Print friendly (PDF, 356kb)
Purchasing Update - Volume 67 March 2007
New Standard Terms and Conditions
In the September 2006 edition of Purchasing Update, Queensland Purchasing announced its review of the standard terms and conditions which the Queensland Government uses for the acquisition of Goods and/or Services. This edition brings readers up to date on the status of this project.
In February 2007, Queensland Purchasing released the first ‘set' of the revised terms and conditions for 'one-off purchases'. This is the first of a number of terms and conditions documents which will be developed and released by Queensland Purchasing over the next few months. Our aim in developing these standard documents is to promote greater consistency across the sector in the way we engage with suppliers through our tendering and contracting processes. Agencies will also benefit significantly from using these standard documents, which have been developed in close consultation with various public sector procurement professionals, our own Departmental Legal Services unit, and with Crown Law.
The terms and conditions for a 'one-off purchase' are located via the Standard Terms and Condition page, this section of the website also lists the following documents:
- Conditions of Offer;
- Invitation to Offer (template); and
- Conditions of Contract.
Also released in February was the 'Short Form – Conditions of Contract'. This short form version was developed for Agencies to use when contracting with a supplier for goods and/or services which have a low degree of risk and low expenditure relative to the total procurement spend.
To facilitate consistency in the use of the Conditions of Offer, Conditions of Contract and Short Form – Conditions of Contract these documents are only available in PDF format, and are version and date controlled by Queensland Purchasing. The Conditions of Offer and Conditions of Contract are accessible via our website, which is linked within the Invitation to Offer template.
Any additions or amendments to the Conditions of Offer and/or Conditions of Contract required by an agency can be made in the Invitation to Offer (template) under either Part 2 (Additional Conditions of Offer) relating to the Offer conditions and/or Part 5 (Additional Conditions of Contract) where it relates to the Contract conditions. Although additional conditions may well be needed in some procurement, agencies are encouraged to adopt, as far as possible, the standard Conditions developed by Queensland Purchasing.
Soon to be released is the Additional Provisions document which contains various precedent template clauses and schedules to be utilised in the Invitation to Offer (template), depending upon the Agency's requirements.
Queensland Purchasing is also forging ahead with the development of another 'set' of terms and conditions, this time focussing on the Information and Communications Technology (ICT) Standing Offer Arrangement . This review will develop the following documents, which are of similar structure to the 'one-off purchase':
- ICT – Conditions of Offer – Standing Offer Arrangement;
- ICT Invitation to Offer (template); and
- ICT Standing Offer Arrangement Conditions which incorporates both the ICT Arrangement Conditions and the Customer Contract Conditions (i.e. GITC V5).
These ICT - specific documents will be consistent with the GITC V5 Framework and will help agencies to streamline their ICT procurement processes.
Also being developed is a Procurement Terms - Defined document which is a glossary of procurement terminology.
If you would like to know more about the terms and conditions project, please contact Melissa Jeffs on (07) 3224 5825, or email your enquiry to melissa.jeffs@qp.qld.gov.au.
GITC relocates to Queensland Purchasing
2007 brings change for the Government Information Technology Contracting (GITC) services team, with a move from the Queensland Government Chief Information Office, to Level 15, Mineral House to join Queensland Purchasing's Procurement Services team.
This move followed the recommendations of a review conducted by the Service Delivery and Performance Commission in 2006.
GITC Services will continue to manage the accreditation of suppliers to GITC Version 5, as well as providing advice and assistance to both the ICT industry and Queensland Government Agencies in the use and application of GITC Version 5 within Queensland .
Agencies and ICT suppliers will benefit from the extensive procurement expertise within Queensland Purchasing, which complements the services offered by GITC Services. Queensland Purchasing will also continue with the current review of GITC, with a commitment to ensuring its operation is as efficient and effective as possible for both the ICT industry and the Queensland Government.
The Procurement Services team currently provides a range of services including:
- agency-specific purchasing assistance and advice;
- establishing and managing whole-of-Government standing offer arrangements;
- Government disposals;
- quality assurance and supplier performance management; and
- travel management services.
Katharine Ghidella, Manager Procurement Services welcomes GITC staff, Karolina Szydlowska, Program Manager, Jasmine Freeman, Principal Project Officer, Kathy Zendler, Senior Project Officer and Anna Schmutter, Project Officer.
