Public procurement refers to the process by which public authorities, such as central and state government departments or local authorities, procure goods, services and works from the private sector.  In practice, the power of the government to enter into contracts with the private sector is exercised through various ministries, departments, and agencies. These contracts can range from small-scale procurements to large infrastructure projects, public-private partnerships, service agreements, procurement of weapons to commissioning of key public services in the education, healthcare sector, and to buying sundry goods and commodities.

Public procurement is a crucial pillar of services delivery for governments. Since it accounts for a large share of the taxpayers’ money, governments are expected to carry it out efficiently and with high standards of integrity to ensure the quality-of-service delivery and safeguarding of public interest.