from the editor

Summit, Jan/Feb 2005 by Phillips, Anne

IN TRYING TO MAKE procurement better serve the needs of government and suppliers, several provincial governments have passed new legislation and others have done some reorganization; the federal government is no different. For several months a federal taskforce has been conducting an extensive review of federal procurement.

Changes in procurement practice have long been desired on both sides of the equation. But change is always more comfortable when it is happening to someone else, or when you are convinced the change will improve your own circumstances... most often it is met with reluctance and skepticism. To overcome that, the taskforce spent considerable time communicating both internally: learning what needs changing and in developing their proposal, and; externally: to other stakeholders such as the business community. A concept paper outlining potential changes was published on-line late last year.

At an Ottawa-Carleton Research Institute breakfast in late November, Ottawa suppliers heard Walt Lastewka, head of the taskforce express his determination saying, "There have been seven [procurement] studies since 1963; none implemented. I don't plan to be the eighth." As the team's proposal for change works its way through the approval process, questions on how it will work and affect suppliers were top of mind for the audience. Though not able to spell out the details at the time, Lastewka said that it would likely take 4-5 years to role out. He reassured those attending that the team is well aware of small business concerns through talks with the Canadian Federation of Independent Business (a national association that represents over 100,000 Canadian small businesses) and other associations. Summit asked procurement consultant Patti Magee to review the taskforce's concept paper. You will find her comments on page 6.

Change seems to be the trend. CRA switched to one office supply provider (page 12) and is suggesting that others consider doing the same; municipalities are finding alternatives to road salt (page 18); Edmonton is addressing infrastructure requirements (page 10); and, the authors of In our opinion advocate a supplier performance evaluation process. As well, the ever-changing environment of government has put more project/program managers in the position of doing or managing their own procurement (page 20).

Perhaps some of these changes will suit you.

Anne