Purchase of Brompton bicycles – is it wrong to receive a single Tender submission?

Nparks' intended purchase of Brompton bicycles has become a hot topic recently. Many are questioning the need for Nparks to purchase the specified type of bicycle. Nominated MP and SMU Assistant Professor Eugene Tan commented that public procurement should not just be about following processes and guidelines, but also respecting the ‘spirit' behind these guidelines. It should include careful selection, considering whether there is value-for-money, as well as ensuring fair competition among vendors. He added that when calling Tenders, agencies should try to alert and inform more vendors. In this case, Nparks' Tender was put up during the Lunar New Year period when many vendors may be closed for the holiday season. During these special periods, perhaps the Tender period should be extended. Based on the government's procurement guidelines, the Tender period must be at least four working days for purchases below $70,000.