Procurement
To receive a presentation from David Wharton, Procurement Manager.
Minutes:
A presentation was received from David Wharton, Procurement Manager, regarding procurement procedures and in particular the competitive dialogue Procedure. It was explained that current regulations provided four main procedures: Open, restricted, negotiated and competitive dialogue. With regards to competitive dialogue, it was reported that it would only be used for particularly complex contracts where the authority was not able to objectively define the technical means capable of satisfying their objectives and/or not objectively able to specify the legal and/or financial make up of the contract.
The benefits of competitive dialogue were outlined. Firstly, that it allowed flexibility in the process to discuss all elements of the solution. Secondly, that it explicitly acknowledged that the dialogue could take place in stages at which some bidders may be eliminated. Finally, in the dialogue phrase, competitive dialogue ensured that there was still a competitive element in the process, helping to promote value for money.
It was stated that it would be useful if a ‘real life’ example of competitive dialogue could be provided. A suggestion was made that the Head of Regeneration could attend the Committee to talk specifically about competitive dialogue and its relationship with highway procurement.
RESOLVED -
a) That the presentation be received and noted
b) That the Head of Regeneration be invited to be future meeting of the Committee to discuss the competitive dialogue process in relation to highways.