We use a number of methods to buy goods and services, depending on the type, contract value, complexity and duration of each requirement.
Low Value Purchases
We don’t hold a list of preferred suppliers. Instead we identify potential suppliers using:
- Recommendations from other public sector / international organisations
- Specialist publications / journals
- Exhibitions
- Precedent purchases
- Direct approaches and introductions.
Once we identify suppliers we approach them for a quotation without commitment. We buy products and services using a simple purchase order or a Government Procurement Card (GPC). The GPC is a VISA purchasing card that simplifies these transactions. We use it in the same way as a normal credit card.
Government Framework Agreements
We use UK Government Framework Agreements to buy some goods and services, primarily IT requirements, through Catalist (details of which can be viewed at www.ogcbuyingsolutions.gov.uk). Such framework agreements reduce the time and costs associated with the procurement of goods and services by providing pre-tendered call-off facilities.
Terms and Conditions
The UK Hydrographic Office’s Terms and Conditions for low value Purchase Orders are available here.