Carib WinBid
Procurement personnel and consultants need access to information in an efficient, timely and cost-effective manner customised to their needs. This is generally difficult in the Caribbean since most information is accessible only by direct personal contact. SIS has, therefore, developed the Carib WinBid System to fill that need.
These are some of the services that it can supply:
- Project Intelligence
- Skills Intelligence
- Marketing Consulting Services
- Procurement Workshops
- Bid Preparation
- Administrative Support
Project Intelligence. This database is updated regularly since SIS scans the IFI databases daily. Summaries are then placed in the contracts, approvals, and pipelines pages of the SIS website. SIS on instructions from a client will, for a research all the available information on a project and produce a report that will allow the client to make an informed decision about whether or not to pursue the project further.
Skills Intelligence. A current list of Caribbean and overseas consultants in each sector. The Consultants' database contains both a full and one page CV summarising the skills of the consultant. SIS can supply information on request to both borrowers and lenders of IFI funds. Clients have found it useful to have an annual subscription rather than pay per project.
Marketing Consulting Services. Smoothing the "feast and famine" cycles of any consulting business depends on effective marketing. It is generally so time consuming and expensive that only the largest companies with offices in the Caribbean do it on a regular basis. SIS by spreading the cost over the whole range of sectors supplies a service that effectively meets the needs of individual consultants or companies irrespective of whether they are based in the Caribbean or not.
Bid Preparation. Tracking from the identification stage of the project cycle gives the best chance of compiling a winning bid. Bids can be restricted, only a few consultants or companies invited or public, being advertised in the international and local media. SIS can assist by: a) collecting the bid package, b) clarifying the terms of reference if necessary, c) working with consultants to produce the technical and financial package, d) collating the bid and ensuring that it is compliant with the terms of reference, e) ensuring that the package is delivered on time, f) being present at the opening if necessary and g) following up until a decision is obtained.
Administrative Support. This is a service that is required by anyone who lacks an extensive staff in a country office. The need arises during country visits by procurement staff and overseas consultants. It is also necessary for Caribbean consultants when implementing a project.
SIS is continuously improving its services to ensure that its clients increase both the number and value of the contracts that they win.