6 February 2017
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LGP News - May 2017
" Keeping you connected in local government procurement "
'Two New Initiatives'
by Luke Kenny, Chief Executive Officer
It is with great excitement that Local Government Procurement (LGP) announces two innovative new solutions for NSW councils. The first is the launch of the LEAP program for NSW councils, and the second is to announce that LGP is acquiring a new sustainable procurement unit.
LEAP Program
The LEAP Program has been specifically designed for councils, ROCs and JOs as part of the partnership between LGP and ArcBlue. This 3 year program utilizes large data sets extracted from council systems to concentrate on delivering cost savings, internal efficiency and procurement maturity.
The diagram below shows how LEAP has defined procurement maturity for NSW local government into 8 key elements, all of which feed into the organisation objectives at the tip of the pyramid. There is a certification model with the LEAP Program which assesses a council’s maturity, ranging from an ‘Emergent’ to a ‘Gold’ standard, helping motivate and drive the council’s procurement development.
The LEAP Program is the next stage beyond our existing Procurement Roadmap solution, it is designed to give councils, ROCs and JOs better visibility of spend, using benchmarks to drive continuous improvement through their procurement function. Some of the benefits include:
- A single point of access to all ‘Spend’, ‘Procurement’ and ‘Performance’ dashboards.
- Visibility of cost saving opportunities across various categories.
- Ability to monitor procurement compliance against legislation, policy and probity.
- Detailed strategic plans for continuous procurement improvement.
- Procurement Performance Benchmarking.
- Regional Procurement Reporting to show influence in local economies.
This is a ‘first’ for NSW local government, with several councils and ROCs already registering their interest. We invite you now to do the same.
Local
Government Sustainable Procurement team joins LGP
From the 1st of July 2017, the Sustainable Choice business will transition under LGP, giving us one of Australia’s leading sustainable procurement capabilities in local government. Established in 2006 under a partnership between Local Government NSW (LGNSW) and the Office of Environment and Heritage (OEH), Sustainable Choice has been working with NSW councils to build sustainability into their procurement function.
Today with over 70 member councils, more than 350 participating suppliers, and over 700 approved sustainable products for local government, LGP has added a sustainable procurement capability unmatched by our competitors in NSW.
Over time we see Sustainable Choice leading our sustainable procurement consulting services from the LGP Projects Team, designing and delivering sustainable procurement training, working with councils using the sustainable product database, as well as continue to share resources, quarterly newsletters.
More significantly, as I mentioned in the April LGP News, the International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO) has released the ISO 20400 global guideline on excellence in sustainable procurement. With Sustainable Choice coming under the LGP banner, we are now discussing with councils and suppliers on how we can help assess and prepare their business against ISO20400.
Very soon we will be outlining further some of the changes and new features to come under this new arrangement. Dubbo will be our first audience to some of these changes, when we conduct our first of three Networking in the Bush meetings on Thursday 11th May. Over the coming months we will take this event to Armidale and Junee before closing out the program in Sydney. If you would like to join us in Dubbo, please click here to register.
It is an exciting time for LGP with a lot of changes bringing lots of opportunity, I hope to share more in the coming months through LGP News.
UPCOMING EVENTS
'Networking in the Bush'
Registration Closing Soon - Limited Seats
Following the success of Local Government Procurement's Networking meetings last year, our first Regional Network meeting this year will be held on Thursday 11 May 2017 in Dubbo.
The meeting provides an opportunity for people in councils involved in procurement to meet in an environment where networking and information sharing is conducted, as well as discuss the latest procurement initiatives within local government.
Who should attend?
- General Managers and upper management staff.
- Management staff involved in or overlooking procurement functions eg: tendering management, contract management, and supplier engagement.
- Procurement staff (all levels).
Why should you attend?
- Valuable procurement knowledge imparted by Local Government Procurement subject matter experts.
- Extensive legal knowledge provided by our legal partner at no cost.
- VendorPanel useful tips, tricks and training provided.
- Update of market trends, challenges and solutions in the procurement space.
- Sustainability in procurement update.
- Free training opportunity for appropriate council staff.
Agenda: Click here
Local Government Procurement encourages people involved at all levels of procurement to attend our Regional Network meetings.
