Civil Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
to decide whether the proposed programme can realise the client's
objectives.
Supplier dialogue
An important feature of PSE is the use of early discussions with suppli-
ers, using a number of different approaches. Each type of approach is
designed to gain market intelligence relating to the level of interest and
awareness of the programme, while giving an indication of the capacity
of the supply market to meet the likely demand of the programme. The
dialogue with suppliers takes a number of forms, some of which are
one-way supplier dialogues, which promote the programme to the target
industry and prepare the marketplace to respond to emerging opportuni-
ties to tender. Other dialogues are two-way, which while still promoting
the programme are more focused on receiving feedback and gathering
information prior to the release of a tender opportunity. These engage-
ment activities can be summarised as:
One-way Supplier Dialogue
1. Supply chain events
2. Use of the Internet - for example, publishing a 'business opportuni-
ties' section within the programme's website
3. Publication of a supplier guide.
Two-way Supplier Dialogue
1. Supplier registration and pre-assessment tools
2. Market sounding exercises.
The purpose of entering into a dialogue with suppliers is to ensure that
not only are suppliers aware of the forthcoming procurement opportuni-
ties, but that they are also party to the development of the emerging
procurement, packaging and contracting strategies. One-way dialogue is
either the programme presenting information to the supply chain, or the
supply chain presenting information to the programme. Two-way sup-
plier dialogues begin with questions from the buyer leading to answers
from the supplier, which can be used to draft, refi ne or fi nalise policy,
strategy and procurement plans.
