D5 Procurement: Emergency Aid

Background

DFID's Emergency Aid is normally provided through Conflict, Humanitarian and Security Department (CHASE). This includes lead responsibility within DFID for responses to rapid onset emergencies. Other DFID Departments may have responsibility for humanitarian assistance to countries affected by continuing crises within their Divisional responsibilities, supported by CHASE as necessary. 'Emergency' is defined as a situation where human suffering has occurred or is likely to occur as a result of a natural or technological disaster, civil strife or war.

Procurement of goods and equipment should normally be channelled through DFID procurement agent.

Any department wishing to undertake emergency procurement must obtain the prior approval of the Head of Procurement Group (PrG). When contract delegation thresholds will be exceeded PrG must be notified.

Compliance Tasks

1. Emergency Procurement is not exempted from the impact of the European Union (EU) Public Procurement Directives. Prior advertisement is not required, but it is still necessary to publish a contract award.

Task assigned to: All Staff

2. When the emergency situation is deemed to have ended and assistance moves from the "disaster relief" to the "rehabilitation" phase, emergency procedures will no longer apply and the procurement of goods and services must be undertaken in accordance with the normal procurement procedures. CHASE can advise on the end of the emergency phase, which will usually be linked to the conclusion of the period of a United Nations or other international Appeal.

Task assigned to: All Staff

3. A formal indent must be completed when using a procurement agent.

Task assigned to: All Staff

4. Duty of care to suppliers must be considered and addressed at the beginning of the procurement process.  Updates should be provided as necessary.

Task assigned to: Project Staff


 

Risks of non-compliance

  • Poor value for money from late or inappropriate procurement
  • Damage to DFID's reputation for fair and open procurement
  • Legal challenge to HMG through the High Court, or the European Court of Justice under the Remedies Directive, for breach of EU Public Procurement Directives
  • Financial Loss
  • National Audit Office criticism
  • Legal risk to DFID for acting incompatibly with the 1998 Human Rights Act (HRA).