Gyeonggi Office of Education Changes School Uniform Vendor Selection to 'Blind Review'

[Asia Economy (Uijeongbu) = Reporter Lee Young-gyu] The Gyeonggi Provincial Office of Education will switch to a 'blind review' process that hides the company name when selecting school uniform suppliers for each school.

This is a follow-up measure in response to the intensified concentration of certain large-scale uniform companies, contrary to the purpose of the 'Gyeonggi-do School Uniform Support Ordinance' introduced to revitalize small and medium-sized enterprises and the local economy.

According to the Gyeonggi Office of Education, four major domestic uniform companies accounted for 74% of school uniforms in the province. In some urban areas, the concentration of specific companies was found to be even more pronounced.

Under the blind review, company names cannot be disclosed during explanatory meetings in the uniform supplier selection process. Company names or logos must not be displayed on proposals or uniform samples.

The school-specific uniform selection committee will finalize the supplier by selecting the lowest bidder after quality and design evaluations (first stage).

The Gyeonggi Office of Education plans to review preparations, issues, and difficulties related to the blind review through on-site inspections this month and improve the system accordingly.

Previously, following measures to stabilize uniform prices, the Gyeonggi Office of Education introduced a school-led purchasing (joint purchasing) method in 2015.

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