LGP News - October 2014 

Suppliers – a dime, a dozen or diamonds?

Good suppliers are not a “dime a dozen”. Good suppliers should be respected and your relationship with them nurtured. Good suppliers are diamonds! Treat them well and they will be a great investment for your organisation.

There has been much written over the last few years about what councils can and can not do in their relationships with suppliers. Equally there has been much written about relationship selling and other techniques that are frowned upon. Suppliers are an asset to you with their knowledge and expertise, they can steer you to better outcomes with their leading edge technology or methodology - in effect they become a partner in your project.

I know that many council staff feel uneasy about forging strong relationships with suppliers. They are often not allowed to meet one on one with a supplier or share a coffee to talk business and resolve issues. Forming strategic partnerships with suppliers is therefore particularly difficult when hurdles are in play. We all know the importance of a good supplier relationship. There are ways you can treat your suppliers with respect and understanding that does not involve time you do not have. Try these ideas:

• Not every supplier has cash flow, pay on time
• Ask suppliers (via email) how you could assist the supplier to improve business, even reduce their cost of doing business. Is there a simpler way? 
• Ask suppliers about the latest news in their area of expertise
• Read supplier newsletters
• Seek end of year clearance opportunities
• Lastly…..say thank you every now and again.

Why do I raise this matter of dealing with suppliers? Because their importance is often understated and not valued in the manner it should.

Just last week, at a meeting with a State Agency, the senior person at this meeting made a statement along the lines of “if a supplier does not meet our demands they can go take a running jump. There are hundreds of suppliers out there who can supply what we want. Suppliers are a dime a dozen”.

At LGP we have over 500 suppliers. We value our relationships and have a senior staff member dedicated solely to building our relationship with suppliers. Some of that can be “dirty work” – chasing up overdue reporting is not all fun but most of it is exploring opportunities to improve how we do business on behalf of councils. As part of our commitment, we are working with ICAC to develop supplier engagement and how to engage with councils in a transparent environment.

To our suppliers, a VERY BIG thank you for the great work you do for our organisation in meeting the needs of councils. We look forward to continuing our relationship with you. We are very lucky to work with many diamonds.

The LGP 'NSW Local Government Procurement Professional Award' and the 'NSW Local Government New Procurement Professional Award' (less than 2 years procurement experience within local government) recognise those procurement professionals who are making a difference in their council and their community. These awards are also a great way to highlight your council as a leader in procurement innovation and best practice.

The awards allow you to nominate that special person in your council who deserves to be recognised by their peers at the Local Government Procurement Annual Conference. You can even nominate yourself.

The awards consist of a plaque and professional development of the winner's choice to the value of $2,500. The awards will be presented at the Local Government Procurement Annual Conference Dinner on Thursday 20 November.

Click here to nominate yourself or a peer. Nominations close on Wednesday 29 October 2014. For further information contact Emma Murray or call 02 8270 8710.

Previous winners include:

NSW Local Government New Procurement Professional Award

2013 - Suzanne Cameron, Narrabri Shire Council
2012 - Taryn O'Donnell, Lake Macquarie City Council.

NSW Local Government Procurement Professional Award

2013 - Mary-Ellen Wallace, Wyong Shire Council
2012 - Michael Robinson, Port Macquarie-Hastings Council.

Register now to avoid missing out on the early bird rate, which finishes on Friday 24 October… 

With a theme “Procurement - a driver of change” the conference will focus on how procurement professionals can drive change through both in-council and regional collaboration and socially responsible procurement. The conference will bring together a diverse group of speakers with relevant and ‘on the ground’ experience covering a variety of topics, which will assist procurement professionals in their roles within council.

View the draft program in full. The program includes council case studies from; Eurobodalla Shire Council, Kiama Municipal Council, Ku-ring-gai Council and Northern Rivers Water Group and keynote presentations from:

• The Hon Paul Toole - MP Minister for Local Government
• Craig Lardner - 2014 Global President and Board Member of CIPS and Principal of Procurement Advisory Services
• Chris Newman - Director ArcBlue
• Claire Parry - Director Hiller Parry
• Craig Swift-McNair - General Manager Port Macquarie Hastings Council
• John Davies – Manager Council Governance Office of Local Government.

