Digital Technologies gets $219M contract to supply tablets for 2022 Census

The Bureau of Statistics and Digital Technologies Group of Companies Inc on Wednesday signed a $219,784,200 contract for the supply and delivery of 2400 computer tablets and accessories to be utilised for field data collection during Guyana’s 2022 Population and Housing Census.

Signing on behalf of the Bureau during the simple ceremony hosted in the boardroom of the organisation’s Main Street, Georgetown headquarters was Chief Statistician Errol La Cruez, who spoke of the importance of the contract.
According to him, the contract has significant implications for the conduct of the Census, since this will be the first time that this national data collection exercise will be computer-based. By taking this step, the Bureau is embracing the application of available technology.
In a release from the Bureau, it was stated that the Chief Statistician added that the computer tablets would be a critical part of the Census, since they would facilitate faster data capturing, reporting and analysis in order to produce quality data in record time. This data will guide and provide support for development planning and general analysis across Guyana.
Signing on behalf of the company was Senior Operations Manager Jennifer Persaud, who noted that it was a pleasure serving the Bureau’s digital technology needs.
She expressed hope that the devices would meet the needs of the organisation and that the execution of the Census would be successful.
A total of 19 bids had been received following the advertising of the open/public tender which was executed through the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB).
Digital Technologies Group of Companies Inc emerged as the successful bidder for the supply and delivery of the computer tablets and accessories.
The Census, Guyana’s largest national data collection exercise, is being planned for commencement in mid-September 2022.
The Bureau of Statistics posited that this was an extremely important exercise that would produce a large amount of socio-economic and demographic data that is used for planning and national development. The National Census is conducted every 10 years and Guyana’s last Census was conducted in 2012.
“The Census plays a critical role in evaluating changes in the population and, therefore, should be viewed as more than just a headcount. These changes include size, composition, economic activities, quality of life, access to basic social services, maternal health, food security, agriculture and education. All of these changes have an impact on the demand for social services, such as health, housing, and education. This information is in great demand by the policymakers for planning and development, Private Sector, students, researchers, and international agencies,” the Bureau noted.