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Science Programmes

Challenges of procurement in the public sector

Session 3

Transfusion Science

Mr. Christopher Thornton
Beckman Coulter

Learning objectives

  • Background to the regulatory environment in Public Procurement including Competitive Dialogue
  • Prevention better than cure: common errors made by Procurement and the Laboratory
  • Advice on securing a safe and cost-effective procurement

Directive 2004/18/EC and The Public Contracts Regulations 2006 (as amended) are the basis on which the NHS and public HE organisations procure goods and services, whether for single pieces of specialist laboratory equipment or 15-year pathology managed services. 

These aren't new rules, but many organisations fall foul of the principles of equal treatment and transparency and find themselves, after a long and expensive tender process, at the business-end of a legal challenge by unsuccessful bidders.  Those who escape court proceedings are still left with the cost of failure - in time, money and diminished reputation.  

Today's presentation will outline the procurement principles and the common pitfalls as well as give advice on how laboratory managers can contribute to a successful procurement.