Procurement planning and implementation
Getting started
The following guides have been developed to help you get started. They are recommended reading for anyone new to procurement in the State sector.
- Procurement planning
- Good procurement practice
- Sustainable procurement
- Category specific procurement
- Contracting with Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs)
Procurement planning
The following guides relate to procurement planning and explain the importance of Strategic Procurement Outlooks (SPOs) and Annual Procurement Plans (APPs). Agencies subject to the Mandatory Rules for Procurement are required to publish these documents. Other agencies are encouraged to prepare and publish these documents.
Often an essential part of procurement planning is the preparation of a robust business case. Treasury’s guidelines for Capital Proposals provide excellent guidance on business cases in general, as well as the specific requirements for major capital projects requiring Cabinet approval.
Treasury: Better Business Cases for Capital Proposals
SSC: Planning and managing for results
SSC: Factors for successful coordination – helping State agencies coordinate effectively
Good procurement practice
Agencies are encouraged to adopt good practice measures in their procurement activities. The following guides support good procurement practice and are recommended reading for anyone involved in State sector procurement.
OAG: Procurement Guidance for Public Entities
OAG: Public sector purchases, grants & gifts: Managing funding arrangements
SSC: Understanding the Drivers: Value for tax dollar spend Factsheet
Commerce Commission: Guidelines to recognise and deter bid rigging
Sustainable procurement
Sustainability is about meeting the needs of today, without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs. Sustainable procurement means that when buying goods or services agencies need to consider the social, environmental and economic impacts. Agencies are encouraged to consider how the information in the following guides can assist in their procurement activities.
MED: Category Reviews: Standard Guidelines & Targets [565 kB PDF]
MAF: NZ Timber & Wood Products Procurement Policy
APCC: Australia and New Zealand Government Framework for Sustainable Procurement
MED: 7 Guides to Sustainable Procurement
- Guide 1: Identifying Sustainable Procurement Priorities [345 kB PDF]
- Guide 2: Identifying Needs and Assess Risk [343 kB PDF]
- Guide 3: Evaluate and Select Suppliers [291 kB PDF]
- Guide 4: Define Specifications and Invite Tenders [303 kB PDF]
- Guide 5: Evaluate Suppliers and Award [319 kB PDF]
- Guide 6: Audit and Improve Suppliers [316 kB PDF]
- Guide 7: Manage the Contract and Disposal Route [296 kB PDF]
Category specific procurement
Certain types of procurement, for example public transport infrastructure and property services, have separate or additional requirements. These are listed in the following guides.
NZTA: Land Transport Management – Procurement Manual
DOL: Principles for the Property Services Industry
DOL: Construction Tendering Process: Health & Safety Guide
SSC: Guidance for Managing & Monitoring Major IT Projects
SSC/MoRST: Cabinet Guidelines for Intellectual Property from Public Service Research Contracts
The Treasury: Guidance for Public Private Partnerships in New Zealand
DPMC: Capital Asset Management – Expectations
OAG: Achieving Public Sector Outcomes with Private Sector Partners
NZCIC: Principles of Best Practice: Construction Procurement in New Zealand
Contracting with Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs)
In recent years, more public attention has been focused on the effectiveness of government agencies’ funding arrangements with non-government organisations (NGOs). The following guidance is recommended reading for anyone involved in this type of activity.
The Treasury: Guidance for Contracting with NGOs
OAG: Principles to underpin management by Public entities of funding to NGOs
Office of Community & Voluntary Sector: Code of Funding Practice
