• Establishing a Framework from Scratch  • Evaluation Panels  • Golden Rules in Constructing & Managing Frameworks  • Case Studies

This course will provide a comprehensive, practical guide to public sector procurement frameworks and Dynamic Purchasing Systems in Ireland. Designed for buyers, contract managers and procurement professionals the course will cover the full lifecycle of frameworks, from their purpose and legal foundations to design, evaluation, operation and management.

Participants will gain a clear understanding of how to establish, use and optimise frameworks to deliver value for money, ensure compliance with Irish and EU procurement law, manage supplier performance and embed social and environmental objectives. This course will equip attendees with the knowledge and tools to make framework agreements work effectively, efficiently and strategically in public sector.

All attendees will receive a full course pack to refer to and will have the benefit of learning from a trainer with a wealth of experience in this area.

Topics

What is a Framework Agreement?

• Terminology / acronyms and what they mean
• An overview of Framework Agreements in Ireland
• Purpose, History, Scale and reach today in Ireland
• Who uses Frameworks and why?  Who does not?
• The role of the Office of Government Procurement
• Sources of Information on Framework Agreements
• Using historic data to inform approach to frameworks

Establishing a Framework Agreement

• This module will explain how a framework agreement can be established from scratch
• Framework or Contract?
• Who? What? How?
• Pros & Cons of Frameworks from – Buyer, Supplier and Tax-Payer perspectives
• What are the main pitfalls in constructing a framework – in particular, a contractor works framework
• The pre-requisites for a working Framework Agreement
• International perspectives on FWAs
• Thresholds, EU rules vs. Irish domestic rules
• How a contracting authority can build flexibility into a framework so that they can avoid scenarios where the external environment changes and the framework cannot respond
• Qualitative and Award Criteria, Assessment, Evaluation, Notifications
• How to ensure a framework is fit for purpose

Due Diligence and Evaluation

• Product testing and validation
• Financial due diligence
• ESPD & declarations
• Supplier Engagement & Communication Pre & Post tender
• Draw down mechanisms compared: Mini competitions, Direct Drawdown, Cascade, Rotation

Dynamic Purchasing Systems

• Key differences relative to framework agreements
• Benefits & drawbacks of the DPS as an option

Frameworks & DPS in Operation

• Contract v Framework Tendering Process – How is it different?
• Single v Multiple Party Frameworks
• Draw Down mechanisms compared: Mini competitions, Direct Drawdown, Cascade, Rotation
• Dynamic Purchasing Systems (DPS) impact upon Frameworks

Framework Management

• Challenges in the management of framework agreements over the course of the agreements
• Avoiding the pitfalls and drawbacks of frameworks
• Negotiation techniques and approaches to performance management for suppliers
• Developing category insights and intelligence
• Keeping members motivated and sharing information
• Building in flexibility and innovation
• Risks and Sharp practice watch outs

Managing DPS Successfully

• Stimulating demand and competition
• Examples of good practice & successful DPS operation

Frameworks – The Future

• What the future holds for framework agreements and DPS
• Improvements and innovations that could benefit buyers, suppliers and the taxpayer
• Using secondary objectives (green procurement, social, SMEs etc.

Who Should Attend

This course will be of interest to anyone in the procurement sector who has responsibility or involvement in creating, managing, or operating framework agreements.

Certification

On completion of this one-day training course, you will receive your Certificate of Attendance. Please note certificates are issued at the close of the training course to participants on completion of the course.

This course may qualify for CPD points. Please check directly with your association or awarding body to see how many points they will award.

Cost

An ‘Early Bird’ discounted rate of €499 is currently available. This training course normal rate is €599. Places are limited and are allocated on a first come first served basis.

The course cost includes all course documentation and Certificate of Attendance.