Points to consider
Key factors influencing the procurement strategy relate to the degree of complexity, innovation and uncertainty about the requirement, together with the time needed to achieve a successful outcome. The procurement strategy should facilitate a collaborative approach and open communication between potential suppliers and client, subject to the procurement route chosen (i.e. the Restricted route limits the extent of dialogue with suppliers).
Teamworking is especially important for construction projects.
If the requirement is very complex consider breaking it into several smaller and/or phased procurements, but be aware of the potential to be in breach of EC aggregation rule (see Introduction to the EC procurement rules).
Factors influencing risk include:
- the complexity of the project
- the scale of the project
- the length and rigidity of the timescales for implementation
- the priorities of the business benefits to be achieved
- the possibilities of change in the customer organisation's operations
- availability of project management and technical expertise
- the ability of the market to respond
- the levels of innovation required.
For major services where there is an IT component, it is government policy that departments should adopt a modular or incremental approach to the project unless there are very strong reasons why they should not do so. See also the Risk Allocation model.
