FI17161

Request

I am writing to request information regarding your organisation’s current approach to Services Procurement, particularly in relation to Statement of Work (SOW) / project-based delivery and professional services. 

Specifically, I would be grateful if you could provide information on the following: 

  • How SOW or project-based services are currently procured and managed
  • Who the lead supplier(s) are for these services
  • The procurement routes or frameworks typically utilised by the authority
  • The types of programmes or projects most commonly delivered through this model (e.g. digital, transformation, workforce)
  • Which internal functions are responsible for managing these engagements (e.g. procurement, HR, transformation teams)
  • Any current challenges, priorities, or strategic focus areas in relation to Services Procurement
  • The renewal or expiry dates of any existing contracts relating to Services Procurement Service

Response

  • Procurement of Services across the Council will vary - dependant on the subject matter/nature of services/market/value/risk etc.
  • There are no explicit ‘lead suppliers. Suppliers are sourced and appointed through the applicable process set out in the Council’s Contract Standing Orders (CSO’s). These processes (and the level of competition e.g. three quotes/open tender etc. will vary (value will dictate appropriate route and compliance with CSO’s etc.). The Councils suppliers can be viewed via its Contracts Register www.kentbusiness portal.org.uk   
  • The Council will seek a minimum of one written quotation (below £15K), minimum three quotations sourced via procurement (£15K-£100K). open tender above £100K. The Council may however utilise f/works for any of the preceding values. Where f/works are used they may appoint a supplier via direct appointment/or mini competition (as set out in the f/work instructions/T & C’s etc.).
  • Services procurement is so varied across the breadth of the Council to suggest any common delivered theme. Please see Contracts Register above
  • The respective service area will work in conjunction with the procurement team to source (where above the £15K threshold). Thereafter the contract management/delivery of the service is managed solely by the respective department unless further procurement/legal support in necessary.
  • No current challenges. Term contracts (for services) are reviewed annually and sit on the Procurement Teams Forward Plan to prioritise the teams workload alongside any specific requirements from the Council.
  • The Council's Contracts Register can be viewed via www.kentbusinessportal.org.uk - details of expiry dates are set against each