Local Authorities (LAs) and other public bodies need to structure procurement documents to ensure that the winning bidder is capable and able to perform the requisite work, delivers it on time and to quality, and that any ongoing works are delivered efficiently.

This document outlines procurement support – public buying options and bridging – pure leap frog with a couple of short case studies.

Key Elements of Successful Energy Procurement

• Formulate the weighting criteria and questions to deliver the outcome you want
  • Is local investment key? 
  • What priority should be given to social values? 
• Do not focus overly on cost 
  • Quality can pay itself back in the long term 
• Experience is key
  • Establish the level of experience of potential suppliers in similar deliveries 
  • Talk to practised procurement personnel to gain their insight 
• The following will impact the types and size of company that bid for any procurement exercise: 
  • Tender size and complexity 
  • Specification 
  • Response time requirements 
  • Contract complexity 
  • Risk sharing mechanisms 
• Payments should drive results 
  • Milestone payments can be used to encourage timely delivery 
  • Consider retaining an element of payment until work is proven