A general lack of technical capacity at both the national and sub-national procuring entity levels has often been cited as a barrier to more efficient procurement practices and supply security.,, In Zambia, establishing a platform for procurement and contracts monitoring was a necessary first step in the adoption of framework agreements.
Even though it is not possible to determine how ARVs would have developed without the GPRM, the creation of the global database and the unprecedented global effort to increase price transparency nevertheless provides an important tool for more efficient procurement thorough benchmarking.
But the agenda is not just about commissioning and outsourcing; the search for efficiency also includes a greater use of shared services across government, more efficient procurement, and the precious, but so far elusive, aim of pooling all public sector spending in a specific area, to avoid duplication.
A joint commissioning framework with neighbouring Newham for Supporting People, a programme of independent living services for vulnerable residents, should encourage more efficient procurement.
"Public-private partnerships can help; they can provide more efficient procurement, focus on consumer satisfaction and life cycle maintenance, and provide new sources of investment". At the same time, PPPs typically cost more that straightforward public procurement: they only attract investors if the public pays both for the project and a profit for the private partners.
He said the government would continue to support forces by scrapping bureaucracy and driving more efficient procurement.
Mr Herbert said the government would "play its part by reducing bureaucracy, driving more efficient procurement, and working with forces to ensure that the savings of over £1bn a year identified by Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary are delivered".
It hopes the system will provide doctors with patient medical records and create a more efficient healthcare procurement process.
And a more efficient one.
I'm a more efficient player.
