Factors affecting local firms’ participation in competitive tendering in Dodoma Region, Tanzania

Abstract

The main purpose of this study was on examining factors affecting local firms’ participation in competitive tendering in Dodoma region, Tanzania. In particular, the study intended to examine public procurement opportunities available in Dodoma and what influences local firms to involve in acquiring those opportunities focusing on competitive tendering as a method of procurement. Case study research design was employed whereby a sample of 50 respondents was used. Data was collected through a questionnaire and analysed by using multiple regressions data analysis technique. Results indicated that lack of technical capability and weak technology advancement among local contractors; lack of experience on development projects; poor staff competence in development projects; poor financial capability and lack of awareness of public procurement policies, rules and regulation necessary for successful participation of local firms in development projects are the factors contributing to poor participation in competitive tendering in Dodoma Region Finally, the study concluded and recommended that the best initiatives for improving local firms' participation in competitive tendering in Dodoma region are; frequent seminars and workshops with the intention of building local firms' technical capability and creating of awareness on procurement policies, rules and regulations, advancement of technological matters, promoting own source collection so as to cover funds gap, recruiting competent staff with enough experience in tendering practices and proceeding specifically in competitive projects.