Please keep the following in mind before starting an evaluation:
In ASEC, each question in the questionnaire is carefully designed to analyze specific aspects and does not repeat, even if some may seem similar at first glance. For example, Question A addresses whether the regulatory framework considers the Value for Money Principle, while Question B focuses on whether value for money is the primary award criterion for contracts. Each question has a distinct purpose and contributes to evaluating different dimensions of the CPS approach.
Although a “NO” answer may make the next question seem redundant, it is requested to be completed to ensure that the recommendations are more comprehensive. This allows for the identification of best practices and provides detailed guidance on specific aspects or subtopics, even when the initial response indicates an area for improvement.
In the questionnaire, we distinguish between structural and substantial questions. Structural questions act as framework standards, providing an organizational framework for effectively implementing the CPS approach. On the other hand, substantial questions address substantive aspects or criteria that are fundamental to the approach’s application. This distinction helps guide contracting entities towards effective implementation and a deep understanding of CPS.
In ASEC, you will find references such as “Government Agency or Contracting Entity” or “Centralized Agency or Regulatory Body.” These references aim to provide flexibility to the platform to adapt to various frameworks and institutions in the region, recognizing the variations in different contexts.
The linkage of each question with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) is done directly on the standard being evaluated. While a standard may have connections to several SDGs, the linkage is established with those SDGs that are closely related to the specific content of the question. This approach allows for a more precise and specific evaluation of the contracting entities’ contributions to the global sustainability goals.
The analysis of the regulatory framework is carried out in the axis dedicated to Procurement and Contract Management, as the regulatory context plays a crucial role in the management and practical application of the CPS approach. Understanding how the principles of value for money and sustainability are integrated into the legal framework, along with the tools and opportunities provided by the regulatory framework, is essential for the success of CPS initiatives.
Frequently Asked Questions
Generals
ASEC is a self-assessment platform for public contracting entities that allows them to conduct an institutional survey of action plans and government management in the area of Sustainable Public Procurement (SPP).
ASEC's objective is to enhance the economic, social, and environmental impact of public procurement processes in a clear manner and across various axes of institutional management. This is achieved through the adoption of a dichotomous questionnaire, where each question is accompanied by an explanation of its purpose or context.
ASEC is a practical self-assessment tool that enables an institutional survey in the field of Public Procurement for Sustainability (PPS), identifying opportunities for improvement and promoting a series of steps and actions necessary to optimize the implementation of the approach, enhance institutional strengthening, and foster sustainability through procurement systems.
All public entities at any level and sector of government that manage public procurement can register on the platform
To access ASEC, a registration must be created on the platform, using one account per institution. The registration request will be automatically verified through the institutional email used to create the account.
"The self-assessment consists of a dichotomous questionnaire with 152 questions divided into 5 thematic pillars: Institutional Framework, Procurement and Contract Management, Professionalization, Market Development, and CPS Measurement, Monitoring, and Evaluation. Additionally, each pillar contains specific subtopics.
Completing the self-diagnosis will allow you to understand the current state of institutional progress and identify opportunities for improvement based on a set of indicators and recommendations.
Within the opportunities for improvement and recommendations, initiatives developed under the framework of the RICG and other internationally recognized tools that strengthen the proper implementation of CPS are promoted. These include, for example, the MAPS evaluation by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) and the OPEN SPP initiative by the Open Contracting Partnership (OCP).
It is not necessary to answer all the questions at once. The platform allows you to save your progress and resume at any time. It is also not required to answer the questions in the same order as they appear in the questionnaire. There is flexibility in the information you wish to complete initially for each of the topics or subtopics; however, in order to obtain the Roadmap with recommendations, it is necessary to complete the entire questionnaire.
Once the questionnaire has been completed, a detailed report can be downloaded with the self-assessment results and recommendations to improve the sustainability of the institution's public procurement processes.
The self-diagnosis can be completed as many times as desired. To do so, make sure to download the obtained results before re-answering the questionnaire, in order to compare the before and after, and clearly track the progress in each of the areas.
The SG/OAS, as the technical secretariat of the Inter-American Network of Government Procurement (RICG), is the entity responsible for managing ASEC and the content provided by users. For more information, we suggest reviewing our data and privacy policy.