"I am delighted to welcome the team from GITC Services to Queensland Purchasing. The range of services provided by the Procurement Services teams complements, and is complemented by, the expertise and experience of the GITC team. Together, we look forward to continuing to provide a high level of service and expertise in the ICT procurement space," Katharine said.
Karolina Szydlowska, GITC Program Manager adds, "The GITC Services team looks forward to being part of a larger, end-to-end procurement service for ICT products and services. The move to Queensland Purchasing will facilitate greater communication and cooperation with other areas of purchasing, resulting in harmonisation of ICT purchasing with other forms of purchasing across the Queensland Government."
GITC can be contacted by phoning (07) 3227 7918 or email gitc@publicworks.qld.gov.au or visit online www.gitc.qld.gov.au.
Left to right: Anna Schmutter, Jasmine Freeman, Karolina Szydlowska, Katharine Ghidella and Kathy Zendler.
Inner Mongolian Queensland Purchasing procurement visit: 31 January
Queensland Purchasing recently welcomed an international delegation of 10 officials from the Mongolian Autonomous Regions Procurement Centre, Peoples Republic of China. The group met with Director, Evelyn Jelliffe and Principal Policy Officer, John Dears at Queensland Purchasing on 31 January 2007.
Speaking through an interpreter, Ms Jelliffe provided the delegation with an overview of the State Purchasing Policy and how government procurement is undertaken in Queensland. The delegation was particularly interested in the procurement certification courses run in Queensland.
The leader of the delegation, Mr Liu, Hengbin Director of the Mongolian Autonomous Regions Procurement Centre, explained that the centre is a Treasury responsibility and was looking to start improving the government's procurement policy and its training of procurement staff. The delegation expressed an interest in having procurement officials trained in Australia.
Review of State Purchasing Policy draws to a close
Since the December 2006 edition of Purchasing Update, Queensland Purchasing has analysed over 50 responses from Government agencies, industry and unions, as part of the second round of consultation regarding the State Purchasing Policy (SPP) review. This most recent round of consultation commenced with the release of a Policy Paper in November 2006, including 14 recommendations for change to the SPP.
Responses to the Policy Paper show strong support for proposed improvements to Queensland 's procurement framework. In summary, it is clear that stakeholders have embraced the existing SPP framework, and are supportive of amendments which take Government procurement to the next level. Stakeholders strongly endorse recommendations for:
- better procurement governance and a continuous improvement culture, facilitated through initiatives including:
- more consistent procurement planning across agencies, with a sharper focus on strategy and outcomes
- the development of an increasingly robust procurement measurement and reporting framework in agencies and at a whole-of-Government level
- regular assessments of procurement capability and performance
- clarification of the roles and responsibilities of stakeholders, including the Department of Public Works and agencies
- greater alignment of the SPP with trade obligations, and increased transparency in procurement activities
- an increased emphasis on sustainable procurement
- the clearer articulation of the Government's desire to deal where possible with suppliers which treat their employees fairly.
The next stage of the review process will be the development of a submission for Executive Government's consideration. The Department of Public Works will make its submission to Executive Government after the Service Delivery and Performance Commission reports on its review of purchasing and logistics, so that any impact on the SPP can be taken into account. The Department continues to work towards an implementation date for the revised Policy of 1 July 2007.
If you would like to know more about the review, please contact either John Dears (07) 322 42910 or Megan Collins (07) 322 42736, or email your query to SPP.Review@publicworks.qld.gov.au.
Transforming Government Procurement – UK HM Treasury Report
UK Financial Secretary to the Treasury, John Healey MP, launched the document Transforming Government Procurement on 23 January 2007. This report unveils a range of public procurement reforms to equip the UK over the next decade with the capability to deliver world class public services in the face of growing challenges of global competition, changing demographics and increasing pressures on natural resources.
This is the first major reshaping of the procurement agenda since the Office of Government Commerce was established under the leadership of Sir Peter Gershon. The report demonstrates a good example of a global procurement initiative, to access the report: http://www.hm-treasury.gov.uk./media/4EA/89/government_procurement_pu147.pdf
Buyers Forums 2007: Toowoomba, Rockhampton, Townsville, Brisbane
Buyer's forums allow government officers involved in purchasing to meet and network with buyers in regional areas, share information about procurement, and liaise with Queensland Purchasing staff about the services we have to offer.