Date: Thursday, 11 May 2017
Time: 9:15am to 3:30pm
Location: Dubbo Regional Council – Dubbo Branch,
Civic Administration Building, Central Conference Room,
Corner Church and Darling St, Dubbo
Cost: Free to attend
If you would like a question to be addressed at the meeting, please email it to us not later than Friday 5th May 2017.
Further metro and regional meetings are planned and will be announced shortly.
Local Government Procurement
Annual Conference 2017
Registration Now Open!
'Building Procurement Capability and Embracing Innovation' is the theme of the 2017 Local Government Procurement Conference. The key topics covered over the two days will revolve around people and culture, technology, supplier relationship management, sustainable procurement, innovation and future trends.
The Local Government Procurement Conference is an established industry event for NSW local government. The conference provides opportunities to develop new and build on existing professional networks and working relationships and to learn from industry experts and peers.
Local Government Procurement Annual Conference 2017 will be held on Thursday, 30 November and Friday, 1 December 2017 at the Sydney Masonic Centre, 66 Goulburn Street Sydney.
The conference will bring together local government managers to hear and learn about a range of procurement challenges within the sector. The conference is an ideal event for those involved in procurement, in particular:
- Procurement Managers
- Governance Managers
- Purchasing Officers
- Contracts Managers
- General Managers and Senior Managers
Visit our website to view updated information, or register your interest here to receive conference updates direct to your inbox.
Sponsorship Opportunities
Local Government Procurement
Annual Conference 2017
The Local Government Procurement Conference is an established industry event for NSW local government. The conference provides a unique opportunity for suppliers to showcase their goods and services to a cross section of procurement professionals from across the state over two days. It is also an excellent opportunity to attract potential customers and build on existing relationships already established.
The conference will be held on Thursday 30 November and Friday, 1 December 2017 at the Sydney Masonic Centre, 66 Goulburn Street Sydney.
Sponsorship opportunities are limited. To ensure that you don’t miss out register your interest here to receive sponsorship updates direct to your inbox.
Transactional Banking Services
Is your Council getting best value for ratepayers regarding Banking Services?
Section 55 of the Local Government Act 1993 (NSW) provides that councils generally must tender for contracts unless otherwise exempted and if below $150,000.
Section 55(1)(f) of the Local Government Act 1993 (NSW) specifically provides councils with an exemption from tendering for services in respect of banking services however Local Government Procurement believes that council’s should consider if their current banking services arrangements are providing best value to council and its ratepayers.
The Local Government Procurement Projects team are now able to facilitate an open procurement process for council’s requirements for transactional banking services.
As a minimum the tender specifications would cover the following requirements however these would be customised for individual council requirements:
- Provision of Bank Accounts
- Electronic Banking Services
- Branch Banking
- Payables Solutions
- Innovative new services and value adds
- Overdraft Facilities
- EFTPOS Facilities
- Corporate/Business Credit Cards
- Administration
- Contingency Planning and Data Security
- Corporate/Business Credit Cards
- Transitional Arrangements
If you are considering your current transactional banking services arrangements and would like to test the market please contact the Local Government Procurement’s Projects team on projects@lgp.org.au. We would be happy to provide a quotation to facilitate a procurement process on your behalf.
Local Government Procurement Training
Whatever you want to achieve, Local Government Procurement can support you. We have an exciting and extensive range of training:
ProcureLearn, Local Government Procurements’s eLearning Program will use state-of-the-art technology delivering cost effective training, specifically designed for council employees engaged in purchasing, quoting, tendering and contract management.
Local Government Procurement Learning Centre, our face-to-face Training Program features a range of interactive and leading practice modules, designed specifically for NSW local government, covering critical areas of procurement and contract management.
Procurement Qualifications, accredited procurement qualifications courses developed specifically for NSW council staff.
Upcoming Training
Evaluation, Supplier Selection and Contract Establishment
Sydney CBD – Wednesday 24 May 2017
This one day course supports supplier selection and evaluation techniques aligned to probity and value for money. Learn key tips on setting up evaluation criteria for the quotation and tender stage to ensure the right supplier is selected. Designed for staff either currently involved in quotation/tender evaluations or about to do so, participants will come away with practical skills applicable in the local government context. More information and to
register.
