The U.S. Trade Development Agency (USTDA) plans to launch their Global Procurement Initiative (GPI) in India shortly. As a precursor to this launch, AMCHAM India, in partnership with the Consulate General of the United States, Mumbai, organized a presentation on “Global Procurement Initiative: Understanding Best Value” on Wednesday, 22nd February 2017 in Mumbai.

The morning began with a welcome address and an introductory note by Mr. Chris Grossman, Chief Economic & Political Affairs, U.S. Consulate, Mumbai. Ms. Mehnaz Ansari, Country Representative – South Asia, USTDA, made an insightful presentation on USTDA’s presence, projects, priority sectors, partnerships (government and industry) and initiatives in India.

USTDA is engaged actively on projects in infrastructure, energy, transportation and IT as well as providing in-depth training on conducting life-cycle cost analyses, pilot projects and feasibility studies. USTDA also partners with World Bank and collaborates with major multilateral development banks in the planning and execution of GPI. The agency’s goal is to provide each GPI partner country with the access, opportunity and support it needs to structure sound infrastructure tenders that can foster sustainable economic growth.

Ms. Lauren Zeigler, Manager Global Procurement Initiative, USTDA, shared insight information on the Global Procurement Initiative that is proposed to be lunched in India shortly. Through the presentation, she highlighted:

Key issues: Best Value determination, life cycle cost analysis, objective evaluation and professionalization
Overarching goals of the GPI: sustainability and improved outcome
The GPI model: Study tours to the U.S., training sessions and advisory support
Partner Countries: Mexico, Colombia, Romania, Vietnam, Philippines, Ethiopia, Botswana, Panama
Partnership criteria: USTDA seeks to partner with countries that are:
Committed to integrating best value determination in tenders
Open to fair and transparent international competition
Dedicated to the long term professionalization of their procurement workforce
GPI in India: Potential partner states – Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Rajasthan, Gujarat, West Bengal

An interactive Q&A session answered several queries on challenges and opportunities in the Indian procurement scenario. The roundtable event concluded with closing remarks and vote of thanks by Ms. Surabhi Wahal, Regional Director – Western Region, AMCHAM.