Blog - Page 2 of 16 - Keystone Procurement

Procurement Sourcing Procurement Strategy

Using game theory in procurement negotiations

In this post, we are exploring the use of game theory in procurement designed procedures with a negotiation component. The understanding of game theory (see explainer note on game theory here) is critical to being competitive in such contests and knowing when to participate and when not to participate. We…

Ross McCarthy4th May 2018

Brexit Procurement Strategy

What would Public Procurement be like under WTO rules?

Public procurement under WTO Rules A possible consequence of Brexit for Irish businesses selling to state bodies in the UK and Northern Ireland is a shift to procurement under WTO rules. Irish businesses bid for and win contracts in overseas markets like the UK and Northern Ireland currently on a…

Ross McCarthy19th April 2018

Small businesses can win public sector work.

Bid Management Procurement Training

Small businesses can win local public sector work – if you know the system

Many small businesses are missing out on the opportunities to win public sector work in their local communities. I wrote an article for LaoisToday on the great opportunities to win public work in my home county of Laois for those who get to know the system. The approach I described works for…

Donnacha Phelan23rd March 2018

Bid Management

What’s in a name? Diversity and Public Procurement

Diversity and Public Procurement In working with a group of SMEs recently, a very interesting question arose around diversity and the use of CVs in tender submissions. The individual in question asked whether submitting CVs that have the names and genders removed was acceptable. It was the first question in…

Ross McCarthy16th February 2018

Bid Management

Circular procurement – a glimpse at our shared future

Circular procurement is a buzz topic at the moment. The European Union LIFE project is examining the area of clothing from an environmental sustainability perspective. It is interesting that clothing is being examined in detail as it shows how the sustainability conversation is moving beyond single use items like paper…

Ross McCarthy16th January 2018

Brexit Business Growth Keystone Column Procurement Sourcing Procurement Strategy Procurement Training

Keystone Column 96 – Brexit: the state of play

This week, we are focusing on the state of play in Brexit. Below, we provide a guide to the various scenarios it potentially presents for Irish business. Brexit in context - the state of play Some interesting contextual matters floating around in advance of the next leaders summit in Brussels…

Ross McCarthy10th November 2017

Bid Management Business Growth Keystone Column Procurement Training

Keystone Column 95 – Growth through Sluamor Consortiums!

This week on the Keystone Column we would like to talk about a project of ours that we're very excited about. We believe that SMEs can expand and compete through cooperative engagements like business consortiums and networks. It makes sense for businesses, particularly micro-businesses and small businesses in so many ways. That is why…

Donnacha Phelan6th November 2017

Keystone Column Procurement Sourcing Procurement Strategy

Keystone Column 94 – Rights in procurement law

Proposed changes to procurement system in Ireland There are two bills currently before the lower house in Ireland at present. One of these bills has been developed by Fianna Fáil Deputy Frank O’Rourke. The second bill is one developed by the party now known as Solidarity. We will look at…

Ross McCarthy27th October 2017

Keystone Column Procurement Sourcing Procurement Strategy Procurement Training

Keystone Column 93 – Getting Value for Money from Suppliers

This week we look at Supplier Relationship Management and why it is used by buyers. It is useful for buyers and suppliers to acquaint themselves with the core principles from time to time. We frequently find ourselves talking with suppliers new to the process who find it difficult to cope…

Ross McCarthy19th October 2017

Bid Management Keystone Column Procurement Sourcing Procurement Strategy Procurement Training

Keystone Column 92 – Green Public Procurement in Ireland

Keystone Procurement had the opportunity to attend Green Public Procurement for Growth (GPP4) this week. It is an inter-reg programme being run by the Department of Communications, Climate Change and the Environment to increase the prominence of green procurement in Ireland. It was a very worthwhile event and was extremely…

Ross McCarthy12th October 2017