We will:

• Remain focused on outcomes, target areas and target groups.
• Engage delivery partners through larger, framework contracts, to avoiding fragmentation.
• Focus on longer term contracts and interventions. Many of the issues we are trying to address are stubborn and will take time to turn around. We will not flit from one activity to another.
• Purchase and commission from Croydon-based organisations where possible within fair and open procurement procedures.
• Use our programme resources to lever in other funding from the public and private sector
• Keep back office functions and project management resources as light as possible, so that the maximum amount of funding will be devoted to delivering our desired outcomes.

Our procurement strategy is centred on two or three year framework contracts which will broadly align with the delivery themes. Within these we will specify the outcomes required, the outputs contractually required by funders and some indication of the type of activity required.

However, there are opportunities for delivery organisations to suggest how outcomes and outputs will be achieved, so the frameworks will not be excessively restrictive. It is intended that for each framework there will be one organisation responsible for overall delivery. This organisation is likely also to be responsible for delivery of generic services relating to that framework.

Where appropriate, frameworks may require that other providers will be brought into delivery by the organisation holding the head delivery contract. This is to ensure that there is scope for new providers and for innovative delivery.

Framework contracts will be supplemented by contracts for specialist services. These may or may not be delivered by the organisations responsible for delivery of the frameworks, to be decided on the basis of proposals put forward by potential delivery organisations. All specialist services will operate within and the overall frameworks in order to prevent fragmentation.

In 2006/07 there will be a number of Foundation Builder contracts for work that is necessary to be able to specify the services required in the frameworks, or which are which are for necessary preparatory work.

Foundation Builder

From time to time there will be one off research and development work which will be procured. These will be to explore or research new services, but will not for actual delivery of services.

We aim to have open and transparent procurement procedures through:

• Commissioning where the required service can only, or most appropriately, be delivered by Croydon Council or another public sector body. The reasons for commissioning from a single organisation will be clearly set out and published, and agreed by the LEGI Cabinet.
• Grants to the delivery organisation where the delivery costs will be covered only on a reimbursement basis. It may be open to a number of organisations to submit proposals and there will be a selection process comparable to tendering. In some circumstances the grant may be made available to one organisation only. In these circumstances the reasons will be clearly set out and published, and agreed by the LEGI Cabinet.
• Commercial contract where the delivery is to be let on commercial terms and selection will conform to Croydon Council’s tendering procedures.

We anticipate most contracts will be procured via open competitive tendering.

All invitations to tender will be published on this website and in the local press. Organisations will be able to register for email alerts of tendering or grant opportunities through this website.

Whichever procurement route is used, there will be a formal contract or service level agreement with the delivery organisation with appropriate performance measures. Some contracts may be call-off contracts where a number of providers meeting a set standard might be appointed then used as required.

Due to the duration and size of framework contracts it will take some time to develop the specifications, tender or commission the work and for delivery organisations to build their capacity.  Some frameworks may not start delivering until April 2007. There may need to be interim arrangements for some activities.

FULL details of the procurement methods for all parts of the programme are in the full and final version of the programme strategy.  Click here to go there.