If this was a group as the OP mentioned then fares and inventory are held for issuance X number of days prior to departure. Totally normally, but this is from a North American perspective.
Why and how in the world would this be normal procedure? I can't see any benefits and a whole lot of downsides, especially when dealing with a third world agency.
I'm seriously asking, since you are a TA, why is this normal procedure? Just interested in learning.