Cabinet - 8 May 2014
Report of the Deputy County Treasurer
Electoral Division affected:
All
Draft Procurement Strategy
(Appendix 'A 'refers)
Contact for further information:
Lisa Kitto, (01772) 534757, County Treasurer's Directorate
[email protected]
Executive Summary
The County Council has recognised that for effective and efficient procurement
practices to operate at all levels within the County Council, they need to be
underpinned by an overarching Procurement Strategy. The development of a
procurement strategy has been a key priority of the County Council. A draft
procurement strategy as now been developed for consultation and is set out at
Appendix 'A'.
Recommendation
Cabinet is recommended to:
(i) Note the County Council's draft procurement strategy set out at Appendix 'A';
(ii) Note that a consultation process involving public, private and third sector
organisations will be undertaken and that a final strategy will be presented to
Cabinet in September for consideration and final approval.
Background and Advice
The County Council has recognised that for effective and efficient procurement
practices to operate at all levels within the County Council, they need to be
underpinned by an overarching Procurement Strategy. The development of a
procurement strategy has been a key priority of the County Council.
On 6 March 2014, Cabinet received a report that set out the principles upon which
the County Council's procurement strategy would be developed. In addition to this it
was also note that the Amended Notice of Motion agreed by Full Council on 3
October 2013, and set out below, would also be reflected in the strategy:
"Lancashire County Council:
1. Welcomes the consultation launched last month by Government to create a
small and medium sized enterprise (SME) ‘single market’ for public
procurement, simplifying and standardising how contracts are advertised, bid
for and paid across the sector on contracts over £10,000 and would welcome
similar proposals for contracts under £10,000 to follow suit
2. Recognises the huge opportunity presented to support small and medium
sized businesses and contribute to a strong local economy through its
procurement policies
3. Commits to adopting best practise in public procurement which takes into
account the full impact of the procurement process on the local economy, and
uses its public procurement role to promote the wellbeing of the local
economy and the diversity of small and medium sized enterprises
4. Recognises the important role played by Third Sector partners in the delivery
of services on behalf of the Council and commits to a procurement process
that takes into account the social value of Third Sector provision".
The draft strategy has now been developed which takes account of the County
Council's priorities. This document will shape the strategic direction and delivery of
procurement practices across the County Council and will be supported through the
newly established Procurement Board which has Director level representation from
all Directorates.
Before the strategy is formally adopted it is essential that the County Council carries
out a formal consultation seeking the views of key stakeholders. It is proposed that
an 8 week consultation process be undertaken that involves a range of public,
private and third sector organisations. In addition to this the consultation will be
made available on the County Council's website that is used to advertise all tenders.
This will ensure that all suppliers and potential suppliers to the County Council are
aware of the draft strategy and have an opportunity to be part of the consultation
process.
It is intended that the results of the consultation exercise will be taken into
consideration and reflected in a final strategy which will be brought back to Cabinet
in September for consideration and final approval. Revised County Council
Procurement Rules/Contract Standing Orders will then be submitted to Full Council
for approval.
Consultations
N/A
Implications:
This item has the following implications, as indicated:
Risk management
N/A
List of Background Papers
Paper
Date
Contact/Directorate/Tel
Report to Cabinet –
'Progress Report on the
Implementation of the
Changes to the County
Council's Strategic
Partnership with BT'
6 March 2014
Dave Gorman, Office of the
Chief Executive, (01772)
534261
Reason for inclusion in Part II, if appropriate
N/A