Public Sector Purchasing Consultancy

Purchasing

Effective public sector purchasing should not just tick a compliance box. Finding the right supplier needs the devotion of expertise, time and resource.

Only then can you ensure the continuity of service or product supply and mitigate risks in your supply chain.

Purchasing in the public sector

Purchasing goods or services for government departments, agencies and public bodies in the public sector can be a complex process. There are guidelines, policies and governance to adhere to and internal processes and procedures to follow.

This can lead to lengthy and costly purchasing processes.

We have a team of category experts who are dedicated to public sector purchasing support. We understand the steps it takes to manage a fully compliant Public Contracts Regulations 2015 purchasing process.

To drive faster, flexible and compliant purchasing in the public sector, we have access to a variety of frameworks according to your needs.

Alternatively, our experts can help you establish your own fully compliant strategic purchasing frameworks.

Why public sector purchasing is more complex to manage

Public sector purchasing is responsible for some of the highest levels of spend in the economy, which is paid for by the UK taxpayer. So it goes without saying that public sector tenders are subject to much stricter rules and rigorous governance. Critically that spend comes from public funds – meaning that the way in which money is spent on goods and services is scrutinised, to ensure the best possible value for money for the public purse.

Transparency is therefore a key part of the public sector tender process and any department, office or authority should be seen to be open and upfront with potential tenderers. As part of any invitation to tender (or ITT), organisations must clearly state conditions for participation, selection criteria, award criteria and the reasons why tenderers were successful or unsuccessful.

There is also a requirement for notices of all purchasing over an agreed contract value to be published to an online government system – now Find a Tender (FTS) – to ensure fair and open purchasing for all. With penalties set for non-compliance, there is a high level of responsibility placed on public sector departments when purchasing supplies, services or works.