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OpenProcurement is an
open source Open source is source code that is made freely available for possible modification and redistribution. Products include permission to use and view the source code, design documents, or content of the product. The open source model is a decentrali ...
procurement software Procurement software refers to a range of business software designed to streamline and automate purchasing processes for businesses and organizations. By managing information flows and transactions between procuring entities, suppliers, and partners ...
toolkit that automates procurement processes. It provides tools to design and build a transparent and competitive procurement process backed by strong data collection, electronic documents, and detailed reporting. ''OpenProcurement'' toolkit was first released in 2014 under Apache license for free and open source software. Originally ''OpenProcurement'' had been developed by Quintagroup for
ProZorro Prozorro ( Ukrainian: Прозоро – transparent, clear) is a public electronic procurement system where state and municipal customers announce tenders to purchase goods, works and services, and business representatives compete for the opp ...
, a procurement system implemented to provide transparent and efficient spending of public funds in Ukraine. But due to toolkit’s flexibility and scalability it remains in use for other government and private sector procurements.


The point of the project

The aim of the project was to create an effective electronic public procurement system with open source, which would meet the following requirements: * ''simplicity and ease of use'' - procurement procedures should be simple and understandable for all participants in the procurement process, especially the organizers (buyers) and participants (sites). * '''openness' of tender documents and transparency of procurement procedures'' - civil society should have free access to all documents related to procurement. * ''equal opportunities for participants'' - all legal entities or individuals should be able to participate if their offer satisfies the requirements specified in the tender documentation. * ''prevention of corruption'' - the use of electronic documents, strict qualification criteria, a transparent system of evaluation and selection of the most cost-effective offer will lay the foundation for the process of eradicating corruption.


Free software components

The ''OpenProcurement'' software package uses a number of other open source products: #
Python Python may refer to: Snakes * Pythonidae, a family of nonvenomous snakes found in Africa, Asia, and Australia ** ''Python'' (genus), a genus of Pythonidae found in Africa and Asia * Python (mythology), a mythical serpent Computing * Python (prog ...
(a programming language) # Pyramid #
AngularJS AngularJS (also known as Angular 1) is a discontinued free and open-source JavaScript-based web framework for developing single-page applications. It was maintained mainly by Google and a community of individuals and corporations. It aimed to si ...
, VueJS # Bootstrap # Flask (web-framework) #
CouchDB Apache CouchDB is an open-source document-oriented NoSQL database, implemented in Erlang. CouchDB uses multiple formats and protocols to store, transfer, and process its data. It uses JSON to store data, JavaScript as its query language using ...
# PouchDB


Architecture

''OpenProcurement'' consists of a
Centralized database A centralized database (sometimes abbreviated CDB) is a database that is located, stored, and maintained in a single location. This location is most often a central computer or database system, for example a desktop or server CPU, or a mainframe co ...
(CDB) and the API through which specialized electronic platforms can interact with the CDB and module auctions. Third-party web platforms (web platforms, which implement components of the e-procurement system, and give access to purchasing organizations, vendors, and ordinary visitors) interact with CDB using ''OpenProcurement'' API and provide temporary login data to access the Module of the auction and participate in it. The administrator has a direct access to CDB and services offered by the Backend; helps with the support of the system and with connecting web platforms to it. The body of appeal is granted access to the system through a special web interface to consider and adjudicate on complaints. The interaction between web sites and CDB is via API — a web interface based on the module
JSON JSON (JavaScript Object Notation, pronounced or ) is an open standard file format and electronic data interchange, data interchange format that uses Human-readable medium and data, human-readable text to store and transmit data objects consi ...
. The business logic is implemented in
Python Python may refer to: Snakes * Pythonidae, a family of nonvenomous snakes found in Africa, Asia, and Australia ** ''Python'' (genus), a genus of Pythonidae found in Africa and Asia * Python (mythology), a mythical serpent Computing * Python (prog ...
. For saving the auctions, offers, etc., a non-relational database
CouchDB Apache CouchDB is an open-source document-oriented NoSQL database, implemented in Erlang. CouchDB uses multiple formats and protocols to store, transfer, and process its data. It uses JSON to store data, JavaScript as its query language using ...
was used. Attachments (binary files such as pdf, xls, etc.) are stored on the file server, which is compatible with
Amazon S3 Amazon Simple Storage Service (S3) is a service offered by Amazon Web Services (AWS) that provides object storage through a web service interface. Amazon S3 uses the same scalable storage infrastructure that Amazon.com uses to run its e-commerc ...
.


