Section 14, The Public Procurement Act, 2004

(1) The object for which the Authority is established isto regulate and monitor public procurement in Sierra Leone and to advise the Government on issues relating to public procurement. (2) Without prejudice to the generality of subsection (1), it shall be the responsibility of the Authority to– (a) formulate policies and standards on public procurement and to ensure compliance therewith by all parties to procurement contracts; (b) assess the operations of the public procurement processes and submit proposals for the improvement of the processes, including the introduction of information and communications technology, and the development of modalities for appropriate collaboration among procuring entities; (c) ensure capacity building and human resource development for public procurement, including development, promoting and supporting training and professional development of persons engaged in public (d) develop and recommend to heads of procuring entities a career development and management programme, and a system for selection, appointment and termination of appointment of procurement officers; (e) disseminate information about, and promote awareness of the public procurement system; (f) issue standard forms of contract and standard bidding documents for mandatory use by all procuring entities; (g) provide interpretation of this Act and other instruments governing the procurement process; (h) plan and coordinate technical assistance in the field of public procurement; (i) publish a quarterly Public Procurement Bulletin which shall contain information on public procurement, including approved procurement plans, proposed procurement notices, and notices of invitation to bid and contract award information; (j) publish in the Public Procurement Bulletin or in the Gazette or newspaper with wide national circulation or the electronic media, a database of suppliers, contractors and consultants, and records of prices to assist in the work of procuring entities; Annual report of Authority. Functions of (k) on its own motion or based on reports by procuring entities or the Independent Procurement Review Panel, investigate and suspend from procurement proceedings under this Act, suppliers, contractors and consultants who have neglected their obligations under a procurement contract, or provided false information about their qualifications, contravened tax regulations, or offered inducements referred to in this Act; (l) maintain and issue on a regular basis to all procuring entities a list of suspended suppliers, contractors and consultants; (m) prepare an annual report on the overall functioning of the public procurement system, including a profile of procurement activities, to be presented to Cabinet and tabled before Parliament through the Minister; (n) share information and cooperate with other arms of Government to facilitate the implementation of Government policies aimed at improved goverance; (o) conduct, at least annually, a procurement forum bringing together public sector, private sector, civil society and development partners to address issues related to public (p) perform such other functions as are incidental or conducive to the attainment of the object stated in subsection (1). (3) Nothing in the functions of the Authority under subsections (1) and (2) shall be construed to include the power to participate in the award of any specific procurement contract. (4) In the performance of its functions under this Act the Authority shall not be subject to the direction or control of any person or authoriy.