RICS wants govt to increase procurement transparency and visibility

The government needs to ensure that there is increased transparency and visibility when it comes to construction contracts and procurement, according to RICS. This would help to support the growth of struggling small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) within the industry who are being hit by a stagnant market. It has published its UK Construction Policy which outlines the need to unlock building pipelines, reform procurement processes and improve the access and awareness surrounding finance. RICS said that if these recommendations are implemented by Whitehall, then they will support SMEs over the coming 12 months, enabling a successful and sustainable construction sector for the future. Included in the procurement advice to government, is: mandating the use of BSI-produced PAS91 standard pre-qualification procurement form and drive its implementation across the public sector. In addition the industry was told that its representatives would liaise with the RICS Procurement Working Group and Cabinet Office on guidance for earlier supply chain engagement. RICS recommended that the Government Procurement Service should create a single portal for SMEs to register their accreditation and references which can then be interrogated by all public bodies. The organisation went on to say that a paper will be developed to support all contracting authorities on how to retain quality when making savings of 15 to 20 per cent in procurement, which should help to avoid decisions which are just purely based on price or fee. RICS is also planning on offering the Cabinet Office and Government Procurement Service guidance or training based on the next section of the RICS Construction Standards 'Developing an Appropriate Procurement Strategy' report. This will give public sector procurers greater knowledge and understanding into the needs of the construction industry. Elsewhere in the RICS Construction Policy, it says that the sector is "fundamental to economic growth" and there is a potential to drive recovery across the UK.