The Independent Procurement Review Panel (IPRP) has granted clearance to the Projects Fiduciary Management Unit (PFMU) to proceed with their procurement process related to the upgrade of the Bank of Sierra Leone Data Centre.

This decision follows appeals submitted by Smart Network Solution SL LTD and Computer Shop on February 12 and 17, 2025, respectively, challenging the outcome of the technical bid evaluation conducted by PFMU.

The procurement in question pertains to the supply, delivery, installation, integration, and configuration of both active and passive equipment under Lot 1 and Lot 2 for the data centre project (Ref: NO.SL-MOFED-328218). The bid was publicly advertised in October 2024, with funding provided by the World Bank through the Government of Sierra Leone. The appellants raised concerns regarding the evaluation process, prompting a formal hearing by the IPRP on April 23, 2025.

After reviewing the matter and the relevant provisions of the Public Procurement Act of 2016, particularly Sections 65 (7) and 65 (8), the IPRP ruled in favour of granting a Public Interest Exemption.

This allows PFMU to move forward with the procurement process, given the urgent nature and public importance of the data centre upgrade. The Panel emphasized the need to ensure uninterrupted delivery of critical financial and IT services.

However, the clearance granted is not final. The IPRP noted that the process remains subject to further review and potential requests for additional documentation. The Panel reiterated that while urgent public interest justifies proceeding for now, the procurement activities must continue to meet standards of transparency, accountability, and compliance.