Quoting Scottie from the original ‘Star Trek’ series: “The RRRRight tool, for the RRRRight Job”. This means selecting the right procurement tool. Here is how I determine the right one. If it is material or product, and I only want one evaluation criteria to be used, which is the lowest bidder, I issue a Request […]
Overview The expectations on public sector procurement professionals to be up-to-speed on all of the possible issues related to risk, can be unrealistic. One of the common problems is the workload and the number of competing priorities which impact the resources available to respond in a timely fashion. Competitive bids need to be issued; policies […]
What people want and what people get, are defined in the contracts. Once the contract has been executed, then the real contract management begins. This is the phase where the parties realize how good their working relationships will be. We depend on the people to perform with an implied intention and spirit but rely on […]
Contract Management is an essential element of the procurement lifecycle as it helps to mitigate risks, ensure compliance and achieve desired outcomes. It is a structured approach to overseeing contracts from initiation to execution and leads to either termination or renewal. It is an important process whether one is managing a low value short term […]
In the competitive landscape of job applications and interviews, candidates often seek unique ways to stand out. One intriguing phenomenon that has emerged in recent years is “humourbragging.” This term combines humour and self-promotion, allowing candidates to present themselves in a light-hearted yet confident manner. In the context of the Canadian public sector, where professionalism […]
This article explores practical approaches to streamline public sector procurement processes and focuses on increasing participation from Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs). The intention is to encourage consideration of ways to simplify and open opportunities for SMEs to efficiently participate in more public procurements. The suggestions apply to all segments of competitive bidding, including the […]
A big challenge in public sector procurement is being able to attract and retain competent staffing. Talent is hard to find, retirements are continuing, and training costs are increasing. A frequent conversation, within senior leadership circles – will we be better positioned if we outsource our procurement services? The answer is not an either-or decision. […]
Contract Management is often thought to be the last step in the Procurement life cycle but instead it is both the beginning and end of the procurement cycle and it provides a constant feedback loop. The following article discusses the various steps of contract management and its role in procurement efficiency. But first a definition […]
Introduction: In the realm of Canadian public sector procurement, understanding competitive bid laws is essential for ensuring fair, transparent, and effective practices. This article reviews the core concepts of Canadian competitive bidding practices when contracting for goods and services. By exploring the interplay between these concepts, readers will gain valuable insights into navigating the complexities […]
Author : Chris Sheel Delivering major capital projects on time and on budget has always been a challenging and elusive goal. Even more so now, seasoned professionals in the construction industry have seen budgets disrupted considerably by fluctuations in pricing and lead times that have shredded carefully drafted cost estimates and project schedules. Budgets previously […]
Author : Graham Allen Procurement planning is foundational to preparing and issuing a successful solicitation. The following article outlines the solicitation process and while not all steps have equal weight all steps should be considered. To quote Yogi Berra, the famous baseball player and coach: “If you don’t know where you are going, you’ll end […]
Author : Edward Claringbold Over the past three years, I have been the Procurement Lead for the First Nation Procurement Policy at my organisation. In late 2020, we took a bold step into the unknown by releasing the First Nation Procurement Policy, which was collaboratively designed and written with our First Nation Partners. Our aim […]
Author : Trish Rafuse As a seasoned public procurement professional you have likely taken your share of procurement related courses in purchasing. You probably have a procurement certification, or two, and are left wondering where your own professional development can go from here. Conversely you may be a newer procurement staff who are working though […]
Author: Graham Allen It is often said, “… working in public procurement is akin to being in a fish bowl with the cat watching.” This is an indication of the level of transparency and accountability required by public procurement professionals. A key aspect to keeping the cat away is a strong foundational procurement document that […]
Navigating the public procurement process can be challenging enough then add in Buying Groups, GPO’s or group purchasing organization, collaborative procurement initiatives, purchasing networks, collaborative sourcing partners, they go by so many names. They can be government agencies, not for profit organizations, or private companies. Some are membership based, national, regional, or sector specific. How […]
Author: Helen Doucette “Accept the bid from ABC Company” said the VP of Finance to the Director of Procurement. “I cannot” replied the Director. “Why not” asked the VP. “According to the Competitive Bidding Law of Canada, we can only accept compliant bids. ABC’s was late and deemed non-compliant. To accept the bid would put […]
Author: Graham Allen In the second of two parts of “Navigation the Five Steps of the Procurement Journey” we’ll be covering posting, evaluation, award and close out. Step 3 Posting Once the procurement document is developed and approved it is posted online for bidders to respond. The posting time is determined primarily by the procurement’s […]
Author: Graham Allen There are many similarities and differences between public and private procurement. However, the greatest overlap is the procurement life cycle or as some refer to it as the Procurement Journey. This two-part series discusses the five steps of the procurement journey beginning with concept and development and continuing with posting, evaluation and […]
Author: Larry Berglund As part of the assessment on the ability of a supply chain department to deliver value effectively, is its ability to do so efficiently. Efficiency is realized through many factors: the talent of its staff and the training budget; the governance policies and reporting structures; the budget for resources including equipment; the […]
Author: Liz Busch Despite how well we plan our procurement projects, your contractor’s performance may not be what you were expecting. Some government organizations have clear measures and expectations, and systematic approaches to managing contractor performance. As an example, a Google search gives you these results: The City of Toronto’s Contractor Performance Evaluation Form (construction […]
As a company that provides education in public procurement, this is perhaps the most common question that arises. While there are many similarities, the nuances of public legislation and free trade requirements create a procurement environment that is more regulated, demands a greater level of transparency, and requires vigilance to stay on top of the constantly […]
When a contract is not performed as promised, the other party may have the right to claim damages for breach of contract. The amount of liquidated damages payable will depend on the terms of the contract and, if the contract is unclear, then on what can be established as ‘reasonable and provable losses’ flowing from […]