During 2006, Queensland Purchasing conducted sessions in Brisbane, Sunshine Coast, Gold Coast, Toowoomba, Hervey Bay, Mackay, Rockhampton, Townsville, Cairns and Mount Isa. 2007 session dates and locations will be published in late March and this year will include Toowoomba, Townsville, Rockhampton and Brisbane.
For more information, visit 2007 Buyers Forums or contact Angela Baldwin, (07) 3224 2632 or email: betterpurchasing@qp.qld.gov.au.
Travel Management Unit update
The Whole-of-Government Travel Management System project underway in Queensland Purchasing has entered into a new phase. The system was delivered by the supplier, HRG Australia on 23 February.
The Travel Management Unit has commenced User Acceptance Testing for the TMS. Testing is expected to be a very intensive 8 week period. Following successful completion of testing, the system will be implemented in part of the Department of Pubic Works as a Pilot. The pilot is expected to last for approximately three months.
After the pilot the Travel Management Unit will commence rolling the TMS out to all Departments and a number of Government Owned Corporations. Three dedicated teams have been employed to focus solely on the rollout effort.
Recently all Departments were sent a letter from the Director-General, Department of Public Works, advising of anticipated rollout dates for each Department. This letter was intended to provide forward advice of the upcoming rollout and a high level indication of the tasks and resources involved in implementation.
All Departments were asked to nominate a Coordinator for their implementation process. If you have questions about implementation in your Department or anything about the TMS do not hesitate to contact the Travel Management Unit on (07) 3227 8065 email: tmu@qp.qld.gov.au or visit Travel page.
New Year for Purchasing Training & Certification
Queensland Purchasing's Training and Certification staff, Program Manager, Janelle Newlyn and Purchasing Training Event Coordinator Shannon O'Donoghue are well underway with planning and managing purchasing training for 2007. In 2000, Queensland Purchasing Division, in collaboration with various tertiary institutions, designed and implemented the Queensland Purchasing Training and Certification program to support the skills development of Government purchasing staff.
The purchasing certification program for 2007, introduces the latest national procurement competency standards, a broader training curriculum with redesigned courses, assessment methodologies and educational pathways articulating into a range of graduate programs offered through tertiary institutions such as TAFE, Griffith and Central Queensland Universities. Training can also be undertaken in specific modules to meet individual or agency requirements, without the need to undertake the full range of training and assessment required for purchasing certification.
The achievement of purchasing certification sets up a sound practical and vocational foundation allowing officers to staircase their professional skills, qualifications and career opportunities. The framework is unique in structure, offering high standards of course material, delivery, articulation and recognition. The program is also being used under licence arrangement by the government of New South Wales , with continuing interest from other jurisdictions and international organisations.
In August 2006, the Level 3 and 4 certification programs achieved internationally parity and recognition by the Chartered Institute of Purchasing & Supply (CIPS). The Queensland Purchasing certification courses are currently the only government-developed programs in Australia to receive both educational parity and Foundation membership status for students against the CIPS international procurement standards.
The importance of this CIPS Award means that in future, eligible Queensland Purchasing students who have completed or are currently undertaking this training – will, in addition to achieving their purchasing certification, be eligible to receive a globally recognised membership grading in CIPS which will allow them to transport their skills anywhere in the world
The Queensland Purchasing certification Levels 1 to 4 have inspired hundreds of officers to further their academic studies and pursue a professional career path in procurement through the academic articulation and credit opportunities gained through their purchasing certification achievements .
Griffith University offers a Bachelor Degree in Logistics and Supply Chain Management. Again completion of certification at Level 4 will provide a number of credits into this degree program. For further information - details available via the Griffith University website www.griffith.edu.au or through Ron Fisher Lecturer Department of Management Griffith Business School email: r.fisher@griffith.edu.au.
Central Queensland University is currently offering a Bachelor of Business (Procurement and Supply) Degree. Completion of certification to level 4 contributes to a number of credits into this degree program. For further information regarding the Central Queensland University Degree course, you can contact:
Kirstin Parsons
Program Advisor
Faculty of Business and Informatics
Phone: 4930 9127
k.l.parsons@cqu.edu.au
More information on learning about Queensland Purchasing training visit the Training page.
