WIREDGOV

The first phase of the new ConsultancyONE framework, which will deliver greater choice and significant reductions in consultancy day rates of at least 20%, has now been awarded.

The new framework will replace all existing arrangements for central government departments and can also be used by organisations across the UK public sector. It offers a wider choice of suppliers with more competitive, innovative solutions than ever before – 47% of the successful firms are not existing framework suppliers.

Smaller providers have also been given more opportunities to win government business with 27% of first phase suppliers being SMEs. In addition, SMEs have been awarded places on lots which have historically been dominated by large firms; for example in the multi-specialism delivery advice lot 25% of providers are SMEs.

Francis Maude commented:

“We’ve already put an end to excessive consultancy spend by establishing stringent controls which have slashed the cost to the taxpayer by 85% and saved over £1 billion in 2011/12 compared to the level of spending in 2009/10.

But we want to go even further in changing how Government buys in consultancy services by introducing a new single framework which saves even more money for the taxpayer and ends our reliance on larger suppliers. With SMEs making up over 27% of suppliers on this first phase of the framework, we’re creating more opportunities and boosting business for smaller providers where we know greater value and innovation can be found.”

Under the new arrangement all Government consultancy requirements between £100,000 and £2 million will be managed through a single buying team in GPS. Larger assignments above £2 million will be subject to full competition via the OJEU process.

The first phase of lots for award are:

A second award of a further six lots will be made in March.

Full details will be on the website shortly, in the meantime to find out more please contact our customer service desk on 0345 410 2222 or email info@gps.gsi.gov.uk