Procurement can commence even prior to issuance of SARO.

We have since received several queries on the issue of whether a procuring national agency will first have to wait for the issuance of Special Allotment Release Order (SARO) before they can commence the procurement process.

The GPPB has issued a clarification through Circular No. 02-2008 dated 1 August 2008 on the matter. The said circular clarifies that "procurement may commence as long as such activity is included in the APP of the procuring entity concerned. Prior issuance of the SARO is not pre-condition to the advertisement and/or posting of the invitation to apply for eligibility and to bid, in the case of public bidding, or posting of the notice of procurement, in the case of alternative methods of procurement." Issuance of the SARO is, however, required before issuance of the notice of award by the procuring entity.