SOPO Backs Streamlined Procurement Service

GLASGOW, Scotland, April 19, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- At a time when transparency and efficiency in public spending is critical, one of the UK's leading procurement organisations has welcomed the launch of a new service aimed at making it easier for public sector buyers to manage and engage with their local supplier base.

The Society of Procurement Officers in Local Government (SOPO), which has more than 3300 members across the UK, is endorsing the Select Supplier Information Database, developed by supply chain management experts BiP Solutions. The service will cut the time and costs associated with tendering processes for both buyers and suppliers: welcome news at a time when both are under pressure. Public sector procurement has been criticised by suppliers for being overly bureaucratic and inefficient - Select aims to help address this concern.

Select is a national pre-qualification service for the public sector. It is free to public sector buyers and provides them with a diverse database of suppliers from across the UK, allowing them to benefit from a single streamlined procurement service that is both transparent and fully compliant.

The database contains suppliers that have either self-certified or upgraded to Select Accredit status. Those who opt for Select Accredit status are fully assessed and accredited to the same exacting standards as those set by the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS). This provides buyers with the assurance that their suppliers meet a respected government accreditation standard, saving time and effort on repeated supplier verification. Suppliers benefit by having to complete a Pre-Qualification Questionnaire (PQQ) only once, which is designed to mirror the standard response format of the Office of Government Commerce PQQ.

Peter Howarth, CEO of SOPO, said: "I'm delighted to support the Select Supplier Information Database and would encourage all public sector buyers to sign up to the service. It offers a free system for buyers to manage their local supply base more efficiently and will greatly reduce their buying risk as they will have access to a large database of good quality suppliers. Using this service as part of the tendering process will ensure transparency, which is a high priority for all areas of the public sector. With the pressure that buyers and suppliers are under currently, any service that reduces bureaucracy and simplifies procurement is to be commended."

Select forms part of BiP's Delta eSourcing suite of collaborative web-based tools which enable public sector buyers to achieve efficiency savings and procure electronically. Buyers and suppliers can access the Select Supplier Information Database at http://www.delta-esourcing.com

NOTES TO EDITORS

Society of Procurement Officers in Local Government

The Society of Procurement Officers in Local Government (SOPO) engages in a range of activities to promote the strategic purchasing, contracting and supplies functions. Representing more than 3300 members, SOPO provides area networks and forums and produces guidance on best practice. Its aim is to advise local authorities throughout England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland on all purchasing and supplies matters of national/general interest, and represent its members on other bodies to promote the Society and its aims. For more information, visit http://www.sopo.org

BiP Solutions

BiP Solutions is one of Europe's leading providers of innovative services that help to optimise supply chain value. The company was established in 1984 to facilitate business between the public and private sectors, and provides the tools that buyers and suppliers need to engage more effectively with one another. These include business intelligence services that provide details of contract opportunities and other market intelligence, electronic systems that support efficient and effective tendering, consultancy services, training and development, and events. For more information, visit http://www.bipsolutions.com

For more information please contact:

Lorna Donnelly at lorna.donnelly@bipsolutions.com or telephone +44-(0)141-270-7681

SOURCE The Society of Procurement Officers in Local Government (SOPO)