Procurement understanding essential for SME’s to grow
The role of public procurement is defined as obtaining resources from outside traders. In this sense, procurement activities are very critical to all organizational units from households to firms, organizations, and the government. From a functional perspective, procurement is an essential activity and its successful achievement is indispensable to any business.
Public procurement is an area often neglected by small, medium and micro businesses in Ireland. Yet the public sector procurement market is a significant one for SMEs, with the value of such contracts on the island of Ireland estimated at €16 billion per annum (approximately 10% of GDP).
The new public procurement guidelines were announced on 17 April 2014 by Brian Hayes, T.D., Minister of State, aiming to make it easier for small businesses to bid for work across the entire public sector
Speaking at the launch, Minister of State Hayes said, “The reform of public procurement is a key element of the public sector reform programme. Government wants to see Irish business be competitive and win business both here and abroad. Businesses who are successful in winning public contracts often win repeat business and given the consistent nature of public procurement processes, are often well placed to win public business abroad.”
Local Enterprise Office, Carlow has designed a seminar that offers an Understanding of the Public Procurement Opportunity for SME’s with one to ten employees that wish to supply goods/services to Carlow County Council and other Local Authorities.
Head of Local Enterprise Carlow, Kieran Comerford said: “This course should be attended by local businesses of all sizes, including one-person operations, to learn how to get involved in local and national public procurement. At this seminar, experts in the area of government procurement will describe the structure of public bodies in Ireland (North and South), explain how RFTs (requests for tenders) work, look at how to find the best tender opportunities, and advise on selecting tenders that are relevant to your business.”
Every business can tender for government contracts of some sort – from smaller, local opportunities, to pitching as part of a collaborative/consortium bid for a larger project.
Jargon terms will be explained, as will legislative requirements, and topics such as obtaining feedback on unsuccessful bids, and getting external help will also be covered. The seminar commences on 17th May 2016 in County Buildings, Athy Road, Carlow.
To book a place and view the schedule of training courses throughout County Carlow this season visit www.localenterprise.ie/carlow or call 059/9129783