Open Contracting

The toolkit contains Data Standard for procurement procedures. It was developed on the basis of Open Contracting 1.0RC http://standard.open-contracting.org and extended to ensure practical implementation of the procurement process in Ukraine.


Use cases and production deployments

The ''OpenProcurement'' functionality is suitable for both public and commercial procurement.


ProZorro

''OpenProcurement'' toolkit was designed specifically for the
Prozorro Prozorro ( Ukrainian: Прозоро – transparent, clear) is a public electronic procurement system where state and municipal customers announce tenders to purchase goods, works and services, and business representatives compete for the opp ...
, the Ukrainian electronic
Government procurement Government procurement or public procurement is the purchase of goods, works (construction) or services by the state, such as by a government agency or a state-owned enterprise. In 2019, public procurement accounted for approximately 12% of GDP ...
system. Prozorro was designed according to international standards and international best practices. As a model Ukrainian system used the procurement system in Georgia that is recognized as one of the best in the world. As the core of ProZorro project this toolkit: * covers specific requirements to the accessibility and transparency of procedures. * enforces (where appropriate) and encourages recognised best practices for public procurements during the whole tendering process. * uses electronic documents, strict qualification requirements, a transparent system of proposal evaluation and awarding, effective reverse auctions and open access to the procurement data. * applies time and cost effective reverse auction where suppliers compete to sell goods to the procuring entity at the lowest price. Currently for login on ProZorro or for the submission of tender proposal participants do not need the electronic digital signature (EDS).


ProZorro.Sale

''OpenProcurement'' toolkit was used by Prozorro.sale, a Deposit Guarantee Fund (DGF) system that organizes sale of the assets belonging to insolvent or liquidated banks. Goal of ProZorro.Sale is a transparent, fast and effective sales of state and communal property, as well as fighting against corruption by the means of equal access to data, public control and increasing number of the potential buyers. The Prozorro.sale’s architecture and main components are the same as those in the original Prozorro project. The main difference is that the ascending auction is used for selling assets for the highest price.


Atreus

Atreus is a SaaS auction platform that has in its core an ''OpenProcurement'' toolkit. It consists of four types of auctions: # Forward English auction. The key feature of this auction type is the gradual increase in price for the item (goods or a service) that is put for sale by the auction organizer when the buyers bid in competition to purchase this item. The main peculiarity of the Forward English auction is the three-round procedure where participants can make their bids anonymously. # Reverse English auction. The number and the duration of the auction rounds are limited and machine-controlled, making the acquisition process quick, fair, and competitive. # Hybrid Dutch auction. This type of auction was created for NPL disposal for DGF within ProZorro.Sale system and for the state asset sale. # Texas auction. This type is well-suited for property lease or art auctions since its practically identical to the auctions conducted by Sotheby's. The bidding here starts with a price announced by the seller and lasts until there remains only one bidder willing to take a lot.


RIALTO

In addition to
ProZorro Prozorro ( Ukrainian: Прозоро – transparent, clear) is a public electronic procurement system where state and municipal customers announce tenders to purchase goods, works and services, and business representatives compete for the opp ...
and ProZorro.Sale, the ''OpenProcurement'' software package was also implemented in the RIALTO project - a platform for commercial procurement.


Open source components

''OpenProcurement'' toolkit used a number of other open source projects:
Python Python may refer to: Snakes * Pythonidae, a family of nonvenomous snakes found in Africa, Asia, and Australia ** ''Python'' (genus), a genus of Pythonidae found in Africa and Asia * Python (mythology), a mythical serpent Computing * Python (prog ...
, Pyramid,
AngularJS AngularJS (also known as Angular 1) is a discontinued free and open-source JavaScript-based web framework for developing single-page applications. It was maintained mainly by Google and a community of individuals and corporations. It aimed to si ...
, Bootstrap,
Flask Flask may refer to: Container * Hip flask, a small container used to carry liquid * Laboratory flask, laboratory glassware for holding larger volumes than simple test tubes ** Erlenmeyer flask, a common laboratory flask with a flat bottom, a c ...
,
CouchDB Apache CouchDB is an open-source document-oriented NoSQL database, implemented in Erlang. CouchDB uses multiple formats and protocols to store, transfer, and process its data. It uses JSON to store data, JavaScript as its query language using ...
, PouchDB.


References

{{Reflist Cross-platform free software Free software programmed in Python Free business software Software using the Apache license