Yet Another Countdown...

Tuesday, January 3rd, 2012. Government offices are back to regular working hours again. In Procurement, its the calm before the storm. Just like the mad rush of shoppers on Christmas Eve, Government year-end spending comes just before March 31st every year. Returning from winter holidays means there are merely 12 weeks and 3 days for the public sector to commit (spend) any remaining budget funds they may have.

Although the budget approval process starts in September the year before (ie the business plans for capital and programs are submitted in the Fall prior to the start of the new budget year) you will find procurement is only 'called' at the moment the program area is ready to go to RFP.

Timelines will be short, as the RFP needs to be "on the street" from 2- 5 weeks, depending upon the complexity and value. Evaluations will take another 2-3 weeks depending upon the schedules of the evaluators, and the number of responses required. In order to commit the funds, the contract needs to be signed before the year-end and delivery made.

So, dear vendor, at this time of year, when you send in a request to extend the closing date of the RFP - don't be offended, when the request is summarily refused. What I would suggest, rather than stating you need more time, explain WHY it is necessary that the marketplace has more time to provide complete materials that will shorten contract negotiations and expedite delivery, in a manner that would 'save time, money & scope creep' for the buying organization.