The Office of Government Procurement (OGP) plays a central role in streamlining public procurement in Ireland. One of its key functions is establishing OGP frameworks, which are pre-approved agreements that simplify and standardize purchasing across the public sector.
What Are OGP Frameworks?
An OGP framework is a structured procurement arrangement that allows public sector bodies to purchase goods, services, or works from a set of pre-qualified suppliers under pre-agreed terms. These frameworks are designed to:
- Ensure compliance with EU and national procurement regulations.
- Save time and resources by eliminating the need for separate tendering processes.
- Achieve better value for money through aggregated purchasing.
How Do OGP Frameworks Work?
- Establishment: The OGP runs a competitive procurement process to select suppliers for a given category (e.g., IT services, office supplies, construction).
- Access by Public Bodies: Once a framework is in place, government departments, local authorities, and state agencies can use it to procure goods or services without running a full tender.
- Call-Off Contracts: Buyers can either directly award contracts to a supplier (if framework terms allow) or conduct a mini-competition among the listed suppliers to get the best offer.
Benefits of OGP Frameworks
- Efficiency: Reduces administrative burden and speeds up procurement.
- Cost Savings: Bulk purchasing lowers overall costs.
- Transparency & Compliance: Ensures procurement follows legal and ethical standards.
- Quality Assurance: Only vetted suppliers who meet specific criteria are included.
Examples of OGP Frameworks
The OGP manages frameworks across multiple sectors, including:
- Professional Services (e.g., legal, financial, consultancy)
- ICT & Office Equipment (e.g., software, hardware, telecommunications)
- Facilities Management (e.g., cleaning, security, waste management)
- Construction & Engineering (e.g., building works, civil engineering)
Conclusion
OGP frameworks are a fundamental part of Ireland’s public procurement system, ensuring a transparent, cost-effective, and legally compliant approach to purchasing. By using these frameworks, public sector bodies can efficiently acquire necessary goods and services while adhering to best procurement practices.
For more details, visit the OGP website.
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