News Release Archive
SUPPLY AND SERVICES--PROCUREMENT POLICY UNVEILED
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For the first time in its history Nova Scotia has a
comprehensive policy that clearly outlines the rules and
procedures of government procurement. Supply and Services
Minister Gerald O'Malley released the new government policy
in the Legislature today.
The policy takes effect Jan. 1, 1996 and includes all
government departments, boards and agencies and Crown
corporations. A draft form of the policy was widely
distributed for comment this spring. More than 40
individuals, businesses, civil servants, municipal leaders
and industry associations responded to the call for feedback
to improve the draft policy.
The new policy together with the revised Atlantic
Procurement Agreement "are the definitive documents for
public sector procurement in Nova Scotia," the minister
said.
"Our objectives at the beginning of this process were to
ensure that the procurement system helped taxpayers receive
the best value for their dollars, that the system was fair
and open and to ensure that every business have an equal
opportunity to do business with government and public
institutions," Mr. O'Malley said. "I believe we have met
those objectives."
Some highlights of the procurement policy are:
- The principle of accepting the lowest valid tender is
enshrined. "If staff feel for any reason that the lowest
tender should not be accepted, approval from the Priorities
and Planning Committee will be required," Mr. O'Malley said.
"Staff's written rationale for awarding to the non-lowest
tender will be available for public review."
- The process and dollar thresholds for acquiring goods,
services, construction, office space and professional
services are outlined. "There are different procurement
processes for each stage when staff are acquiring these
goods and services," the minister said.
- The process for advertising for requirements over $1,000
are also clearly outlined.
- Alternative procurement practices are outlined.
"Alternative practices would include buying from the only
known supplier, emergency situations, and opportunities to
support minority businesses and sheltered workshops," the
minister said.
- The policy includes provisions for unsolicited proposals.
Under recent revisions to the Atlantic Procurement
Agreement, universities, school boards and hospitals
receiving provincial funding will be included in the
agreement effective Jan. 1, 1996. In Nova Scotia, these
sectors will also be covered by the new provincial
procurement policy on June 1, 1996.
"These reforms will help ensure that public institutions
receiving public funding receive the best possible value and
that competition for this business is as open as possible,"
Mr. O'Malley said. "We will use the time between now and
June 1 to work with officials in these sectors to help make
a smooth transition to the new process."
Discussions are continuing, through the Conference of
Atlantic Premiers to include municipalities in the Atlantic
agreement.
"These procurement reforms are an excellent example of what
can be accomplished when working cooperatively with our
partners and when there is commitment to effect leading edge
reforms of our own practices," Mr. O'Malley said.
Copies of the Procurement Policy will be available as of
Friday, Dec. 1, 1995, at the Nova Scotia Government
Bookstore, 1700 Granville St., Halifax, P.O. Box 637,
B3J 2T3; telephone 902-424-7580 or (toll-free)
1-800-526-6575.
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Contact: David MacNeil 902-424-2933
trp Nov. 30, 1995