[okfn-za] Open Contracting Standard Launched

Tue Nov 18 08:25:28 UTC 2014

Great stuff.

For those interested in open contracting, check out OpenOil's new repo of
gov oil contracts:

http://openoil.net/2014/11/11/openoil-launches-repository-385-oil-contracts-from-54-countries-one-click-away/

Arthur

On 18 November 2014 09:51, Adi Eyal <adi at code4sa.org> wrote:

> The Open Contracting Standard was launched today. Below is the press
> release:
>
> Standard launched to ensure transparency and efficiency in contracting
>
> The world’s first Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS) was launched in
> Costa Rica today (November 18th, 2014) and is set to transform the way
> governments publish contracting data. The OCDS is a product of the Open
> Contracting Partnership (OCP), developed by the World Wide Web Foundation
> through a project supported by the Omidyar Network and the World Bank. It
> will shine a light on how trillions of dollars of public money are spent,
> helping to fight corruption, improve service delivery and enhance market
> efficiency.
>
> Governments around the world spend 9.5 trillion USD each year in
> contracting but until now, the data has largely been inaccessible.
>
> The OCDS gives governments a common format and set of practical tools
> which will allow them to consistently publish contracting data openly. The
> OCDS will ensure contracting is transparent and efficient, allowing
> businesses to compete effectively creating business growth and maximising
> public engagement.
>
> Gavin Hayman, Incoming Executive Director of the OCP said: "It is time to
> end secret deals between companies and governments to make sure public
> resources are spent openly, effectively and efficiently. Having accessible,
> comparable data covering the key items of information in a deal is key to
> achieving this objective"
>
> Anne Jellema, CEO of the World Wide Web Foundation said: "Corruption adds
> an estimated $2.3 trillion to the cost of government contracts every year.
> This new standard is a big step forward in the fight to eliminate fraud and
> waste in public procurement, enabling contracts to be published online in a
> transparent, consistent and user-friendly format so that anyone can monitor
> them."
>
> As part of the announcement the Open Contracting Partnership are inviting
> governments to access the Standard and adopt the tools to ensure
> contracting is transparent and efficient, and citizens and NGOs are urged
> to monitor and analyse published data.
>
>
> --
> Adi Eyal
> Director
> Code for South Africa
> Promoting informed decision-making
>
> phone: +27 78 014 2469
> skype: adieyalcas
> linkedin: http://za.linkedin.com/pub/dir/Adi/Eyal
> web: http://www.code4sa.org
> twitter: @soapsudtycoon
>
> For more information on how to participate in the open data community in
> South Africa, go to: http://www.code4sa.org/#community
> Sign up for Naked Data, our weekly round-up of what's happening locally
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>
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