If you would like your free 2007 purchasing training calendar or to register for training contact Shannon O'Donoghue, Event Coordinator courserego@qp.qld.gov.au or phone: (07) 3224 2790.
'Greening up' Standing Offer Arrangements
Standing offer arrangements are set up to make it easy for the buyer to buy common goods and services. Queensland Government employees can find out about a range of goods and services offered through standing offer arrangements (and preferred supplier arrangements) and who supplies them. Products including office furniture; recruitment of temporary staff; safety equipment; office supplies; photocopiers and a range of other goods can be viewed on-line simply by logging onto to the Queensland Government Buyers Catalogue.
At Queensland Purchasing, we've started 'greening up' our standing offer arrangements (SOAs) for those customers who want to choose products and or suppliers who are more environmentally responsible. Currently, we are reviewing our whole-of-government SOAs to improve the environmental outcomes and where possible to offer environmentally preferred products to the buyer.
"Together with QP's SOA managers we're developing a process which integrates sustainability into each step of establishing and managing an SOA," says QP's Sustainable Procurement project manager, Michelle Lavery. "It's our broader goal to get all procurement staff across government to think about sustainability as part of their normal procurement practice."
"Basically, we've mapped out the SOA process and then identified the sustainability considerations, sustainability actions, 'Who performs each action and the output for each stage'. The model is generic so it can be used for any standing offer arrangement, panel arrangement or a one-off contract," explains Michelle.
The following diagram provides and example and shows the stage in the process where the invitation documentation is developed and how the sustainability considerations are integrated.
The Sustainable Procurement Team in Queensland Purchasing is currently working through the stages of the SOA process and intend to share their learnings and experience with other agencies that set up arrangements and contracts.
The Team has been working on commodity groups such as personal computers, business machines (printers, photocopiers, multi-function devices), tyres, toner cartridges and office furniture. As research is completed on the commodity groups we add it to the Sustainable Procurement page (Buy Green Toolkit) for agencies to use.
"We encourage other agencies to establish arrangements and contracts which have environmentally preferred product options and/or minimum environmental standards," says Michelle "We would be very happy to assist agencies and to share information". Contact michelle.lavery@qp.qld.gov.au or telephone (07) 3405 5125.
Development Opportunities
QP continues to support the development of procurement skills across the sector. One method available to Procurement Professionals is to join and participate in industry association activities. Depending on your area of interest, there are often relevant conferences, site visits and other educational activities that will enhance the knowledge and skills of procurement specialists.
On 2 and 3 August, there is a 'Supply Chain & Logistics Conference' hosted by the major procurement and affiliated associations covering a wide range of procurement related topics. Details can be found at http://www.qldscc.com.
2007 Procurement Professional Graduates
2007 brings 14 new procurement graduates into the sector through the Procurement Professional Graduate Development Program, a 12 month program of work and training. This year's graduates have been placed in Queensland Health, Queensland Purchasing, QBuild, Queensland Transport, Queensland Police, Education Training & the Arts, QR, Tarong Energy and Emergency Services.
Over the twelve month period, each graduate will have the opportunity to work in operational, tactical and strategic procurement environments. They will also develop their skills and knowledge through a range of training and networking opportunities.
The goal of attracting tertiary educated professionals, training them in procurement and retaining them in the public sector is a very important one in our strategic planning. The recruitment of graduates into a structured procurement program is one of a number of strategies to develop procurement capability within the Queensland Public Service.
Graduate Program, Manager, Melissa Watson said, "It has been very exciting and professionally rewarding to see our previous graduates all remain in procurement roles. This year with fourteen keen graduates, including two regional positions, we expect to enhance our professional of procurement and further develop the procurement capability across the sector."
By showcasing innovative procurement projects and the wide variety of roles within the Sector, initiatives like the Graduate Development Program will also raise the profile of procurement as a profession.
Graduates from Business disciplines such as International Business, Finance, Commerce, Economics and Accounting are encouraged to apply. Promotion for the 2008 intake will begin across Queensland at University Fairs in March and April. Applications for the 2008 program will open in July. Departments interested in the graduate procurement program, contact Alison Boundy or Melissa Watson at graduates@qp.qld.gov.au or visit Graduates page.
