Petroleum Development Oman ( PDO ) held a workshop on Wednesday, giving Omani small and medium enterprises (SMEs) a better understanding of how to do business with the Company. The seminar was aimed at encouraging local vendors to bid for future contracts by explaining PDO ‘s technical contractual requirements, tendering and contracting processes, business ethics and health, safety and environment requirements.

It also focused on the importance of training and Omanisation among SMEs to support PDO efforts to generate employment opportunities for Omanis. Around 30 representatives from SMEs and Local Community Contractors (LCCs), from companies owned by local communities or individuals that live in PDO ‘s concession area, attended the event at the Company’s Mina Al Fahal headquarters in Muscat. Many of those invited had unsuccessfully bid for PDO work in the past.

Abla Al Riyami, In-Country Value Director at PDO said: “This is the first workshop of its kind that aims at addressing the main reasons for Omani SMEs in failing PDO ‘s technical bids evaluation. It is meant to raise awareness on our particular tendering requirements and stipulations.”

“As a fair, honest, ethical and efficient Company, PDO contracts must conform to the highest standards and certain processes and procedures. These have to be followed by those bidding for work with us. We hope, this workshop has given those who participated a clearer understanding of our terms and conditions and enabled them to be ready and able to successfully compete for business not only with PDO , but with the wider oil & gas industry.”

PDO is an active backer of local businesses, providing support across a wide range of activities. Last year, it awarded contracts worth US$4.9 billion to nationally registered businesses. During 2014, there were also 171 active LCCs benefiting from PDO contracts. Examples of the services provided by them included electrical, mechanical, civil engineering, logistics and manpower supply.