TNAG-1911-FCO40-2715-Financial-assistance-from-the-UK-Government-to-Vietnamese-re-1989 — Page 32

4.

On occasions in the past, Posts and Departments have incurred needless expenditure by failing to consult the Directorate, or have acted other than in accordance with procedures laid down by it. I should be grateful if in future all Posts involved in major contracts, in large purchases (over £250,000) or in securing the services of consultants would contact the Directorate at the earliest stage, both to ensure that its expertise and advice are used, and to allow it to carry out its central coordination and reporting roles.

5.

Mr Gower and his staff can provide on request model contracts and tender documents for major and minor contracts, consultancies, research commissions and disposals. They are preparing a number of guides to best practice: when they are issued, please follow them carefully:

(a)

(b)

(c)

(ā)

(e)

revised Guidelines for Contracting (incorporating lessons learned from experience since the 1988 version);

Purchasing Guidelines for Posts while local conditions vary, these will provide general guidance and lay down procedures;

Procedures Manual for Purchasing this will draw heavily on the experience of CAD and OED, who have A their own centres of purchasing experise, in defining

standard procedures for all aspects from requisitioning to stock holding, from approval of suppliers to quality control;

Guidance on Government Policy on Small Firms, and on our obligations under the EC Supplies Directive and the GATT Procurement Agreement.

Guidance on the Hiring of Consultants.

6. It is clear that we have become more professional in our purchasing in recent years. But there is still much to be done before we can say we have got it completely right. While standard procedures and guidance have an essential role to play, it is most important that everyone involved in buying goods or services should think carefully and imaginatively about how to get the most out of our limited

resources.

7.

Mr Gower's new office is 3M Room 302; and his telephone number is 210 8296.

PT2ABA

DES Blatherwick