Graduate profiles
Peter McGuire – Queensland Health
Queensland Health – Statewide and Community Services Branch Procurement Professional Graduate Peter McGuire, shares his aspirations for his graduate procurement journey, study background, thoughts on procurement and plans for his career. Manager, Margo Warren from HACC Policy and Planning discusses the graduate program, and Peter's placement.
PU: Where did you study at university, what did you study, did you enjoy your degree?
PM: I completed a Bachelor of Business at QUT Garden 's Point in 2006 with majors in marketing and management. I found the degree to be useful in the way it exposes a lot of different views of business functions. The option to choose majors as well as a variety of elective subjects gave me a lot of freedom in the exposure to different subject areas. While I found the content sometimes stale, the benefit of the degree was being exposed to a variety of tools and critical analysis skills to apply to an organisation or situation, each of which can be dissected for value and applied if/where appropriate.
PU: How did you find out about the Procurement Professional graduate program?
PM: One morning at uni before a class I received an email about a presentation about the graduate program and like any good uni student I skipped a class to attend. It turned out to be a good use of my time.
PU: Why did you choose procurement as a career?
PM: I have been very unsure of career direction and found that procurement encompassed all the management practices I had experienced in my studies. From another viewpoint, procurement sounded like a fancy way of saying shopping, hence the opportunity to get paid to spend other peoples' money was too hard to pass up.
PU: Describe the procurement area in the Agency you work for, what type of projects do they work on?
PM: I am working in Queensland Health's Statewide Health and Community Services Branch which administers many of the state-wide health programs. Converse to the other graduates and many procurement departments within the public sector, this Branch procures services, rather than physical goods. Within this environment there are differing challenges such as difficulty in measuring performance, setting standards, timing and perishability and developing appropriate models of service delivery. However, for strictly service purchases, there are no requirements for disposal.
I am currently working in the Home and Community Care (HACC) program which provides basic health and support services to frail aged and younger people with moderate to severe disability with the intention of supporting independence to continue to living at home. HACC contracts to around 800 services providers who provide services to HACC eligible clients with the aim of preventing premature or inappropriate admission to residential care facilities.
PU: Where do you see the procurement profession heading in the future?
PM: I predict that procurement professionals will be in increase demand in the future. I believe there will be increasing gaps in the market for appropriately qualified staff, resulting in understaffed and over worked procurement teams. I believe this will result in an increased awareness of the profession which will in turn lead to promotion and development of new recruits and possibly more formalised education courses.
PU: What do you like to do outside of the office environment, any interest sports or hobbies?
PM: I enjoy travelling and have a strong interest in languages. I have studied French briefly, now progressing to Spanish. My goal is to become a conversational speaker in Spanish by end 2009 and ultimately put it into practice travelling Central and South America .
I also really enjoy the water (going to the beach, snorkelling etc) and go to the gym regularly.
PU: Where do you see your career path leading?
PM: I envisage that my career path will be in project management with a focus on procurement teams. My goal is to secure a role as a project officer and work my way up to the strategic side of project management. Long term, I realistically expect to change career in 8-10 years, a common trend in Australian culture.
Margo Warren – Queensland Health Manager, Home & Community Care (HACC) Policy and Planning
PU: Describe the procurement area in your agency.
MW: Statewide Health and Community Services Branch is responsible for purchasing a range of health and support services across Queensland on behalf of Queensland Health. The Program currently contracts $278m of services, primarily from non-government providers. These contracts include operating funds for the provision of direct care services to frail aged and younger people with disabilities living at home and include activities such as personal care, nursing care, social support and respite care. In addition services can apply for non-operating funds to capital requirements such as vehicles, office equipment and the like.
The program receives annual growth funding from the Australian and State Government. The program employs a range of purchasing strategies to ensure the allocation of growth funds is done both in accordance with state purchasing frameworks and ensures additional services to HACC eligible clients.
PU: What type of work is your Procurement Graduate working on?
MW: Peter has been assisting with the development and release of the 2006/07 non-operating tender process. This tender will close in early March and Peter will be involved in the tender assessment, funds approval and allocation processes.
The HACC program is also completing a strategic directions document in relation to dementia care. Once complete, Peter will also assist in the purchase of services from the sector to meet the identified strategic objectives.
