What we do
Procurement Lincolnshire operates at a strategic level focusing on procurement activity which delivers value for money to its eight local authority partners whilst procuring in a sustainable and responsible manner.
The service is responsible for supporting local authorities in Lincolnshire with their strategic direction in regard to procurement. It does not undertake operational procurement (such as placing individual purchase orders, expediting deliveries etc) which takes place at a local level in each of the councils.
Procurement Lincolnshire supports its partner local authorities through the provision of cost effective contracts which have undergone rigorous selection procedures in order to appoint suppliers who are capable of delivering high quality goods, services and works. Importantly, by using contracts recommended or instigated by Procurement Lincolnshire local authority partners can ensure that they comply with all relevant procurement regulations. The organisation maximises use of existing framework contracts let by other public sector buying organisations (ESPO, OGC etc) wherever these pre-competed contracts offer value for money. In areas of significant spend, further value is released from such frameworks by Procurement Lincolnshire undertaking mini-competitions on behalf of its local authority partners.
Where frameworks don’t exist, or don’t offer best value, Procurement Lincolnshire will work with in conjunction with its partners to put in place its own contracts. These contracts will be competitively tendered in accordance with local authority partners’ own contract regulations and wider public procurement legislation. Where appropriate, Procurement Lincolnshire seeks to maximise the buying power of eight local authorities working together by letting contracts which aggregate the demand of its partners. The following list indicates just some of the benefits of collaborating in this manner:
- Enhanced value for money for partners
- Reduced tendering costs for partners
- Opportunities to standardise goods and services
- Opportunities for partners to learn from each other and consider alternative means of meeting needs
- Improved access to market for suppliers.
By working collaboratively, Procurement Lincolnshire is supporting its partners with new and innovative means of purchasing and is changing the way in which Local Authorities in Lincolnshire procure. It seeks to embed the sustainable principles of undertaking purchasing decisions which take account of environmental, economic and social factors whilst still securing value for money. Procurement Lincolnshire has an active supplier engagement programme which facilitates local and smaller businesses in being better equipped to access these new opportunities.
