SBM Offshore Guyana’s recent Vendor Day activity saw a commitment of over 700 hours of training and US$37 million in contracts for local suppliers.
The company met with 70 representatives of local businesses at the event, which is an integral part of its annual activities aimed at providing local suppliers with essential updates on procurement opportunities, requirements, and compliance processes.
According to Garri Fraser, Local Content Officer, major vendors are set to benefit from the comprehensive training programs. Among these, 200 hours will be dedicated to contractors, incorporating essential Human Rights training. Additionally, 24 hours of forums and webinars will be conducted, alongside clarification sessions on the Requests for Information process. Vendors will receive guidance on the creation of bid packages to enhance their chances of success.
Fraser emphasized the remarkable commitment SBM Offshore Guyana has made to local vendors, stating, “From the procurement side, we have committed about US$37 million dollars of spend to local vendors. Now, that is huge when you look at the total commitment to local content in Guyana, which is US$51 million dollars.”
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Flavia Werneck, Supply Chain Support Manager, and Recardo Bovell, Procurement Lead, provided an overview of SBM Offshore Guyana’s comprehensive checks and balances which are in place when procuring services. These measures include robust vendor monitoring processes that rigorously assess vendor qualifications and performance, ensuring the highest standards are met.
Gwenetta Fordyce, Sustainability and Social Impact Programme Development Officer, stressed the importance for vendors to familiarize themselves with the company’s Human Rights Standards and HSSE policy. Nevellean Dundas, Compliance Ambassador, highlighted SBM Offshore Guyana’s expectations for vendors, urging them to uphold transparency, courtesy, and impartiality in their business conduct while complying with local laws and regulations. Shaneeza Alli, Accounting Lead, provided valuable insights into the company’s payment and invoicing processes, sharing best practices with the vendors in attendance. Richard Govinda, Warehouse Supervisor, provided crucial information on logistics, packaging, and preservation requirements, emphasizing the significance of proper documentation.
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During his address, Martin Cheong, General Manager of SBM Offshore Guyana, highlighted the positive impact of actively engaging with local suppliers, contractors, and vendors. He stressed that the company’s commitment extends beyond economic advancement, stating, “Vendor Day 2023 serves as testimony to our organization’s unwavering commitment to support local businesses and nurture local capacity.”
Vendor Day proved to be a valuable platform for participating businesses as they gained insights into the company’s expectations for suppliers, vendor qualification and renewal procedures, performance measurement criteria, key purchase order and invoicing requirements, as well as local content initiatives and commitments. Discussions with vendors also covered important topics such as sustainable packaging, vendor compliance measures, and crucial Health, Safety, Security, and Environment (HSSE) procedures.
SBM Offshore Guyana has already achieved significant milestones in local content development. In 2022, the company became the first Prime Contractor in Guyana to receive approval for its Local Content Master Plan. More recently, in May, the company obtained approval for its 2023 Local Content Annual Plan and Certificate of Compliance.
