Breakdown of Defence Contracts Procurement by Quantum and Procurement Method and Publication of Requirements for Major Platform Replacements on GeBIZ
Ministry of DefenceSpeakers
Summary
This question concerns MP Kenneth Tiong Boon Kiat’s inquiry regarding the number of defence contracts exceeding $10 million and $100 million awarded through closed tenders and the publication of platform requirements on GeBIZ. Coordinating Minister for Public Services and Minister for Defence Chan Chun Sing stated that open tender is the default approach, though closed tenders are used for reasons like operational security, proprietary rights, and interoperability. He clarified that local companies are invited to participate in closed tenders if they have the relevant expertise, ensuring procurements meet government principles and offer value for money. Minister Chan Chun Sing emphasized that all procurements are subject to governance and audits to ensure accountability and proper stewardship of public funds. He concluded that specific contract data is not disclosed publicly for security reasons to protect operational and information security.
Transcript
5 Mr Kenneth Tiong Boon Kiat asked the Coordinating Minister for Public Services and Minister for Defence (a) in the past 10 years, how many defence contracts above (i) $10 million and (ii) $100 million awarded have been procured through closed tender rather than open tender respectively; (b) what criteria determine whether a procurement is conducted as a closed tender; and (c) whether the Ministry will consider publishing requirements for major platform replacements on GeBIZ to enable local industry participation.
Mr Chan Chun Sing: The Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) conducts its procurements in accordance with the Government's procurement principles of transparency, open and fair competition, and value for money. Given the nature of defence procurements, operational and information security are additional critical considerations for MINDEF.
MINDEF's default procurement approach is to conduct open tenders via GeBIZ. Where there are good reasons and valid justifications, closed tenders, also referred to as limited tenders, may be conducted. Some criteria for adopting closed tenders include operational and information security considerations, proprietary or intellectual property rights, and interoperability with existing systems. Local companies are invited to participate in closed tenders if they possess the relevant products, services or expertise.
MINDEF's defence procurements are subject to the necessary approvals, governance processes and audits to ensure accountability and proper stewardship of public funds. For security reasons, MINDEF does not publicly disclose data of our defence contracts.