Punjab to Receive EPADS Source Code as PPRA Grants Approval

ISLAMABAD: The Public Procurement Regulatory Authority (PPRA) has agreed to hand over the EPADS source code to PPRA Punjab, with the condition that the basic architecture of the system remains unchanged, according to well-informed sources.

The decision aligns with the vision of ‘One Nation-One System,’ which aims to create a unified e-Procurement system for federal, provincial, and regional governments across Pakistan. The EPADS source code transfer is a significant step toward streamlining procurement processes and ensuring consistency in regulatory frameworks.

PPRA’s Vision for a Unified E-Procurement System

At a recent meeting of the PPRA Board, the Managing Director of PPRA highlighted that the E-Pak Acquisition and Disposal System (EPADS) was designed to serve as a centralized platform for all procurement activities in the country. The system is intended to align with the regulatory frameworks of all provincial and regional PPRAs, ensuring seamless integration and operational efficiency.

Clause “J” of the Statement of Work in the contract explicitly states that the system must include all modules and sub-systems tailored to meet the needs of provincial and regional PPRAs. This ensures that while the EPADS source code is shared, each jurisdiction retains complete independence over its data and applications, with only the technology component centralized under the Federal PPRA (F-PPRA).

Ensuring Consistency with the EPADS Source Code

The handover of the EPADS source code to Punjab marks a pivotal moment in Pakistan’s efforts to modernize its procurement processes. By maintaining the core architecture of EPADS, the PPRA ensures that the system’s integrity and functionality remain intact while allowing provincial authorities to adapt it to their specific regulatory requirements.

Officials expect the move to enhance transparency, reduce redundancies, and improve the overall efficiency of procurement activities across the country. They believe that the centralized control of the technology component by F-PPRA will also facilitate better coordination and standardization, ensuring that all regions benefit from a unified yet flexible system.

Moreover, they stated that the transfer of the EPADS source code to Punjab reflects PPRA’s commitment to fostering collaboration and innovation in public procurement. By adhering to the ‘One Nation-One System’ approach, Pakistan is taking a significant step toward achieving a more integrated and efficient procurement ecosystem, they said.