Ongoing contract management is a continuous function of the unit, with some 800 currently contracted providers. Peter has been assisting with file audits, liaising with service providers for overdue reports, analysis of performance reports submitted by providers and making recommendations to senior project officers where a need for follow up has been identified.
PU: What are the organisational benefits of participating in the program?
MW: The Graduate Program provides on opportunity for the Unit to access a different set of skills and experience. The graduate process is a two way street. The business unit supports the graduate with skills and development opportunities, and the graduate provides the business unit with their knowledge gained through tertiary qualifications. They can also bring an ‘outsider' perspective, and by asking questions, we are able to consider why we do things the way we do, assisting us to rethink different or more effective business processes.
Kevin Gazzard – Queensland Police Service
Queensland Police Service Procurement Professional Graduate, Kevin Gazzard discusses his study journey, transition into the graduate program, procurement projects and outlook for the future. Manager, Michelle Toll talks about QPS's procurement and Kevin's involvement as a Procurement Graduate.
PU: Where did you study at university, what did you study, did you enjoy your degree?
KG: Griffith University . Bachelor of Commerce majoring in Human Resource Management & Banking & Funds Management. I enjoyed most aspects of my degree not only from the syllabus from the subjects but also the educators with real life experience that provided more than just a regurgitation of facts.
PU: How did you find out about the Procurement Professional graduate program?
KG: Griffith University's Careers and Employment Service Website.
PU: Why did you choose procurement as a career?
KG: Procurement is not just about the end result. It is a constant means to an ends. Procurement addresses not only the financial costs but also the professional relationship between the suppliers and the customers. Finding out what customers want as opposed to thinking what they want. It was a sector that therefore complimented my two majors I completed as part of my degree – Finance and Human Resource Management not to mention a unique area with high demand that I believe will only continue into the future.
PU: Describe the procurement area in the Agency you work for, what type of projects do they work on?
KG: I work in the Procurement and Contracts Section of the Logistics Branch for the Queensland Police Service. A lot of projects the section work on are Invitation to Offers, Standing Offer Arrangements, Contract Reviews, Generating and maintaining Orders and general procurement management.
PU: Where do you see the procurement profession heading in the future?
KG: Centrally focused strategic. Customer Focused. Better relationships.
PU: What do you like to do outside of the office environment, any interest sports or hobbies?
KG: Rugby, music, golf, movies, driving, relaxing with friends.
PU: Where do you see your career path leading?
KG: I would like to stay within the Public Service and obtain as much experience as possible not only within the procurement sector, but in a wide variety of roles and across different departments of the Public Service.
Michelle Toll– Queensland Police Service A/Manager Procurement and Contracts Section Logistics Branch
PU: Describe the procurement area in your agency.
MT: The procurement activities of the Queensland Police Service have undergone great change over the past decade. Where these activities were once regarded as simple purchasing and order placement, the now Procurement & Contracts Section has been highly successful in advancing our activities into the realm of significant procurement and successful contract management. This has been achieved through our ability to establish sound and effective contracts with our suppliers and undertake the ongoing management of those contracts to ensure the desired outcomes are achieved.
However, it is recognised within this organisation that procurement is a critical part of the entire supply chain. This has caused a fundamental emphasis change from contract management to vendor and client relationship management. Whilst the establishment of a sound contract remains a fundamental necessity, the development of a sound, professional and well aligned vendor/client relationship achieves even greater benefit for the Agency, their client and the vendor.
Further, the transition of less tactical and operational (transactional) purchasing functions to our shared service provider and increased emphasis on strategic procurement within this Agency has provided yet another shift in focus within our business environment.
Significant opportunities exist within both the vendor/client relationship management and strategic procurement environments for the Queensland Police Service Procurement & Contracts Section. Our focus for the future is to continue to grow our skills and expertise into these two valuable areas of professional procurement within the Public Sector.
PU: What type of work is your Procurement Graduate working on?
MT: It's early days for Kevin, however, he has been plunged head long into a fairly broad scope of our activities including day-to-day activities surrounding the management of a number of Queensland Police Service (QPS) Standing Offer Arrangements; ICT contractor engagements and their sometimes numerous GITC schedules and the establishment of new QPS Standing Offer Arrangements via the Invitation to Offer process. Kevin has also had the opportunity to attend a supplier product demonstration conducted as part of a significant Invitation to Offer project currently being undertaken by Kevin's line mentor.
