01/02/2012
The Champions Group met for the third time in January, to consider how best to support the work of the Single Point of Enquiry and to ensure that lessons are learnt from the cases it deals with.
The Single Point of Enquiry is an independent service for any potential or existing supplier who has questions about the procurement process or who is experiencing difficulties in relation to a particular tender exercise.
Firms sometimes say that they are concerned about approaching the Single Point of Enquiry because they are worried that they will damage their chances of winning public sector work.
This is something which the Champions Group which includes representatives from the Scottish Chambers of Commerce, Federation of Small Businesses Scotland and Social Firms Scotland, and key representatives from the public sector, are keen to put right.
Colin Sinclair, Director of National Procurement for the NHS in Scotland, said:
“We really value the work of the Single Point of Enquiry.
“Obviously, in the public sector, we aim to make sure that every procurement exercise we carry out is run within the rules and according to best practice – and I think we do this very well.
“We invite bidders to contact the purchasing body direct if they have any concerns and aim to resolve these at the earliest opportunity. However, where this is not possible, the Single Point of Enquiry can help.
“It’s far better to try to resolve any issues through an informal channel such as the Single Point of Enquiry than through costly and time‑consuming legal action. And both sides can learn from the outcomes, adjust their internal processes if necessary, and do it better next time. The service works for both purchasers and suppliers and I can reassure suppliers that we are committed to fair and open competition, and we will not treat any firm that has approached the Single Point of Enquiry about one of our tenders any differently in subsequent tender exercises.”
Iain Murphy, Manager, Single Point of Enquiry, added “The Single Point of Enquiry has been involved in over 150 cases and no suppliers have told us that they feel that approaching the service has counted against them when bidding for other contracts.”
The Champions Group considered issues raised by suppliers over the last three months and recommended action to dissuade public bodies from charging for access to tender documents. The Group also considered ways of promoting the Single Point of Enquiry to suppliers.
You can contact the Single Point of Enquiry by calling 0141 242 5466, or by e-mail.