Event Recap: Launchpad Session with Neil Davidson on Isle of Man Government's Procurement Policies | July 2024
19 July 2024
The event provided a detailed overview of the significant changes recently made to the Isle of Man Government's procurement policies, aimed at supporting and prioritising local businesses.
Key Topics Covered:
Neil Davidson began the session by outlining the administratively simple changes that have been implemented. These changes are designed to streamline the procurement process and make it more accessible for local businesses.
A major highlight of the session was the reconfiguration of the Procurement Portal. Neil explained that the portal will now initially direct quick quote requests to Isle of Man-based suppliers, giving them the first opportunity to bid on government contracts. This change is expected to bolster local businesses by providing them with more direct opportunities to engage in government projects.
Neil also emphasised the ongoing efforts required to fine-tune these processes and update the Government’s Financial Regulations. These updates are crucial to ensuring that the new procurement approach is effectively integrated and that it achieves its goal of prioritizing local suppliers.
Discussion Points:
The session included an interactive discussion where Neil sought feedback from members to assist in future decision-making. Key questions included:
- Should quote requests still be directed to local suppliers first if goods or services are not available within the Isle of Man market?
- What is a reasonable timeframe for a quote to remain open to Isle of Man-based suppliers before considering off-Island suppliers?
The event concluded with a productive Q&A session, where members shared their insights and suggestions, contributing to the ongoing refinement of the procurement policies.
The session was well-received, with attendees appreciating the opportunity to engage directly with the Head of Procurement and to provide feedback on the new policies. Neil’s presentation was informative and sparked valuable discussions on how best to support local businesses through government procurement practices.
For those who could not attend, the slide deck from the session is available for viewing here