreed that it will be the proud owner of the core marketplace platform, even though it’s unclear whether anyone has actually asked government officials if they know what they’re doing. Can you imagine the excitement? "Hey, Bob in procurement, can you hold on for a sec? I need to ask Google how to use this Shopify thing."
Meanwhile, we’re left wondering what makes this project so special. Do they really think that citizens will be clamoring for the opportunity to purchase IT equipment and construction services at the click of a mouse? Has anyone considered that maybe, just maybe, this is a solution searching for a problem?
If you’re a company ready to waste your time on this harebrained scheme, be sure to rush your proposal to the National Treasury by September 27th.
