Circumstances under which the direct procurement method would be appropriate in public procurement.

1. Emergency situations: Direct procurement may be appropriate in cases of emergencies where there is an urgent need for goods or services to address a crisis or disaster.

2. Single source suppliers: When there is only one supplier that can provide the required goods or services, direct procurement may be necessary to avoid delays in the procurement process.

3. Limited availability: If the goods or services needed are only available from a specific supplier and there are no suitable alternatives, direct procurement may be the most practical option.

4. Confidentiality: In cases where the procurement process needs to be kept confidential for security or proprietary reasons, direct procurement may be appropriate.

5. Small value procurements: For low-value procurements where the cost of conducting a competitive bidding process outweighs the benefits, direct procurement may be more cost-effective.

6. Specialized goods or services: When the goods or services required are highly specialized and only a limited number of suppliers can meet the specifications, direct procurement may be necessary.

7. Sole source suppliers: In cases where there is only one supplier that can meet the requirements and there is no competition in the market, direct procurement may be the only option.

Circumstances where Direct Procurement Method is Appropriate

The direct procurement method involves procuring goods or services directly from a vendor without competitive tendering. It is appropriate in the following circumstances:

1. Emergency Situations:
- When an urgent need arises and there is no time for competitive bidding.
- Examples: procurement of medical supplies, disaster relief materials, or equipment for security emergencies.

2. Proprietary or Specialized Goods:
- When only a specific vendor can provide the required goods or services due to proprietary technology or exclusive rights.
- Examples: procurement of patented products, bespoke software solutions, or specialized consulting services.

3. Small Value Procurements:
- When the value of the procurement falls below a predetermined threshold.
- This threshold is typically set to minimize administrative costs and avoid the need for complex bidding procedures.

4. Sole Source Procurements:
- When there is only one qualified or approved vendor for the procurement.
- Examples: procurement of specialized services from a government agency or a monopoly supplier.

5. Existing Contracts or Framework Agreements:
- When goods or services are being procured under an existing contract or framework agreement.
- This avoids duplicating the procurement process and ensures consistency of terms.

6. Research and Development:
- When innovative or experimental goods or services are being procured.
- Direct procurement allows for close collaboration and flexibility in contract management.

7. Low-Risk Procurements:
- When the procurement involves routine, low-value goods or services with minimal technical complexity.
- Examples: office supplies, standard maintenance services, or minor repair works.

8. Ethical Considerations:
- When the procurement is made from an organization promoting social or environmental objectives, such as non-profit organizations or minority-owned businesses.
- Direct procurement allows public entities to support these organizations and promote equity.

9. Geographic Limitations:
- When goods or services are required from a specific geographical area.
- Examples: procurement of local produce or services from local vendors to support local businesses.

10. Time-Sensitive Procurements:
- When the procurement timeline is tight and competitive bidding would delay the project.
- Examples: procurement of seasonal products or services for a specific event or occasion.