This year’s conference includes a formal conference dinner and procurement awards presentation on the Thursday evening, along with a Friday morning working breakfast with presentations tailored specifically for council executives. The popular Question and Answer procurement panel will be held on the Friday afternoon.

Date: Thursday 20 and Friday 21 November 2014
Location: Sydney Masonic Centre, 66 Goulburn Street, Sydney

Your conference investment includes:

• Full attendance at two day conference
• Conference pack
• Conference dinner on Thursday evening
• Breakfast on Friday morning.

Early bird: $715 inc GST (registrations received up to 24 October)
Regular: $990 inc GST (registrations received after 25 October)
First timer: $495 inc GST

SPECIAL OFFER for general managers and directors
Attend the conference free of charge (when attending with a registered council officer).

For further information

For information about the conference view the LGP website or click here to register online.

Sponsorship opportunities

Click here to view the sponsorship prospectus.

For further information contact Emma Murray or call 02 8270 8710.

“Coming together is a beginning, staying together is progress, working together is success.” Henry Ford

A recent example showing great initiative, forward thinking and collaboration by a group of councils. This demonstrates how working together can achieve mutual benefit that would not otherwise have been possible.

Working together, Greater Hume, Lockhart and Corowa Councils joined forces and combined their 2014/15 Spray Sealing Program. Utilising the LGP Contract for Bitumen, Emulsion & Asphalt Materials and Services LGP213 via Vendorpanel these councils have achieved significant savings to the benefit of their communities.

“The experience was most satisfying with regard to the time frame, feedback, online evaluation and reports provided by LGP for this RFQ. I would recommend this system as there was minimal time in the preparation of documentation (no large tender doc, e-mailing of requests). The RFQ was worth between 4 and 4.5 million dollars which provided all three Council’s involved a more competitive outcome which inturn provided significant savings to all councils due to the number of local government authorities involved…”Mark Stephenson, Works Engineer Greater Hume Shire Council

For further information on how your Council could achieve similar outcomes contact your Local Government Procurement Business Manager.

Road and Traffic Signage,  Associated Hardware and Roadside Products - RFT Scheduled for release in October 2014

We are making good progress on the specifications for this tender – thank you to all who have contributed and set me wise.
The final draft of the specifications and the pricing schedule will be out to the working party soon for comment.

• Standard signage
• Non Standard Signage
• Associated Hardware and Accessories
• Gabions, Mattresses and Geosynthetics
• Installation.

We hope to have this RFT in the market in the second half of October. It’s not too late to offer your comments. We ask that you let your usual suppliers know about this opportunity.

IT&C Products, Services & Consulting - RFT Scheduled for release May 2014

LGP intends to run processes prior to the RFT release to appoint an independent Pricing Analyst to assist councils utilising the contract and another provider to assist in the development of scope. We anticipate a high volume of responses and therefore a long lead time for the contract release in early 2016. The intent is that there will be a number of high level categories with a greater number of sub categories – incorporating those in the existing contracts (IT Hardware, IT&C Professional Services and Telecommunications) and any additional categories.

To assist in the development of the specifications we are seeking to engage an independent consultant for Specialist IT&C - R&D and Support Services. We will be running this process during October. A specialist will be duly appointed and work can commence on the project in December.

In the coming weeks we will be contacting councils via survey for feedback and to ascertain their interest in being involved in the working group. This will entail surveys, interviews and forums. All are welcome no matter what time you can afford.

For further information contact your Business Manager or Angela O’Dea (nee Tesoriero), Category Manager on 0428 289 878.

Upcoming training 
Specification Writing will be held on 30 October 2014.
Click here for a detailed look at the unit outline or register here.

New Module: Managing Relational Sales Tactics
The objective of this module is for council staff to effectively manage relational selling tactics. We have developed a specific training package for council staff that have any form of liaison with a council supplier or suppliers. Specifically, this training is designed to upskill council staff on areas of proper communication and managing relational selling practices. Click here to view the outline. 

We have had some queries regarding AS 4905-2002 Minor works contract conditions (superintendent administered) supplementing the standard LGP terms and conditions for Playground, Open Space and Recreational Infrastructure (LGP308-2) in scenarios where installation or minor works are required for a playground or other. Fundamentally, LGP would support the use of this standard but in all instances LGP should be consulted prior.

