# External Procurement Process [Mandatory]

For externally procured software, RISA should be involved as it has the mandate of ensuring centralized software procurement. Government institutions should follow the following process for external procurement:

1. <span style="color: black;">The institution submits the Terms of References (ToRs) including the Software Requirement Specifications to RISA.</span>
2. <span style="color: black;">RISA reviews the Terms of Reference and provides inputs and either approves or rejects the procurement request with reasons in consultation with the requ</span>esting institution<span style="color: black;">.</span>
3. <span style="color: black;">If the Terms of Reference are approved, they are submitted to the designated service provider under the framework contract.</span>
4. <span style="color: black;">In the event the solution cannot be implemented under the framework contract, the institution shall officially request a no-objection from RISA to utilize other alternative options.</span>
5. Once a no-objection is received from RISA, the institution will follow the RPPA public procurement process. The following should be considered at the various procurement stages.