From 2013-2014, the government spent a total of £242 billion on the procurement of goods and services needed to deliver public services. Undoubtedly, taxpayers’ money needs to be spent wisely – meaning the procurement process is heavily outcomes based due to its publicly accountable nature. The quality of goods and services must match needs while costs are kept under control and stakeholders satisfied. Added to that, the whole process must be done with the highest professional standards due to any regulatory restrictions.
Yet for many IT Directors within the public sector, the journey can be rife with disruptions. From the ever-shifting makeup of the organisation and changing strategic targets, to external political events and the evolving nature of technology – an array of elements with varying degrees of risk are often at play.
Public sector IT procurement may seem difficult, but there are ways to ensure efficiency and effectiveness. With the right research and preparation, public sector bodies can ensure that they are acting in the best interests of all involved.
There are always efficiencies to be made in IT, and this includes the procurement process. It may seem like a loose game of snakes and ladders, but by being strategic, government IT directors can easily win.