Overview

The Central Tenders Board was established by Act No. 22 of 1961 (hereinafter referred to as the legislation) to ensure that the proper procedures are followed to obtain the most suitable supplies and services from available sources.

The Central Tenders Board Ordinance No. 22 of 1961 as amended, provides for the establishment of a Central Tenders Board which has the sole and exclusive authority, except as provided for in Sections 20 and 35 of the Legislation:

To act for, in the name and on behalf of the Government of Trinidad and Tobago and Statutory Bodies to which the Ordinance applies, in inviting, considering and accepting or rejecting offers for the supply of articles or for the undertaking of works or any services in connection therewith, necessary for carrying out the functions of the Government or any of the Statutory Bodies. (Refer to Section 4(1) (A) of the Legislation).

To dispose of surplus or unserviceable articles and real estate property belonging to the Government of Trinidad and Tobago or any of the Statutory Bodies. (Refer to Section 4(1) (B) of the Legislation).

The Board also performs other functions and duties as the President may by order prescribe from time to time. (Refer to Section 4 (2) of the Legislation).

To appoint consultants in connection with any project. (Refer to Section 27 (B) of the Legislation).

Services

The Central Tenders Board accepts written requests from ALL Government Ministries and some State Departments and Agencies for:-

1. The supply or purchase of articles;
2. Services or works for projects;
3. The disposal of unserviceable/surplus articles belonging to the Government.

In addition, the Central Tenders Board also:

1. Advises Government Agencies on the principles and practices governing tendering procedures and the award of contracts;
2. Manages the Tendering processes and facilitates the functioning of Tender Evaluation Committees, in the name and on behalf of the Government of Trinidad and Tobago and Statutory Bodies.

All requests are accompanied by the relevant Tender Documents and an indication that the necessary funding is available.

Structure

The legislation defines the composition of the Board, sub-committees and special committees with specific financial limits for the making of awards and disposal of surplus and unserviceable articles. All committees act for and on behalf of the Board and follow the same procedures.

1. Composition of the Board – Eight (8) Members

The present Board comprises:

• • Director of Contracts – Chairman
  • Deputy Director of Contracts – Deputy Chairman
  • Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Finance
  • Deputy Director of Budgets
  • Comptroller of Accounts
  • Chief State Solicitor
  • Two (2) Members at Large

2. Sub-Committees of the Board

• • Tenders Committees in Ministries

These Committees comprise three (3) members:-

A Chairman, who is a representative of the Central Tenders Board Division   and two (2) Members from the relevant Ministry/Department.

• • Tenders Committees in Municipal Corporations and Statutory Boards

 These Committees comprise five (5) Members:-

1. 1. 1. Member of the Directorate of the Central Tenders Board – Chairman
      2. Member of the Respective Corporation’s Council
      3. Member of the Respective Corporation’s Council
      4. Member at large
      5. Member at large

Members are nominated by the Honourable Minister of Local Government and are appointed by the Honourable Minister of Finance.

• • Special Ministerial Committee of Municipal Corporations

Such Committees are composed of three (3) Members consisting of a Chairman and two (2) Members.

• • Office Machines, Appliances and Furniture Committee

There is one (1) Special Committee of the Board which “shall be comprised of such officers as the Minister of Finance shall from time to time nominate, one of whom shall be an ex-officio Member of the Board”.

The composition of this committee is as follows:

1. 1. 1. Director of Contracts – Chairman
      2. Director of Budgets
      3. Director, Property and Real Estate Management Services Division, Ministry of Public Administration
      4. Property Manager, Furniture Branch, Ministry of Works and Transport

• • Special Tenders Committee of the Ministry of National Security

The composition of this committee is as follows:

1. 1. 1. The Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, who shall be Chairman
      2. The Chief of Defence Staff
      3. The Commissioner of Police
      4. The Chief Fire Officer
      5. The Commissioner of Prisons
      6. The Administrative Officer V in the Ministry
      7. The Accounting Executive I in the Ministry

Where the Committee proposes to award a contract, the value of which exceeds one hundred thousand dollars, the Committee shall invite the Director of Contracts or his nominee to take part in the consideration or discussion of the award and to vote on the matter.

Legislation

• The Central Tenders Board Act Chapter 71:91, Act 22 of 1961

Central Tenders Board Links

• Legislation/ Ordinance
• CTB Information Booklet
• Consultancy Booklet
• Tender Notices
• Appointment of Consultants
• Contracts Awarded
• Organisation Chart
• CTB Dept. Functions
• Application Forms

Contact Information

Central Tenders Board
Ministry of Finance
116 Frederick Street
Port-of-Spain

Telephone Numbers

Director of Contracts: (868) 625-3320
Deputy Director of Contracts: (868) 625-1868
Assistant Directors of Contracts: (868) 625-3577 / (868) 623-5915
Contracts Officers: (868) 625-4330 / (868) 625-3565
Annual Supplies and Services: (868) 625-1868
Accounts/Administration: (868) 625-3610

E-mail: mofctb@gov.tt

Fax No.: (868) 625-1809