. Tenderers are provided with electronic copy of the tender documents and allowed to submit e-tender in the format of CD-ROMs. The policy and procedures on electronic dissemination of tender documents and electronic submission of tender returns on removable media for public works procurement have been set out in ETWB TC(W) No. 11/2005 with subsequent updates on 19 December 2019 . Tenderers are provided with electronic copy of the tender documents and allowed to submit e-tender in the format of CD-ROMs.
As for works consultancy services, Works Bureau Technical Circular No. 17/2001 and Works Bureau Technical Circular No. 31/2001 cover the electronic dissemination of invitation documents and electronic submission of Expression of Interest and Technical & Fee proposals on CD-ROM.
With the advancement of information technology, there has been significant improvement in data transmission and storage, system security and stability, and system operation interface, bringing suitable conditions for the implementation of electronic tendering system for works contract and works-related consultancy services.
To meet the international trend in digital transformation and to take a leap forward in the pursuit of the smart city initiative, a new electronic platform viz. e‑Tendering System (“e-TS”) has been developed specifically to handle the procurement of public works contracts and consultancy services.
The e-TS aims at providing a green one-stop shop for both local and overseas contractors and consultants who wish to tender for government works contracts and consultancy services. It is a cloud-based secured electronic system that works round-the-clock (scheduled maintenance excluded). The e-TS comprises of two e-services, e-TS for works contracts and e-TS (Works Consultancy Services) [“e-TS(CS)”]. Through the e-TS for works contracts and e-TS(CS), contractors can enquire information relating to forecast of works tenders / consultancies, tender / invitation notices and award of works contracts / consultancies of all participating departments anywhere and anytime. In addition, contractors on the Government Approved Lists, and consultants on the List of Consultants of AACSB, List of Consultants of EACSB and List of Buildings Department Pre-qualified Consultants will receive invitation and be able to submit tender / proposal of selected works contracts / consultancies via the system.
A series of training sessions have been arranged for contractors, consultants and construction related organisations to promote the e-procurement policy for public works procurement and demonstrate the key functions of the e-TS. In addition to telephone support hotlines, User Manual and Teaching Video of the e-TS is also available at the designated page of the GovHK website to provide assistance to the contractors.
The performance of the e-TS will be monitored and reviewed regularly for excellence of electronic services. In the longer term, the functions and capacity of the e-TS will be enhanced and expanded as necessary with a view to handling increased number as well as different types of public works contracts and consultancy agreements.