Supplier Tender Training
Sydney CBD – Tuesday 20 June 2017
The Supplier Tender Training module will teach you basic principles and best practice in tender writing for local government. Our experienced trainers will assist you to develop your skills and confidence in bid writing. The objective is to provide you with insight from the buyer’s perspective as to what is required, how your proposals are considered, and the processes involved in their evaluation. More information and to register.
Government Procurement Training Procurement Qualifications
Accredited procurement qualifications courses developed specifically for NSW council staff.
Registrations Open
Advanced Diploma of Procurement and Contracting
Sydney CBD – Commencing in July
Think strategically across your organisation, develop a comprehensive understanding of strategic procurement and contract management, including legislative requirements, governance and internal controls.
Training dates 2017 (participants must attend all four blocks):
Block 1: 19-21 July 2017
Block 2: 28-30 August 2017
Block 3: 12-14 September 2017
Block 4: 10-12 October 2017
More information and to register.
Certificate IV in Procurement and Contracting
Sydney CBD – Commencing in August
This practical course program covers the nuts and bolts of the tendering process. Identifying and understanding gaining approvals, developing procurement plans, legislation and documentation such as specification requirements, the Request for Tender and the Tender Evaluation Plan.
Training dates 2017 (participants must attend all four blocks):
Block 1: 8-10 August 2017
Block 2: 23-25 August 2017
Block 3: 18-19 September 2017
Block 4: 16-18 October 2017
More information and to register.
Diploma of Procurement and Contracting
Sydney CBD – Commencing in May
This program is suitable for staff who have completed Certificate IV or have prior learning. Develop skills to conduct significant procurement. Understand the value of implementing policy, managing contract performance and monitor compliance within legislation, Coordinate risk management activities and manage contract risk
Training dates 2017 (participants must attend all four blocks):
Block 1: 5-7 September 2017
Block 2: 20-21 September 2017
Block 3: 25-27 October 2017
Block 4: 7-9 November 2017
More information and to register.
All LGP training can be conducted in-house at a location of your choice. For further information; view the LGP Training Calendar or contact LGP Training or 02 8270 8709.
'Your chance
to have your say'........
With the release of every new tender, whether it be to renew an existing contract or establish a new contract, it is important to have a comprehensive understanding of the market and the needs of the customers.
In order to gain the information required to provide a full overview of what is needed, one of the steps that Local Government Procurement takes is to release surveys that ask a number of questions to gain this important feedback.
The aim of these surveys are to ascertain a number of key points;
- What has been working well under the contract
- What can be improved in the contract
- Are there any goods and/or services that may need to be included in the contract
- Are there any new and innovative ideas that should be considered for inclusion to enhance the contract
If the survey topic relates to an area of your work, It is vital that you take the time to complete the survey and provide the necessary information. Your feedback is extremely important to us and ultimately this will ensure that the contract established fully meets the Customer’s and Approved Contractor’s needs.
With collaboration between Local Government Procurement, our customers and our contractors we can work together to ensure the best possible contracts are established providing the most advantageous outcomes for all!
LGP currently has a number of surveys out for the upcoming renewal of the Traffic Management Services (LGP113) and the Bitumen, Emulsions and Asphalt Materials and Services (LGP213) Contracts. If you would like to provide feedback on either of these contracts please click on the links below to complete these surveys:
Supplier Surveys
Bitumen/Asphalt Survey for Suppliers
Traffic Management Survey for Suppliers
Council Surveys
Local Government Procurement
Projects Team
Often councils do not have the time or required resources to dedicate to procurement. With this in mind, Local Government Procurement has a specialised team with over 20 years’ procurement experience in local government and global organisations to provide personalised and customised support to councils in relation to their specific procurement projects. Some of the services offered by the Projects Team on a very competitive ‘fee for service’ basis are listed below include but are not limited to:
- RFX Facilitation
- Review and development of Procurement Processes, Policies and Procedures
- Probity Advice and Audit Services
- Customised supplier tender training
- Contract Management
- Procurement Project Management
- Council specific procurement training
Over 40 individual and customised projects have been delivered to both local and regional councils. These projects have delivered councils requirements for due diligence, probity, fairness and transparency. The process delivered by the Projects team ensures best practice and is in accordance with the Local Government Act 1993 (NSW) Section 55, Local Government (General) Regulation 2005 (NSW) Part 7
Tendering and Tendering Guidelines for (NSW) Local Government (2009).
