Selling to the Public Sector
Government procurements are decentralized to each ministry and department. Individual ministries conduct their own procurement, adhering to financial regulations and procurement guidelines issued by the State Tender Board at the Ministry of Finance and Economy. Procurements above the value of BND$250,000 must first be approved by the State Tender Board.
Government sales opportunities exist in several sectors, including defense, transportation, machinery, infrastructure development, and ICT
For non-security related products, U.S. businesses may deal directly with individual government departments or ministries. Note that some ministries may have their own tender requirements. The Ministry of Health requires a written introduction to the Director General of Health Services to promote the company’s products and services. The letter of introduction should include the purpose of the letter, description of the product, and should be accompanied by product brochures. The letter should also include the target department or personnel that would benefit from the product or service provided.
The Brunei government advertises its tenders in the Pelita Brunei, a Malay-language newspaper. The Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) also publishes tender notices, which can be accessed through the office’s website.
Brunei Engineering, Logistics and Training Solutions (BELTS)
BELTSs a government-owned company that performs procurement, contracting, acquisition management, and equipment lifecycle management services for the Brunei government.
Contact Information
Chief Executive Officer
Brunei Engineering, Logistics and Training Solutions (BELTS)
6th Floor, Setia Kenangan Office Block Setia Kenangan Complex, Kg. Kiulap Bandar Seri Begawan
Phone: (673)-224-2700
Fax: (673)-224-6747
E-mail: info@rbts.gov.bn
Centre of Science and Technology Research and Development (CSTRAD)
CSTRAD is responsible for research, assessment, selection, and oversight of the acquisition of science and technology solutions for the Royal Brunei Armed Forces (RBAF). CSTRAD oversees Brunei’s defense modernization efforts, advises the Ministry of Defense on science and technology matters, and supervises the transparency and timeliness of the defense-related acquisitions process. Brunei’s military services and police force may procure non-lethal equipment directly.
Contact Information
Centre of Science and Technology Research and Development
Block A, 1st Floor
Ministry of Defense
Bolkiah Garrison
Phone: (673)-238-6369
Fax: (673)-238-6633
E-mail: cstrad@mindef.gov.bn
Most government tenders require the participation of local companies and local employees. Foreign companies are encouraged to partner with local companies. A Project Performance Bond is required at the tender approval stage to guarantee the delivery of a project in accordance with the project specifications. The bond is returned to the company involved after project completion.
Brunei Darussalam is not a party to the World Trade Organization (WTO) Government Procurement Agreement.
U.S. companies bidding on foreign government tenders may also qualify for U.S. Government advocacy. Within the U.S. Commerce Department’s International Trade Administration, the Advocacy Center coordinates U.S. Government interagency advocacy efforts on behalf of U.S. exporters in competition with foreign firms in foreign government projects or procurement opportunities. The Advocacy Center works closely with our network of the U.S. Commercial Service worldwide and inter-agency partners to ensure that exporters of U.S. products and services have the best possible chance of winning government contracts. Advocacy assistance can take many forms but often involves the U.S. Embassy or other U.S. Government agency officials expressing support for the U.S. exporters directly to the foreign government. Consult the Advocacy Center’s program web page on trade.gov for additional information.
Financing of Projects
Brunei is classified as a graduated developing member country of the Asian Development Bank and a non-borrowing member. Brunei is also a member of the Brunei-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA). Major projects are normally financed through public-private partnerships, especially for projects in line with Brunei’s Vision 2035 and National Development Plans. More information on public-private partnerships can be found on the Ministry of Finance and Economy website.