Until recently, most of the problems associated with public contracts came after the contract was signed. Recent legislation, supplementing the Public Contract Regulations, have changed that. Disgruntled bidders can now wreak havoc on a public authority that does not follow the regulations to the letter. On top of that, the way authorities run internal processes is being bought into question by some bidders, in claims of unequal treatment. In the future, you can expect far more unsuccessful bidders to call on the Freedom of Information act to prove non compliance with procurement best practice.
One way to head-off these problems is to ensure that you have external inspection of your procurement compliance. In the past we have had to gently point out to quite a few honest, honourable and diligent people that in their enthusiasm, they have jeopardised compliance. In your case, we would like to be preventative, rather than remedial, running a discreet programme of education, audit and advice to keep your people on the straight and narrow.
> We would like Stablebridge to keep us out of trouble during the procurement process.
> What level of public-sector experience sits behind Stablebridge’s success?