The Procurement & Contracts Section operates a fairly comprehensive induction training program for all new personnel taking up a position with us. This program provides an orientation of the activities of our Section, applicable policies, procedures and template documents in addition to a scope of responsibilities and activities as well as a ‘tasks' list. The tasks list provides a comprehensive outline of specific projects and activities undertaken by the delegate and facilitates an opportunity for both the delegate and their line mentor to make comment as to the success of the activity – this highlights any areas where additional training or guidance may be required by the delegate and enables feedback to the delegate where they have been highly successful.
The next ten months of Kevin's program shall see him challenged with more significant procurement activities and the opportunity to begin to develop his vendor/client relationships.
Kevin has immediately evidenced to us his professionalism and ability to quickly grasp the new concepts being presented to him. He is already proving to be a successful and valuable member of our team.
PU: What are the organisational benefits of participating in the program?
MT: The QPS participated in the Graduate Program in 2006 and it is readily acknowledged that the program provides an excellent opportunity for both the Public Sector and program participants. Our Graduate in 2006 came to the QPS with a sound procurement background which she was keen to develop. Her professionalism and enthusiasm established her as a valuable member of our team.
Kevin comes to us with an exemplary academic background complimented by a sound working background and is already proving to be a successful member of our team.
In an arena where highly skilled procurement professionals are proving difficult to source, it is of great benefit to the QPS to be able to participate in the Program. Having the ability to develop the knowledge, skills and experience of enthusiastic young professionals such as those participating in the Graduate Program along with the new perspective and ideas the participants bring to the team is of tremendous benefit to both parties.
Kate Handley – QBuild
QBuild Procurement Professional Graduate, Kate Handley chats about her educational background, current procurement role, career aspirations and passion for music, Deb Drochmann, QBuild Procurement Manager (Capricornia) speaks about procurement at QBuild, Kate's role and the overall benefits of the graduate program.
PU: Where did you study at university, what did you study, did you enjoy your degree?
KH: I studied a Bachelor of Business (Mgmt) with Central Queensland University , Rockhampton Campus. I feel that the scope of the program allowed me to complete the degree without being confined to a single specialist area upon graduation.
PU: How did you find out about the Procurement Professional graduate program?
KH: Advertised in the Rockhampton, Morning Bulletin and Queensland Purchasing graduate job information updates emailed to CQU students.
PU: Why did you choose procurement as a career?
KH: Being raised in a small coal mining town in Central Queensland , the sight of enormous draglines and machinery was a daily norm. After exposure to logistics management at university I realised procurement was a far larger and more interesting field than its given credit for. I was able to relate the theoretical concepts covered at university to the coal mining industry and further understand the preparation of parts and people, also logistical supply and demand that is required in order to conduct maintenance shutdowns in such a rural location.
PU: Describe the procurement area in the Agency you work for, what type of projects do they work on?
KH: The Procurement area within QBuild provides procurement services relating to a wide range of building, maintenance, horticulture and cleaning projects for state government properties including schools, amenities, industrial sites and commercial and general purpose buildings. Our part in completing these projects includes but is not limited to liaising with contractors and suppliers, managing the Request For Quotes and tender processes, managing Standing Offer Arrangements and contracts and issuing purchase orders.
PU: Where do you see the procurement profession heading in the future?
KH: In the near future I feel that procurement as a profession will expand rapidly with booms in Mining and other related industry sectors increasing demand and making procurement professionals a hot commodity.
PU: What do you like to do outside of the office environment, any interest sports or hobbies?
KH: I play Flugel horn in the Rockhampton City Brass Band and am currently playing Trumpet in the pit orchestra for the RockPak production of the musical ‘West Side Story'. On the sports side of things, waterskiing has been my family's sport for many years. I am a member of the Rockhampton Waterskiing and Power Boat Club and enjoy recreational skiing in the Fitzroy River . However the confirmed sightings of crocodiles in the upper Fitzroy River have tempered my enthusiasm a little!
PU: Where do you see your career path leading?
KH: Looking to my future I'd like to undertake further tertiary study in Procurement. I see the procurement graduate program as a valuable opportunity to allow tertiary trained students to learn about government purchasing through agency work experience, while providing training and networking to further a career in Procurement.
Deb Drochmann - QBuild Procurement Manager (Capricornia)
PU: Describe the procurement area in your agency.
