Jamaica - Country Commercial Guide
Selling to the Public Sector
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Selling to the Government

Government procurement is generally done through open tenders, direct advertising, or by invitation to registered suppliers. The GOJ developed a central electronic portal for public tenders, which is mandatory for procurements over J$1.5 million (approximately US$10,000). Other tenders are listed on the relevant agencies’ websites and advertised in newspapers weekly. The National Contracts Commission (NCC) is responsible for reviewing and endorsing recommendations for the award of government contracts above approximately US$100,000 in value. The NCC registers and classifies contractors who respond to government contract tenders according to their size and capabilities. Water supply and distribution equipment contracts require registration with the National Water Commission, and to supply medicines and medical supplies, potential bidders must contact the Pharmaceutical Division of the Ministry of Health and Health Corporation Limited. Jamaica does not have a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with the United States and is not a party to the World Trade Organization (WTO) Agreement on Government Procurement.

U.S. companies bidding on Government tenders may also qualify for U.S. Government advocacy. A unit of 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 bidding on public sector contracts with international governments and government agencies. 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 agencies expressing support for the U.S. bidders directly to the foreign government. Consult the Advocacy Center’s program web page on trade.gov for additional information.

Financing of Projects

Multilateral Development Banks and Financing Government Sales

Price, payment terms, and financing can be a significant factor in winning a government contract. Many governments finance public works projects through borrowing from the Multilateral Development Banks (MDB). The Guide to Guide to Doing Business with Multilateral Development Banks overviews how to work with MDBs. The International Trade Administration (ITA) has a Foreign Commercial Service Officer stationed at each of the five different Multilateral Development Banks (MDBs): the African Development Bank; the Asian Development Bank; the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development; the Inter-American Development Bank; and the World Bank.

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