19.03.13
Single Government contracts platform to simplify bidding process
A new centralised registration system will make it easier and cheaper for suppliers to bid for government contracts. The system will particularly benefit SMEs, who will only have to register once to access a range of contracts.
The Government Procurement Service (GPS) has awarded a new contract to NQC Ltd to develop a secure Single Supplier Registration platform, replacing the existing system and over 80,000 registered suppliers.
Cabinet Office minister Francis Maude said: “We’ve always said we want to simplify the procurement process, and it won’t make it easier for new suppliers to bid for government business if we’re asking them to register on several systems in order to access these opportunities.
“That’s why we asked GPS to bring together the current myriad systems and tools into one single place of registration, holding accurate and up-to-date information on suppliers. It’s simple and innovative; it will reduce the time and cost spent tendering for government business – especially important for SMEs – and will improve how we share analysis of supplier financial information across government.
“And in awarding the contract to NQC Limited, a SME based in Manchester, we’re showing exactly how government is actively providing more opportunities for SMEs to do business with us.”
The system will be available for the health sector from April 2013 and will extend to other sectors in the following months.
Tell us what you think – have your say below, or email us directly at [email protected]