One Government Value Agreement (OGVA) is an initiative launched by the Indian government with the aim of enhancing procurement and boosting transparency, efficiency, and accountability in the procurement process. The agreement sets out a framework of principles and values that govern the procurement process, ensuring that the government gets value for money, and vendors are treated fairly and equitably.
OGVA is a part of the e-Governance initiative, and therefore, it emphasizes the use of technology and automation to ensure that the procurement process is efficient and streamlined. The agreement is applicable to all government agencies, departments, and public sector undertakings and covers all stages of the procurement cycle, including planning, tendering, evaluation, award, and contract management.
The OGVA comprises eight fundamental principles, which are:
1. Transparency: This principle calls for transparency in all procurement processes, including publishing information on bids, awards, and contracts. It helps to create a level playing field for vendors, promoting competition and preventing favoritism and corruption.
2. Fairness and Equity: This principle provides equal opportunities for all vendors irrespective of their size, location, or ownership and prohibits discrimination based on gender, religion, or caste. It also ensures that the procurement process is fair and equitable and meets the needs of all stakeholders.
3. Competition: This principle is essential to ensure value for money and promotes competition among vendors. It provides an opportunity for vendors to bid competitively, reducing costs and ensuring quality products or services.
4. Integrity and Ethics: This principle mandates that the procurement process should be conducted with integrity and ethics. It prohibits any form of bribery, corruption, or conflict of interest, ensuring vendors` confidence in the procurement process.
5. Quality and Performance: This principle focuses on ensuring that vendors provide quality products or services and perform as per the contract`s terms and conditions.
6. Value for Money: This principle aims to achieve the best possible value for money by ensuring that procurement costs are optimized, and vendors are paid fairly.
7. Accountability: This principle ensures that all stakeholders are held accountable for their actions, promoting responsibility and transparency.
8. Risk Management: This principle addresses the risks associated with procurement and provides a framework to manage and mitigate them.
The OGVA is a significant step towards improving procurement processes and promoting transparency and accountability in the Indian government. It provides vendors with a level playing field and ensures that they are treated fairly and equitably. The framework of principles and values set out in the agreement promotes competition and value for money, providing the government with the best possible results. With the use of technology and automation, the OGVA ensures that the procurement process is efficient and streamlined, reducing costs and minimizing risks. In conclusion, the OGVA is a valuable initiative that provides a framework for good governance and ensures that the procurement process is transparent, accountable, and effective.