New framework for gov't management consultancy launched

Interested in bidding for consulting work in the public sector in the £100k-£2m range? Then you'll be very interested in a new procurement framework for consultancy services just launched by the government - consultancyONE.

The framework will be open to all of the public sector and is intended to replace all existing framework contracts apart from those related to specific requirements within Departments.

Few details have yet been released but the service is set to be available from the middle of 2012.

According to the Government Procurement Service, consultancyONE will be aimed at "simplifying the way that government procures business and management consultancy".

The new framework, called ConsultancyONE, responds to reports from the National Audit Office in 2006 and 2010 and is designed to give taxpayers assurance that consultancy services are bought when they are needed and in a way that maximizes the return on investment. Specifically, say backers, it should end the practice of buying temporary labour and classifying it as consulting. It will also provide buyers with access to a wider range of quality consulting firms, including many smaller and niche consultancies.

"We are currently reviewing other options for procuring consultancy services which may result in alternative routes to market being introduced in the future... We have therefore built in flexibility to ensure that the framework allows for future innovation and continues to deliver best value for the taxpayer," says the GPS.

The pre-qualification questionnaire says the framework will be divided into lots, the main ones of which are multi-specialism programme delivery, functional advice and support, finance and audit.

An ICT element in the provision of expertise for the development of business improvement projects but it will not include the delivery of systems and processes.

The MCA, the trade body for the management consulting industry, has welcomed the announcement."The government has now put some clear water between value-adding management consultancy and temporary staffing or body shopping," commented Alan Leaman, Chief Executive of the body.

Procurements through the framework will be managed through the Home Office Procurement Centre of Excellence in Newport.