The Lake Victoria Basin Commission is committed to transparency at all stages of procurement, the initial decision to buy, through the selection of a supplier, to disposal of assets.

Value for Money; Effective competition; Fairness and Integrity; Transparency; Accountability and Interest of EAC/LVBC and its Stakeholders are key principles all of which must receive due consideration when undertaking a procurement.

The EAC/LVBC shall ensure that all potential participants in a specific procurement or disposal action do not have any potential or actual conflict of interest.

The EAC/LVBC shall, whenever it suspects that criminal activities are taking or have taken place, refer the matter to the appropriate civil authorities. These activities include bribery, fraud, coercion and collusion.

The EAC/LVBC shall entertain bids or award contracts to, suppliers who meet the legal, ethical and quality requirements of the EAC. This will require the ascertainment and confirmation by the EAC/LVBC of the qualifications of suppliers or contractors at any stage of the procurement proceedings.

EAC/LVBC is authorized by the Financial Rules and Regulations to comply with Development Partner requirements for the conduct of procurements being conducted with Development Partner Funds, including following the procurement procedures of the Development Partner, and obtaining approval of procurement actions in advance by the Development Partner.

EAC has diplomatic status and is not required to pay taxes and duties on its procurements.

The choice of procurement method is influenced by a number of factors, such as market conditions, complexity of the requirement, monetary value of the procurement, donor conditions and whether goods, works, or services are procured. Location and urgency may also have an effect on the choice of solicitation method, and the procedures applied.

Open International or open Regional competition shall be the preferred method of competition as it best satisfies the principles of best value for money, transparency and effective competition. If an open international or regional competition cannot be held, a Limited international or regional competition may be carried out. Limited competition shall be for international or regional competition may be carried out. Limited competition shall be for short-listed suppliers selected in a non-discriminatory manner in rosters, pre-qualifications, expressions of interest, market research etc. Regional competition shall be limited to suppliers in the Partner States.

Least Cost Selection is the evaluation methodology that recommends the lowest priced bid, which meets all the requirements of EAC/LVBC both commercial and technical. The lowest priced bid which is eligible, compliant, responsive and meets the minimum qualifying technical mark shall be the best evaluated bid and shall be recommended for award of contract.