LGP is a founding member of SPA. A group committed to delivering social outcomes through procurement above and beyond the product or service being purchased. LGP was involved in the Greater Western Sydney Social Procurement and Economic Development Forum in May 2014 and Central Coast and Hunter Social Procurement and Economic Participation Forum in Wyong in August 2014. Both forums attracted participants from all levels of government and the not-for-profit (NFP's) and private sectors. Click here to keep up with exciting developments in this area by subscribing to SPA newsletters.

Each year the audio visual industry recognises the delivery of outstanding projects across our region at the annual AVIA awards ceremony. It is particularly pleasing that of the 4 awards made this year Fredon Technology received the special commendation award for 'Innovative use of Technology' (Blacktown Council video conferencing project). The project was delivered via the LGP panel.

I believe this award is a great example of how Blacktown City Council is committed to delivery excellence and also recognition of their ability to 'think outside the box' going to market to find a technology solution that would deliver real value for their customers and the broader community. The link below is hot off the press and provides a short overview of the projects and some photos of the guys delivering their acceptance speeches. Click here to view the image.

• The Annual EIANZ Conference
  30-31st October, Hobart
   
• IT Conference
  11-14 November, Coffs Harbour
   
• Local Government Procurement Annual Conference
  20-21 November, Sydney.

The contract categories have been updated to include a new category – which is Services. The suite of LGP contracts available have been re-defined into the categories below.

Engineering and Works

• Asphaltic Concrete (AC) Materials & Related Services (LGP213)
• Horticultural, Pest, Pool and Water Management (LGP408-2)
• Pipes, Associated Fixtures, Pumps & Concrete Products (LGP908-2)
• Playground, Open Space and Recreational Infrastructure (LGP308-2)
• Professional Consulting Services (Engineering, Planning, Environment, Community & Assets) LGP1208-2
• Supply of Workwear and Personal Protective Apparel (NPN3.11)
• Traffic Management Services (LGP113)

Fleet and Plant

• Heavy Plant & Equipment (LGP707-3)
• Mobile Garbage Bins, Industrial Containers & Bins, Static Compactors, Associated Products and Services (NPN1.11-2)
• Small Plant & Outdoor Power Equipment (LGP508-2)
• Specialised Truck Bodies & Machines: Waste Collection, Civic Cleaning, Removal and Access (LGP1608-2)
• Trucks for Local Government (Aust.) NPN04-13

Information and Technology

• IT&C Professional Consulting Services (LGP1008-2)
• Microsoft Licensing and Associated Products & Services via Large Account Resellers (LGP108-2)
• Operating Lease Services to cover Information and Communications Technology, Photocopiers, Printers & other Equipment. (LGP1107-2)
• PCs, Notebooks, Servers & Associated Services & Equipment (LGP306-2)
• Telecommunications Services (LGP407-2)

Services

• Corporate Wardrobe (NPN2.11)
• Debt Recovery Services (LGP109-2)
• HR Temporary Placements & Associated Services (LGP808-2)
• Library Books and Resource Materials (LGP507-2)
• Media Sydney Metropolitan Daily Newspapers & On-line Recruitment (LGP106-2) and Advertising Agencies (LGP406-2)
• Office Supplies & Janitorial (including; Heavy Duty Cleaning) & Associated Products (LGP1007-2)
• Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) Systems, Equipment, Associated Products & Services (LGP309-2).

View the LGP website for further detail or contact your local LGP Business Manager.

Supply of Fitting and Service of Tyres, Tubes and Automotive Batteries

LGP is participating in a National Procurement Network tender for the Supply of Fitting and Service of Tyres, Tubes and Automotive Batteries. This tender closed on 18 July 2014 and is now in evaluation. This tender will replace the non-renewal of the NSW state government contract – Tyres & Ancillary Services - (state contract 367).

Tenders were received from:

1. BATTERIES PLUS
2. Bob Jane Corporation Pty Ltd
3. Bridgestone Australia Ltd
4. Complete Tyre Solutions
5. Goodyear Dunlop Tyres (Beaurepaires)
6. Michelin Aust
7. R&J Batteries Pty Ltd
8. Southern Tyre Services (NSW) Pty Ltd
9. Toyo Tyres & Rubber Australia Ltd.
10. Tyre & Tube Australia (Services) Pty Ltd
11. Tyremax Pty Ltd
12. Tyrepower Limited
13. Tyres4U Pty Ltd
14. Yokohama Tyre Australia.

