All procuring entities now required to publish emergency contract details
KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Government of Jamaica has implemented a new transparency requirement mandating that all procuring entities publicly disclose details of contracts awarded during emergencies or situations of extreme urgency.
The information must be published on the Government of Jamaica Electronic Procurement System (GOJEP) at www.gojep.gov.jm.
The measure, which took effect on November 12, 2025, follows amendments to the Public Procurement Act. Under the new rules, procuring entities must publish an Emergency Contract Award Notice within one month of awarding any such contract. The objective, according to the Government, is to strengthen transparency, accountability and public oversight in the use of public funds during crises.
While emergency situations often require immediate action, the Government stressed that this urgency should not undermine good governance. The publication requirement allows Jamaicans to see what goods, works or services were procured, who received the contracts, and the justification for the award, even when decisions are fast-tracked.
Each Emergency Contract Award Notice must include key details such as: the name of the contract, the name of the contractor, the justification for contractor selection, the award date, the total contract value, the contract duration and current status, a description of the emergency or extreme urgency and a summary of the goods, works or services procured.
Officials say centralising this information on GOJEP ensures early, equal access for the public, civil society groups and the media. The Ministry of Finance and Public Service notes that this process is intended to further reinforce principles of integrity, fairness and value for money in public procurement, while building public trust in how emergency spending decisions are made.
For additional guidance, procuring entities and members of the public may consult Guidance Note 2 of 2025 – Procurement in Situations of Emergency or Extreme Urgency on the Office of Public Procurement Policy website at www.procureja.gov.jm.
