More Information
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- Partnering & Collaboration
- Partnerships and Partnering
- The Partnering Process
- Principles of Partnering
- Partnering Tips
Public authorities need to clearly define customer needs (which of course are dynamic) and this information should be incorporated into the tender specification and used throughout the lifecycle of the contract and particularly to monitor the contractor's performance.
Consideration should also be given to:
These considerations will form an important element of the partnering arrangement.
In establishing a partnering contract the risks and human resource issues, such as, employment status and possible union involvement, should be considered. The financial and legal responsibilities of all parties should also be identified at the planning stage and a contract management plan should be developed.
The partnering selection process follows normal public tendering guidelines and results in a formal contract.
As part of the tendering process, an appropriately skilled selection team should be used to develop performance based selection criteria (which may include the extent to which risk is proposed to be shared) to be used during evaluation.
Partnering proposals and remuneration models should then be evaluated against the predetermined selection criteria and contracting objectives.
The selection team should conduct a due diligence process to ensure the recommended tenderer has the capacity, including financial viability to fulfil the contractual obligations.
The purpose of the partnering workshop is to establish a sense of joint mission and set common objectives and guidelines for the further development of the relationship.
Issue resolution processes, joint management structures and action plans are developed during partnering workshops.
It is important that the people who have the greatest influence in making the relationship work, not just senior management attend the workshops.
Senior managers should attend if they play an active role in work processes, or if their presence is considered necessary to demonstrate commitment.
Partnering relationships are commercial contracts that require performance measures. Rigorous contract management and performance reviews are required to ensure contract obligations are delivered.
Most partnering relationships are also outlined in a non binding Partnering Charter which formally details the mission and objectives of the partners and demonstrates the commitment of the key people involved.
Continuous improvement in partnering involves a team approach to determine whether or not work processes are meeting the needs of the customer and where necessary, to improve them.
Performance measures are established and regularly monitored and combined with customer satisfaction measures, provide valuable data for continuous improvement opportunities.
These terms should be trained in the partnering philosophy, team development, conflict resolution, the Plan-Do-Check-Act improvement cycle, and quality improvement techniques.
The rules of transparent and fair competition, accountability and probity must also be observed in the renewal of partnering contracts.
When a formal partnering contract expires it should be evaluated against the contract objectives and the publicity tendered again to ensure open competition.
This tendering process will encourage competitive tenders and allow innovative offers to be received. This will result in the best value for money solution when the contract is re-awarded.
