Publication: Innovative Procurement Practices in Iraq's Social Safety Net Program
Date
2013-08
ISSN
Published
2013-08
Author(s)
Ali, Nazaneen Ismail
Jacobs, Andrew
Lipson, Rachel
Isoldi, Fabio
Abstract
Well-functioning institutions are
critical to reducing poverty and boosting growth. However,
fragile and conflict-affected states generally lack the
political and institutional structures needed to address
pockets of poverty and promote development. One relevant
example where the World Bank met this challenge was in the
innovation of procurement procedures in a recent Social
Safety Net (SSN) program in Iraq. Rather than allowing
inefficient bidding procedures to block successful
implementation, the team at hand adjusted their approach,
and adopted simplified, non-traditional methods: they tested
the ability of the local market to supply equipment through
numerous smaller-value contracts, and removed constraints
that discouraged the participation of local Small and Medium
Sized Enterprises (SMEs). After 30 years of conflict and
embargo, the Iraqi government sought to strengthen social
protection for its citizens by transforming what were
traditionally subsidies into a targeted cash-based SSN
program. The experience of working in a conflict-affected
country led to smaller procurement packages and simplified
procedures. An unorthodox and riskier approach at the outset
ended up not only saving costs but also strengthening the
local private sector and generating jobs in the country.
Citation
“Ali, Nazaneen Ismail; Jacobs, Andrew; Lipson, Rachel; Isoldi, Fabio. 2013. Innovative Procurement Practices in Iraq's Social Safety Net Program. MENA Knowledge and Learning Quick Notes Series;No. 103. © World Bank, Washington, DC. http://hdl.handle.net/10986/16105 License: CC BY 3.0 IGO.”