Nigel Smith
29 July 2008 | Steve Bagshaw
In the latest issue of SM, Nigel Smith, chief executive of the OGC, argues the government does not get value for money from its procurement operations.
Addressing delegates from the energy industry at a procurement seminar in London last week, Smith said: “Does government get value for money now? I’d have to say, in my limited experience over nine months, the answer has to be ‘no’. I don’t think you would find anybody in government who would answer ‘yes’.”
Do you think his comments are fair?
If you agree, what must the public sector do to secure better value for money?
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I think the OGC should take a stronger position than it currently has. Simaler to the mandate of PASA (purchasing and supply agency) for the NHS. This would entail creating standard terms and conditions of contract for category spend to be used by all the public sector, advice on P/O systems and notices to say that X contract has been awarded for the entire public sector and all shall use. Not “use if you can’t be bothered doing your own tender” which in the public sector is the general opinion of the OGC.