Accountability of Defaulting Contractors towards Value for Money in Public Procurement: The Role of Judicial Organs.

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine the accountability of defaulting contractors towards value for money in public procurement with a particular focus on determining whether the parameters utilized by the judicial organs are like those utilized in public procurement as stipulated in Cap 410. The study was conducted at two legal institutions, namely the Public Procurement Appeals Authority and the High Court in Dodoma region. The study employed a descriptive design whereby data were presented in tables and charts. The population of the study involved 53 legal experts who specifically participated in landmark cases from 2020 to 2025. The study used questionnaires to collect data and analyze it by using descriptive statistics with aid of SPSS version 26 which facilitated establishment of mean, Standard Deviation and Percentages. The results indicate that all the three variables of interest, that is, (utilization of value for money parameters, compensation measures and accountability measures) are above the average mean value and utilization scoring the highest (38%) followed by accountable measures (36%) which amplifies that the judicial organs comply with the requirements of the Public Procurement Act No. 10 of 2023 which is anchored on realization of value for money. This study presents novelty by examining accountable measures imposed to defaulting contractors towards value for money in public procurement as an area overlooked by past studies. The study recommended that Public Entities should liaise with the judicial organs in revealing bad practices of contractors.