Gov’t to Advance Public Procurement (Set-asides) Framework in 2026/27

Implementation of the Public Procurement (Set-Asides) Framework, which reserves a portion of government contracts for Jamaican suppliers, will be advanced during fiscal year 2026/27.

Minister of Finance and the Public Service, Hon. Fayval Williams, announced during the opening of the 2026/27 Budget Debate in the House of Representatives on March 10 that the Government, in partnership with the Public Procurement Commission (PPC), will establish and maintain a verified registry of qualifying micro, small, and medium enterprise (MSME) suppliers.

This registry will enable procuring entities to identify eligible businesses when applying the Set-Asides provisions more easily.

Mrs. Williams explained that under the Public Procurement (Set-Asides) Order 2019, a Micro Enterprise is defined as having a turnover of less than $15 million, a Small Enterprise as having a turnover between $15 million and $75 million, and a Medium Enterprise as having a turnover ranging from $75 million to $425 million.

She noted that, once the system is operational, the Ministry will issue a renewed directive to public bodies mandating utilisation of the Set-Asides Order, with special emphasis on micro and small enterprises.

The Minister noted that collaboration with the PPC will continue to simplify and streamline the supplier registration system, making it easier for businesses to enter and participate in the public procurement marketplace.

While the Order has never been repealed, she pointed out that the systems referenced in the Government’s Circular remain non-operational.

Mrs. Williams added that, with the PPC now maintaining a registry, she has already discussed with the Commission, taking over responsibility for verifying qualifying suppliers and managing the list of eligible MSMEs.

She acknowledged that some website and software modifications will be required, along with additional budgetary support for the PPC, but expressed confidence that these changes could be implemented during the new fiscal year. Once completed, a new circular will be issued focusing specifically on micro and small enterprises.

Mrs. Williams emphasised that entities with turnover below $75 million will require substantial guidance and support to navigate the complexities of the Government’s procurement system.

She underscored the need to facilitate this assistance, noting that greater access, in line with the Procurement Act, Regulations, and Circulars, will shortly open more widely to MSMEs.

“These initiatives will ensure that government procurement not only delivers value for money, but also serves as a powerful tool for inclusive economic growth by opening more opportunities for Jamaican entrepreneurs to supply goods and services to the Government,” she said.