DD: QBuild processes from purchase to pay. We source, purchase and deliver goods and services through various processes and then arrange for payments.
PU: What type of work is your Procurement Graduate working on?
DD:
- Day to day purchase of goods and services
- Contract/Standing Offer Arrangement calling and management of associated tasks.
PU: What are the organisational benefits of participating in the program?
DD: Access to increased skill levels of people working in Procurement – Knowledge and sharing.
Procurement probity and ethics training: for non-procurement officers
- Do you know when you can and cannot accept gifts and benefits?
- Do you know how to resolve an ethical dilemma?
- Do you know how to conduct a procurement process according to the principles and practices of probity?
- What are the 6Rs to managing a conflict of interest?
- What does a probity advisor do and can they help?
The spine-tingling answers to these questions and more is the focus of the new 'Ethics and Probity in Procurement' training!
Queensland Purchasing will be offering training aimed at professional groups including engineers, ICT specialists, health clinicians, project managers, scientists, etc. This group of employees often become involved in critical parts of the procurement process, for example developing user requirements (or specifications), participating on product evaluation teams or influence decision making in other ways.
Dates, venues and costs are being finalised by Queensland Purchasing. Kick-off dates for the face to face training sessions which will run for 2 hours will commence in April. There are also plans to develop an on-line e-learning module for those time-poor professionals. For further information please contact Michelle Lavery at michelle.lavery@qp.qld.gov.au or telephone (07) 3405 5125.
In the meantime, read the Ethics, Probity and Accountability in Procurement Guide (PDF, 731kb) – all the answers to the above questions are there too!
Australia Day Achievement Medallions 2007
Queensland Purchasing's Paul Nielsen received an Australia Day award presented on January 29 by the Minister for Public Works, Robert Schwarten. Paul was one of 27 Department of Public Works staff receiving awards this year.
Paul has been a senior member of the Supplier Quality Management Systems Certification Services Team within Queensland Purchasing since 1995.
Paul brings a wealth of expertise to the Department and is a registered Lead Auditor with the International Register of Certified Auditors in the UK.
He currently leads a team that managers a program ensuring suppliers to the Queensland Government provide high quality products and services. In his Senior Auditing role, Paul deals with a wide cross section of people and organisations to ensure that audits are completed for the department's suppliers.
Hon Minister Robert Schwarten presents Paul Nielsen with his medallion
SOA200 - Office Administrative Employment Agency Staff (Temp Staff) and Temporary and Permanent AO1 & AO2 Level Administrative Employees
Standing Offer Arrangement 200 has been extended to the 30 April 2007.
A User Friendly Guide and Best Practice Guide (PDF, 69kb) is available, the guide will assist Purchasers when using the Standing Offer Arrangement.
Queensland Purchasing is currently in the process of evaluating offers for the new Standing Offer Arrangement.
Wide Bay, Rockhampton, Sunshine Coast, Toowoomba, Mackay, Brisbane, Ipswich, Gold Coast, Mt Isa, Cairns and Townsville Zone evaluations have been completed.
Queensland Purchasing envisages the new Standing Offer Arrangement should be in place by 1 May 2007.
Further information on SOA200 can be obtained by contacting:
Leah Walker or Delia Manson from Queensland Purchasing phone: (07) 3404 3731 or (07) 3224 2661 or email: leah.walker@qp.qld.gov.au or delia.manson@qp.qld.gov.au.
SOA650 - Desktop Print Solutions
Queensland Purchasing's Desktop Print Solutions SOA650 incorporates a panel of pre-qualified providers who assist approved government users to develop, implement and manage their desktop printing strategies. Desktop printing strategies identify the optimal mix of output hardware to suit the demand and profile of a Government agency.
The desktop print environment is a collection of different print devices, which includes desktop printers, networked printers, scanners, faxes, multi-functional devices (MFD's), photocopiers, software and network configurations. The primary areas of focus are document output, networked printing and networked copying/multifunction devices
Each review and strategy will be based on location, size, organisational environment, culture, systems and business requirements. Each review and strategy will be customised to the individual agency and flexible enough to phase in processes or implement in totality the agency's needs and situation.
For more information phone: (07) 3224 4183 or email: brett.mcguiness@qp.qld.gov.au.
Last updated March 2007
