GISS Framework Agreement: AGI writes to Gov Procurement Service

In January the AGI reported the surprise announcement that the Government Procurement Service had decided not to follow up with a new GISS procurement framework agreement after Catalist lapsed in December.

At that time it was stated it would not be retendered, but rather amalgamated into what is being termed a "broader business applications procurement strategy" yet to be finalised and launched.

Since then further developments have occured including the publication of a Prior Information Notice for Services placed on Tenders Electronic Daily by the Government Procurement Service, and the issuing of a Request for Information.

The surprise decision not to retender has raised a number of concerns at the AGI. Accordingly with AGI Council approval, the AGI Chief Executive has written to the Government Procurement Service outlining the AGI's concerns and the willingness to engage in constructive discussions.

The letter mentions the following points:

1. The lack of a successor agreement to the now lapsed framework has created issues not only for suppliers of GISS, but also public bodies seeking to procure GISS. These organisations, some of which have made representations to the AGI, are greatly inconvenienced by the loss of a vehicle that had been in place in various guises for many years.
2. This decision is likely to create a prolonged delay whilst a replacement framework agreement is put in place. Such a delay is not helpful in the current economic climate where GISS suppliers are seeking business opportunities on the one hand and public sector customers are looking for efficiencies by using the procurement framework they expected to be in place on the other.
3. The AGI is keen to ensure that the new framework does not dilute the specialist characteristics, service offerings and advantages of GISS suppliers and, in particular, make it more difficult for specialist SMEs, which make up a significant supplier community for GISS, to be included in direct participation.
4. The AGI urges the Government Procurement Service to carefully ensure a level playing field for SME involvement.
5. The AGI will in the meantime provide a response to the RFI and address some of the broader points within it.
6. The AGI would be happy to engage in constructive discussions to help facilitate an equitable outcome.

Chris Holcroft, Chief Executive, AGI