Nothing teaches like experience. The value of being prepared for the unexpected has just been demonstrated. Public sector supply chains are being tested and now is the time to learn from the experiences brought on by this pandemic.

The evaluation of responses to an RFP or similar type request is critical to the success of the project. The role of the evaluators in consensus type evaluations could include:

Proposal evaluations by committee consensus are best achieved when facilitated by a dispassionate facilitator familiar with the request, someone who could have assisted with the drafting of the request, someone skilled and knowledgeable about supply management process. 

Let’s start the New Year with a resolution to include community social, economic and sustainability objectives in our procurement activities. Implementation of social objectives in procurement should be done in a carefully considered manner. The following are suggested steps to achieving success.

There are two types of pre-qualification of suppliers:

1. 1.      Pre-Qualification to a list of suppliers of similar commodities and or services:

Progressive organizations are now or are considering linking community social development objectives with their procurement activities. These objectives could be divided into two categories: project related and community related.

We all want to get the best value from our purchases, which is why we should consider issues that could be particular to the commodity and/or services to be purchased.

The objectives of procurement have evolved from best price to best value to include environmental sustainability. Many organizations are now expanding their procurement mandate,

Many municipalities have a litigation or reprisal clause, sometimes known as the “Nanaimo Clause” in their tender or RFP document’s standard conditions. This clause gives notice to potential bidder’s that

There are good reasons to invite suppliers to enter negotiations to supply for some supply contracts. A decision to adopt this supply strategy should always be carefully considered and a robust planning process incorporated to move the project forward.