Complaints, Appeals, and Review Panel (CARP)

Overview of CARP Complaints, Appeals, and Review Panel (CARP)

The Complaints, Appeals, and Review Panel remains a cornerstone of Liberia’s public procurement integrity framework. Through its adjudicatory and advisory functions, CARP continues to safeguard the rights of bidders and procurement entities alike, ensuring that public procurement and concessions are conducted in a manner consistent with the principles of fairness, transparency, and value for money.

Establishment and Legal Foundation
The Complaints, Appeals, and Review Panel (CARP) is an independent body established under Part VIII of the Public Procurement and Concessions Act of 2005. It serves as a quasi-judicial mechanism within the framework of the PPCC to ensure fairness, transparency, and accountability in the public procurement and concessions processes of Liberia.

Composition

The Panel is composed of five (5) members appointed by the President of Liberia in accordance with the Act. Of these:

Three (3) members must be qualified and licensed lawyers; and
Two (2) members must be non-lawyers with substantial experience in public procurement, concessions management, or contract administration.

This composition ensures a balanced mix of legal expertise and practical procurement knowledge to guide the review and decision-making process.

Mandate and Functions

CARP’s primary mandate is to provide an impartial, efficient, and transparent mechanism for addressing complaints and appeals arising from procurement and concessions activities. Its key functions include:
Hearing and deciding complaints and appeals submitted to the Commission in line with Part VIII of the PPC Act;
Advising the Commission on regulations and procedures proposed for adoption to improve the complaint-handling process;
Reviewing and providing input on standard bidding documents, contracts, and other instruments used in procurement and concessions;
Conducting hearings and making factual determinations in cases of supplier or contractor debarment; and
Recommending reforms to the Commissioners and Executive Director of the PPCC based on lessons learned from case reviews and hearings, with the goal of improving the legal and procedural framework governing public procurement and concessions.

Progress and Achievements (2005-Present)

Since its establishment in 2005, the Complaints, Appeals, and Review Panel has played a critical role in strengthening public confidence in the procurement process by ensuring that grievances are addressed through a credible and lawful mechanism. Some notable achievements include:

Resolution of numerous procurement disputes, preventing contract awards that would otherwise violate the PPC Act and ensuring value for money in public spending;
Development of procedural guidelines to enhance the efficiency and fairness of the complaint review process;
Contributions to policy and regulatory reforms, including recommendations that have informed revisions to procurement regulations and standard bidding documents; and
Promotion of due process and accountability, thereby reinforcing public trust in Liberia’s procurement system and contributing to the broader governance reform agenda.

CARP Complaints

When filing complaint with a CARP, it typically involves several key details to ensure the Complaint is properly processed and evaluated. Browser All Complaints.