Botswana Unified Revenue Service (BURS) intends to procure additional x-ray container and baggage scanner equipment before close of the treasury year 2014/2015 in March.

The taxman has already put out a tender public notice for the provision of a consultancy service to facilitate the procurement, supply and installation of non-intrusive inspection system – x-ray container and baggage scanner equipment.

Drake Ramaeba , procurement officer with BURS said preference on the tender will be given to local companies based on the presidential directive of 2010 regarding the Economic Diversification Drive (EDD) scheme.

EDD is a government initiative to promote the growth of a vibrant and globally competitive private sector and one of its aims is to leverage the Government's purchasing power to stimulate local production and consumption by procuring from locally based manufacturers and service providers.

"Bidders must attach a certified copy of EDD certificate for eligibility to receive preference under this tender," Ramaeba said.

In 2012, BURS procured two mobile scanners at a cost of P43 million to improve its efficiency at the country's borders.

However, the Service continues to grapple with increasing incidents involving smuggling.

BURS is also looking to contract a consultant to provide services for the procurement of tracking and tracing device of excisable products.

"BURS wishes to invite offers from both domestic and international competent consultancy companies to tender for the provision of consultancy service of procuring a tracking and tracing of excisable products," said Ramaeba.