ArmInfo.Private companies will deal with food supply for the needs of the Armenian armed forces. The government of Armenia approved a pilot program at a meeting on February 21 that provides for the introduction of a public-private partnership mechanism in the country's armed forces.
According to Deputy Minister of Defense of the Republic of Armenia Makar Ghambaryan, the Armed Forces were directly involved in issues related to the acquisition, delivery and processing of food products, which often led to problems and complaints. Now it is proposed as an experiment to introduce a new system of procurement of goods, taking into account all the existing risks. This, in particular, is about the involvement of private companies in this process. The proposal of the RA Ministry of Defense proceeded from the experience of a number of other states. At the same time, the minimum requirements format is set. Private companies will also have to take on such issues as upgrading military canteens, equipping them with equipment and equipment, repairing adjacent territories, installing fire-fighting and hail systems, upgrading water supply and wastewater disposal systems. In addition, companies will have to provide the country's armed forces with the necessary amounts of food and replenishment of stocks. During the season, they also undertake to provide the country's armed forces with fruits and vegetables. As the Deputy Minister stressed, the creation of a new system will lead to the creation of new jobs and higher wages. Mechanisms will also be introduced to control the insurance of the entire process at all stages. The process will involve at least three companies that are committed to providing food for the army, in locations and in field conditions, as well as on the front lines. Contracts with private companies will be concluded on the basis of direct negotiations and the definition of the rules of the game. If the program succeeds, tender procedures may not be excluded.
Thus, as Makar Ghambaryan stressed, conditions will be created for providing the Armed Forces with high- quality and diverse foodstuffs while maintaining the same levels of state funding. However, as the deputy minister noted, since last year only two companies have responded to the call of the defense department.