Contract and Supplier Management Guidance


Objective

APUC, in collaboration with client institutions, has developed a standardised approach to contract and supplier management for use on its own collaborative framework agreements which can also be adopted by client institutions for use at a local level. It is intended that implementation and use of a standardised approach will assist in streamlining processes, improving risk and opportunity awareness and management, improve supplier relationship management and increase contract compliance.

Contract and Supplier Management is the process by which a contract or framework agreement can be managed so as ensure effective supplier performance and contract compliance. It can aid to:
  • Drive contract compliance and conformance
  • Identify and manage contract risks
  • Realise anticipated benefits
  • Minimise or eliminate scope creep
  • Facilitate continuous improvement
  • Improve supply base awareness

Procurement Journey Guidance

APUC's Contract and Supplier Management guidance aligns with the revised Scottish Government C&SM guidance but also provides template tools specific to strategy and tender documents used within APUC and client institutions.

The Procurement Journey contains additional information on how to prepare a business case to adopt/implement a Contract and Supplier Management model, as well as tools such as a Resource Model and Exit Strategy.

Scope

The process of contract and supplier management is addressed through the various stages of the procurement cycle. It is equally applicable at all categories of contracting, whether national (A), sectoral (B) or local (C) with key differentiators being how the flow of information is managed, where key responsibilities lie and the level to which it is implemented (it should be proportionate and reasonable for the contract/agreement).

This guidance aims to simplify the steps and user tools available irrespective of whether a contract/agreement is Category A, B or C, or indeed a call-off from a Framework Agreement, helping Procurement Managers to define and establish a contract and supplier management (C&SM) process for a contract or agreement, but retaining flexibility for individuals to adopt and adapt the tools and templates to best meet their appropriate needs.
 
 

Category Diagram

 
category diagram