What is the difference in approach between service/goods/works and consultancies?
Acquisition procedures are very similar across all categories, but there are differences in the approvals process and reporting required. Construction procurement is excluded by Regulation from the responsibility of the State Procurement Board and therefore does not progress through the Board approval process. However, sound procurement practices must still apply to construction procurement processes and contracts. Administratively, public authorities may have their own consultancy approval requirements and other processes that depend on what is being purchased. The market strategy should assess and reflect the risks and market conditions for all categories. Each category may have differences in the types of risks present. A service specification may not be as easy to detail as a goods specification (which may be an “off the shelf” or standard solution), so ensure the detail is sufficient. Service contracts often require a greater degree of “people management” – provisions for such man
