Procurement and public procurement issues affect much of my day to day work, particularly working with so many public sector clients. I regularly advise clients as to how to structure their procurement exercise, whether they’re setting up a new framework or are looking to let contracts for a new project. I also get asked to step in when things go wrong – it’s always easier - and quicker - to get it right from the start!
I work closely with my client’s procurement consultant. It’s usually more cost effective to engage a procurement consultant, for example, to draft the PQQ and ITT. I sit down with you, and them, at the outset to agree who does what. My role will generally include agreeing the timetable, checking the contract notice, PQQ and ITT documents from a legal perspective, and drafting the contracts.
As projects become more complicated, the spider’s web of procurement issues can be intimidating. I help my clients when they tender for projects, mostly using the restricted procedure or competitive dialogue, to ensure they are on the right lines. I also keep an eye out for breaches of the Public Contracts Regulations. On a large project, having a contract declared ineffective can cost millions.
Although the majority of these procurement issues involve contracts for works or services related to construction, I’ve also assisted clients with their procurements of goods and services in other sectors, such as IT services and distribution agents.
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