In 2015, the World Bank approved a new procurement framework with the aim of reforming its approach to procurement. The overall objective was to enhance the World Bank’s development effectiveness, continue to exercise leadership in procurement for development, and remain at the forefront of public procurement as a setter of international standards (World Bank 2012a). The vision of the procurement reform was for investment project financing (IPF) procurement to help clients achieve value for money with integrity in delivering sustainable development (World Bank 2015b).

Making procurement of works, goods, and services less of a barrier is critical to project success, especially in countries with lower institutional capacity to implement procurement.