22nd October, 2024: The Caribbean Industrial Research Institute (CARIRI) and the Office of the Procurement Regulation (OPR) are pleased to announce the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), marking a significant milestone in their shared commitment to advancing innovation and enhancing capabilities within the public procurement sector of Trinidad and Tobago.

This partnership represents a major step forward in supporting the modernization of public procurement processes in the country. The MOU will facilitate the development of impactful solutions aimed at optimizing procurement practices and strengthening the public sector’s overall effectiveness.

CARIRI, renowned for its dedication to fostering innovation, technology development, and sectoral growth, views this agreement as a testament to its ongoing mission to promote innovative solutions across Trinidad and Tobago. “We are truly pleased to formalize this partnership with the OPR. Together, we aim to improve procurement processes and set the stage for greater operational excellence in the public sector,” said CARIRI’s Chief Executive Officer, Hans-Erich Schulz.
The MOU outlines several key areas of collaboration that will drive this initiative forward:

  • Development of the New Procurement Depository: CARIRI will contribute its technical expertise to assist OPR in creating an efficient, user-friendly system. This will involve collaborating on the design of the user interface and offering recommendations for programming, database selection, and cybersecurity measures. The goal is to develop a robust depository that meets high standards of security and functionality.
  • Dashboard Reporting Solutions: CARIRI will support OPR in enhancing data visualization and decision-making capabilities through the development of tailored dashboard reporting tools. Active participation in requirements definition and design will help ensure that the solutions are aligned with the strategic needs of the organization.

The MOU also emphasizes a reciprocal exchange of expertise, with OPR bringing its knowledge in e-procurement, SharePoint, and industry best practices to strengthen CARIRI’s capacity to implement cutting-edge procurement solutions. This partnership is expected to benefit both organizations by leveraging complementary strengths and resources.

CARIRI and OPR recognize that the scope of their collaboration extends beyond the areas specified in the MOU. Both institutions are committed to continuously exploring additional opportunities for synergy, with the shared objective of fostering a dynamic and impactful partnership that contributes to the country’s progress.

Ms. Beverly Khan, Chairman and Procurement Regulator, OPR and Mr. Hans-Erich Schulz, Chief Executive Officer, CARIRI sign the historic MOU.