Commissioner Baek Seung-bo follows emergency procurement measures with hands-on recovery effort to help residents rebuild daily lives
The Public Procurement Service on Friday visited Geoje, South Gyeongsang Province, which suffered heavy damage from recent torrential rains, to support residents' recovery through volunteer relief work.
Public Procurement Service Commissioner Baek Seung-bo joined staff members from the agency's volunteer club, its headquarters, and the South Gyeongsang and Busan regional offices for the effort. Volunteers worked at disaster sites to remove mud and debris and sort through flood-damaged belongings.
Baek listened to residents describe the difficulties they faced during the recovery process and what assistance they needed, and encouraged officials and volunteers working at the scene.
The agency had earlier introduced emergency procurement support measures to speed up recovery in Geoje, Tongyeong and other areas designated as special disaster zones. It has been streamlining procurement procedures and shortening processing times through emergency bidding and negotiated contracts.
The agency has also waived the second-stage competitive bidding requirement under multi-supplier contracts for emergency purchases of recovery supplies through the Narajangteo online procurement marketplace, and shifted delivery inspections from agency and specialist-body review to inspections by the requesting institutions themselves.
In addition, the agency is deferring procurement fee payments for institutions in special disaster zones upon request. For procurement companies whose contract performance has been disrupted by the heavy rains, it is providing liquidity support through extended delivery deadlines and expanded advance payments.
"I extend my deepest sympathies to the residents who have been struggling in the wake of the sudden downpour," Baek said. "I hope this volunteer effort provides even a small measure of help in the recovery and in restoring residents' daily lives."
kwonhl@heraldcorp.com
