MUSCAT, DEC 11
The Ministry of Finance (MoF) has launched a competitive tender to procure the services of a private Omani firm to develop and operate the Oman Business Platform (OBP) project — an initiative at the heart of the government’s goal to enhance the country’s investment appeal.
The project will be delivered via the Public Private Partnership (PPP) route, with the Ministry of Finance overseeing the procurement process in line with its mandate as the orchestrator of all PPP initiatives in the Sultanate of Oman. The client, however, is the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion (MoCIIP), under whose auspices the Oman Business Platform has been initiated as one of its flagship projects under the Digital Transformation Programme 2021-25.
Launched originally as a One-Stop-Shop in 2003, the Oman Business Platform has undergone a succession of upgrades and enhancements — technological and qualitative — to serve as the government’s principal digital vehicle for engagement with investors and the wider business community.
“The Oman Business Platform plays a crucial role as the central hub for business registration data in Oman, serving over 50 million records and supporting more than 36 government and private entities. This platform is vital for ensuring smooth e-government services across the country. On an average day, it handles 250,000 web service requests, processes 10,639 tasks, and supports more than 50 online services and licensing-related services,” the Finance Ministry explained.
A Platform Operator from the private sector has now been sought to ensure the continued enhancement of the platform to keep pace with modern trends and technological advancements.
To this end, the Ministry recently issued a Request for Qualifications (RfQ) inviting Omani firms to register their interest in participating in the procurement process. The successful vendor will secure a 7-year contract (extendable by 1+1 year renewal periods) to operate the platform against a payment structure that includes “both a fixed component and one or more variable components possibly related to platform revenue growth and/or transaction volume growth”.
The Platform Operator will be required to enhance the platform’s capability to deliver seamless, efficient, and integrated government services. “As a digital hub for the community, the platform's enhancements will prioritise user engagement and streamlined service delivery. The vision includes refining user interfaces and improving backend systems to ensure a responsive and accessible digital environment for all users, ranging from local Omani businesses to international investors and the general public,” the Ministry of Finance stressed.
Significantly, the Oman Business Platform has been credited with raising Oman’s standing as a business-friendly destination, notably by improving transparency, reducing processing times, and streamlining the handling of business registrations and licenses. In 2017, Oman was ranked #1 in the World Bank's Ease of Doing Business report for the 'Starting a Business' category among GCC countries.
RfQ submissions for the Oman Business Platform project are due in by February 3, 2025.
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