Procurement processes
Ekan undertakes various kinds of project management assignments. One early niche for Ekan as a supplier was the ability to follow the Swedish Public Procurement Act (LOU). Our undertaking also means turning our clients into skilled purchasers.
Client’s staff, who are familiar with some of the activities involved in procurement, have to learn how to formulate their requirements in legally correct documents. We now perform regular assignments that involve conducting preliminary studies ahead of a system change, drawing up tender documentation and specifications of requirements, taking part in negotiations and executing the actual procurement process. We can also help to implement the service or IT support that has been procured.
Our competence in this process is comprehensive. Our clients avoid having to engage several different consultants. If an assignment does involve a competence that we do not possess, with Ekan’s extensive network we can provide legal, technical or other specialist expertise.
Procurement documentation must clearly specify all conditions and requirements that apply for the tender. The documentation must be predictable, transparent and in proportion to what is being procured. In order to be able to observe these guidelines objectively, it is always a good idea to conduct an independent review. This reduces the risks of losing the procurement in connection with a possible reappraisal or an appraisal of damages.
Many public authorities believe that they are now quite familiar with LOU, but many expensive mistakes are still being made. A survey conducted in 2004 by the Swedish Association of Local Authorities and Regions (SKL) revealed that there is significant potential for development in terms of the production of tender documentation. The experience that we bring to the assignment means that common errors and deficiencies can be quickly avoided and that procurement projects can keep to their schedules.
After many years’ experience of public procurement, we at Ekan have also become skilled at recognising the strengths and weaknesses of suppliers. We have a reputation for being an objective evaluator and keeping the procurement process fair, which is positive for both our clients and us.