The Public Procurement Commission (PPC) has doubled the life span of its registration certificate.

Effective yesterday April 1, the validity period moved from a duration of 18 months, to three years.

This extension gives entrepreneurs more time to do business with state agencies.

Public procurement is the acquisition or purchase of goods, services and works by government entities, using state funds.

The commission says the new expiry date of the registration certificate will give businesses a significant window of opportunity to participate in bids, respond to requests for quotations, and engage in other public procurement opportunities, before renewing their registration.

Executive Director of the Commission Nadia Morris highlights that the new regime for the registration certificates, results from the commission’s proactive approach in responding to the needs of stakeholders.

She adds that April 1 marks the anniversary of the establishment of the commission and it is a fitting time to create even more empowerment for business owners and operators, who want to do business with the government.

Under the Public Procurement Act, suppliers who desire to sell goods, works and services to any government entity, are required to register with the commission to obtain a registration certificate.

This is a mandatory requirement, if suppliers who intend to sell goods and services above $1.5 m and works above $2 m to government entities.

More changes are coming for supplier registration.

The commission is proposing to amend the supplier registration arrangements by adjusting some of its processes, to increase efficiency.