Meeting with GPS to seek a clear, equal and sustainable procurement process
Many catering equipment companies have expressed grave concerns about the recent RFx (request for information) released by the GPS (Government Procurement Service) for its Catering Equipment tender. CESA, the Catering Equipment Suppliers Association, has already raised these concerns with the Government Procurement Service (GPS). On Monday 17th September CESA will have an opportunity to raise some of its members’ issues with David Shields, managing director of GPS. The Association is inviting equipment companies and organisations to send them questions and comments they may wish CESA to raise.
The main problem is that the new tendering process is considerably more onerous and complicated than has been the case previously (under the OGC and TBA). In addition, the major challenges that CESA and others have raised have largely been ignored by the GPS in its reports on progress.
“The whole process of planning the new tendering structure has been inadequate,” says Keith Warren, director of CESA. “We fully support the GPS in trying to achieve more effective and sustainable public procurement of catering equipment. However, the current plans are ludicrously over-complicated and bureaucratic, so much so that several CESA members have questioned whether it will be worth the effort to tender for GPS contracts – which is surely the opposite of what is intended.”
He adds: “If we are to achieve the twin goals of a low carbon economy and green public sector procurement we need to find ways to embrace innovative products, through clearer and more open procurement opportunities.”
Anyone who wishes to comment or ask CESA to raise specific issues at the meeting on 17th September should contact CESA via the website, www.cesa.org.uk, or email enquiries@cesa.org.uk or phone 020 7793 3030.
The Catering Equipment Suppliers Association (CESA) is the authoritative voice of the catering equipment industry, representing over 160 companies who supply, service and maintain all types of commercial catering equipment – from utensils to full kitchen schemes. For more information on CESA visit www.cesa.org.uk