Abstract:
This study assesses the participation of special groups in tendering process to public sectors in
Dodoma City. The study's specific goals are to assess the competence of these groups to
participate in the tendering process, their legal capacity for such participation, and their
awareness of the preferential scheme for participating in tenders. The research employed a
cross-sectional design and surveyed 61 participants selected from four special interest groups
using purposive sampling. Data collection methods included questionnaires, interviews, and
document reviews, with data analyzed using descriptive statistics and correlation analysis. The
research examined the relationship between the competence of special groups and their
participation in the tendering process, utilizing the Pearson correlation coefficient (r). The results
revealed a significant negative correlation (r= -0.882, p-value=0.000), indicating that a decrease
in the competence level among members of specific groups leads to reduced opportunities for
engagement in the tendering process. In addition, the legal capacity of special groups in
participating in the tendering process was explored, with respondents expressing disagreement
on factors such as friendly registration requirements, knowledge of eligibility criteria, legal
expertise, and awareness of the complaint process. The negative correlation (r=-0.803, p
value=0.000) suggested that a decrease in the legal capacity of special groups would result in
reduced participation in the tendering process. Furthermore, the study delved into the
awareness of special groups regarding their participation in the tendering process.
Respondents indicated low agreement on the effectiveness of the promotion of the special
group preference scheme, awareness of the scheme, provision of training, and opportunities by
procuring entities for special groups to submit tenders. The negative correlation (r=-0.412, p
value=0.024) suggested that lower awareness within special groups leads to a decreased
opportunity for them to participate in the tendering process. Consequently, the study
recommends that public procurement stakeholders organize seminars and training sessions to
educate these groups on the preferential scheme and related procedures, enabling them to
utilize the scheme effectively and, in turn, contribute to the government's goal of improving the
lives of its citizens.
