An understanding of the legal framework within which public procurement must operate helps both buyers and suppliers achieve their objectives through limiting risk, better use of resources, improved bid quality and better and clearer evaluation techniques.

This event is specifically designed to help clarify the requirements of both the new European Consolidated Public Procurement Directive and the interpreting UK Regulations. The programme addresses all the key elements of the new regime and will focus on the issues of greatest importance and interest to public procurement personnel and their suppliers. It also addresses some of the wider issues that impact on the UK public procurement process.

BUYERS

The public sector is weighed down by regulation when it comes to its public procurement activities. Failure to comply with the new Regulations or implement them effectively could result not only in loss of value for money but also in expensive litigation. This one-day seminar is designed to help you identify and understand the changes in the Regulations, define best value procurement and, at the same time, avoid potentially costly disputes.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS?

• Gain a detailed understanding of core process changes
• Identify new processes
• Develop your thinking on future contract strategy
• Minimise your exposure to costly disputes
• Develop your change management skills
• Receive practical advice on issues of concern
• Receive practical guidance on implementation

SUPPLIERS

Suppliers seeking to win contracts, and even those that do, often fail to understand these rules and processes and how they are applied differently by different public bodies. As a consequence many companies tendering for government contracts are not playing to win tenders, but playing to lose.

You will gain information on:

• Weighted award criteria – a right to know the full award evaluation weighting
• Tender timescales
• Electronic purchasing techniques – e-auctions and e-tendering
• New purchasing processes and systems
• Buying green and social procurement