For more information, please email the Projects Team or call 02 8270 8747.
ISO 20400 Sustainable Procurement
NSW Launching Event
Sydney, 31 May 2017
After 4 years of development involving 52 countries and 11 international organisations including the UN and OECD, the first international standard on sustainable procurement, ISO20400, has been published in mid April 2017.
Join other like-minded CEOs, Sustainability and Procurement Professionals from the public and private sectors for the official launching of ISO20400 in Sydney on Wednesday 31 May 2017. Hear all you need to know from those who built the standard and how you can benefit from using it. Short presentations will be followed by cocktail networking drinks.
Sustainable Choice members are eligible for the discounted ticket price of $60 (+$3.69 service fee). For further information and to purchase tickets click here.
Want to Know Who Your
Business Manager is at LGP?
Local Government Procurement has dedicated business managers to look after the needs of councils, approved contractors, not for profit organisations and other government bodies.
Click here to see who can help you.
As part of our commitment to more sustainable procurement, Local Government Procurement is proud to be a member of Social Procurement Australasia (SPA).
Find out more about who SPA are here.
Procurement
Tip of The Month
By LGP Projects Team
Procurement Policy
All council’s should have a current procurement policy. The purpose of council’s resolving to have their own Procurement Policy is to govern procurement with the principles of best practice procurement for their organisation. The procurement policy reinforces the values of probity and governance in procurement, achieving overall value for money, including best practice procurement for categories and dollar limit /thresholds, and endorses the procurement procedures that accompany the policy. A clear understanding of the procurement expectations of council can be supported and followed by council staff. be supported and followed by council staff. It is important to remember that all procurement activities in local
be supported and followed by council staff. It is important to remember that all procurement activities in local government are governed by the Local Government Act 1993, in particular s55, as well as the Local Government (General) Regulation 2005
(NSW) (Part 7). The Office of Local Government Tendering Guidelines also supports both documents and provides important information for council’s to ensure certain procedures are followed. However these regulations and guidelines only relate to procurement expenditure above $150,000 inc. GST. A robust procurement policy adopted and implemented by council will support procurement direction and delivery of good procurement practices for council.
For further information about LGP Projects Team click here.
Local Government Procurement
Tender & Contract Information
Current Tenders
For information regarding Local Government Procurement tenders, including current status, click here.
Current Contracts
Find out what current contracts are available at Local Government Procurement click here.
Upcoming Tenders & New Contracts
To find out what tenders are coming up or what new contracts have commenced at Local Government Procurement, click here.
Contract Amendments
To find out information about amendments that have occurred between Local Government Procurement and Approved Contractors, click here.
What does ‘mistake’ in contracts mean?
Last month we provided a quick look at what ‘mistakes’ in contract law means. While mistakes in contract are rarely accepted by the court, the recent case of Simic v New South Wales Land and Housing Corporation has considered this very principle.
Mistake
In last month’s article we wrote that:
Mostly, when we refer to mistakes in contracts we mean a mistake of a factual matter. For example, whether one of the parties is in fact who s/he claims to be, the contractual terms, or the existence of something.
There are three main forms of mistake accepted by contract law. These were more fully explained in last month’s article, however, they are briefly explained below:
- ‘common mistake’: *(2) when the same mistake is made by both parties.
- ‘mutual mistake’: when both parties are mistaken but about different mistakes.
- ‘unilateral mistake’: when only one of the parties makes a mistake but the other party knows about the mistake.
Message to take away
- Well and thoroughly drafted documents can help avoid mistakes. Use a fresh pair of eyes to consider the documents before they are finalised.
- Pleading mistake at law is a difficult and uncertain argument to run before a court.
- Research the party you intend to contract with and the goods and services you intend to sell or buy, including that entitles correct name, ABN and ACN.
Monica Kelly from Prevention Partners explains more here.
* (2) Sometimes, just to add to the confusion, 'common mistake' is referred to as 'mutual mistake'.
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