The Tender evaluation is nearing completion.

For further information contact the LGP Tender Team.

RFQ1.14 Request for Quotation: Specialist IT&C - R&D and Support Services

LGP is seeking a provider to assist in the development of resources for the RFT with appropriate expertise and industry knowledge. LGP aims to commence work on this project in November 2014. The successful respondent will be excluded from responding to the ensuing RFT or assisting potential tenderers to respond when it is released in 2015. The services of the respondent will conclude upon the completion of the RFT evaluation.

For further information contact the LGP Tender Team.

LGP advise that the release of the next Natural Gas tender process is anticipated for release early next year.

Previous participants with a contract expiration due shortly, will be invited to renew their contract in this upcoming tender. Councils and other eligible organisations that have not previously participated are warmly invited to join in.

For further information or an explanation of the process involved, please contact LGP’s Category Manager, Marie Talevska or phone 02 8270 8707 or 0477 354 962.

Mobile Garbage Bins, Industrial Containers & Bins, Static Compactors NPN1.11-2 
Sulo MGB Australia Pty Ltd has been added to the panel. Mastec Australia Pty Ltd has been added to the panel.

Playground, Open Space and Recreational Infrastructure LGP308-2
Contract Anniversary. Contractors have been asked to refresh their pricing schedules. The following panel contractors have refreshed their pricing:
Orca Solar Lighting, Repeat Products Pty Ltd t/as Replas, Viva Recreation Pty Ltd, Tiger Turf Australia Pty Ltd, Rechenberg Pty Ltd, Scully Outdoor Designs Australia Pty Ltd, A-Play, Abud Pty Ltd, Street Furniture Australia Pty Ltd, Moduplay Group Pty Ltd and Ellis and Sons Group Pty Ltd.

Viva Recreation Pty Ltd has added Design services to range of services under the contract and has updated its pricing schedule accordingly.

Community Asset Management NZ Limited has updated its company trading name to Community Asset Management NZ Limited trading as Cam Shelters.

Horticultural, Pest, Pool and Water Management LGP408-2
Quarterly pricing update. Contractors have been asked to refresh their pricing schedules. The following panel contractors have refreshed their pricing:
Maxwell & Kemp Pty Ltd, Living Turf and Globe Australia Pty Ltd

Asphaltic Concrete (AC) Materials & Related Services LGP213
Quarterly pricing update. Contractors has been asked to refresh their pricing schedules. The following panel contractor have refreshed their pricing:
RPQ Spray Seal Pty Ltd trading as New South Wales Spray Seal.

Tropic Asphalts has been added as a subcontractor to SRS Roads Pty Ltd.

Small Plant and Outdoor Power Equipment LGP508-2
Western Mowers & Chainsaws Pty Ltd trading as Real Power Equipment have updated their pricing schedule.

Debt Recovery LGP109-2
Australian Debt Recovery  has refreshed its pricing schedule incorporating statutory changes to awards applicable to local government from 1 July 2014.

Professional Consulting Services (Engineering, Planning, Environment, Community and Assets) LGP1208-2
Rice Project Management Services has changed their company trading name to PROTERRA Group.

Please ensure you refer to the LGP website for the most up to date versions of pricing.

IT&C Professional Services and Associated Products LGP1008-2

The first in a series of introductory videos Art of Multimedia created for Sydney Water has been released internally with a focus on how this new video could be re-purposed to suit other audiences for increased return on investment.

Click here for more information and to watch the video. For more information please contact Beata Kade or 02 9209 4309. Alternatively you can visit their website.

IT&C Professional Services and Associated Products LGP1008-2

As providers of IP surveillance solutions to councils across Sydney from beach to suburbs, our professional  consulting expertise will equip your council with the knowledge to best secure your car parks, city streets, parks and public areas.

Contact 1300 30 44 78 or email sales@questsecuritysolutions.com.au or visit www.questsecuritysolutions.com.au

“Coming together is a beginning,

staying together is progress, working

together is success.”

                                         Henry Ford