The Transport Department in the Sarah Baartman District recently hosted a workshop aimed at equipping local service providers with the knowledge and skills needed to use the Centralised Supplier Database (CSD) e-quotation system.
The training session, organised by the Supply Chain Management unit of the Sarah Baartman District, took place on Tuesday, 3 March at the Robert Mangaliso Sobukwe Memorial Building, Graaff-Reinet. The workshop focused on helping service providers understand the latest information technology used by government departments when requesting and receiving quotations.
According to Supply Chain Management representative Thando Wopa, the purpose of the workshop was to capacitate service providers on how to effectively use the e-quotation system and to address challenges they may be experiencing.“It was about capacitating service providers on e-quotations, which is a system used by CSD to request and receive quotations, and also to listen and assist with challenges that the service providers might be experiencing with the system,” Wopa explained.
The workshop targeted local suppliers who are registered on the Centralised Supplier Database, as well as prospective service providers interested in doing business with government. Participants were guided through the process of responding to quotations through the online system.
Officials highlighted that the transition to online quotations marks a significant change in how government procurement is conducted. Suppliers who are not familiar with the new system may struggle to trade with government if they do not adapt to the technology.
The Centralised Supplier Database system, introduced by National Treasury, now requires that quotations be submitted electronically through the e-quotation platform. Emails are no longer accepted, and all responses must be processed through the system.
However, officials noted that because the system is still relatively new, many service providers are experiencing challenges. Some suppliers are able to view the quotations online but do not successfully return them through the system, often due to a lack of understanding of the process.
The department believes that workshops such as this are essential to ensure that small, medium and micro enterprises (SMMEs) are fully capacitated and able to participate in government procurement opportunities.
By providing training and support, the department hopes to empower local businesses to confidently use the new digital system and continue doing business with government departments.
