Issue 39  | May/June 2016   
In this issue
What is LGA Procurement?
People in Procurement
LGAP Updates
Just try it!
Take a closer look at Australian Paper
Adelaide Shores Resort Offer
Notifications
Upcoming Tenders
New Contracts
Good News!
Existing Contracts
Upcoming Events
Upcoming Training
NPP Update
Preferred Supplier Logo
Don't forget our other contracts!!


What is LGA Procurement?

Wholly owned by the Local Government Association of SA, LGA Procurement aims to to assist Councils in their procurement of a range of products and services by providing Panel Contracts that are easy to use and offer value.   

Our procurement practices follow a rigorous tender and evaluation process, are open and follow strict probity guidelines to ensure Councils and Local Government entities in South Australia are able to use the contracts with confidence.  

 

To view the full range of Contracts on offer, please click here.

 

For more information,please contact:

Andrew Haste
[email protected]

Elizabeth Camp
[email protected] 
 
 
Quick Links



The act of sharing a meal is rooted deep in our psyche. It is often the first stage of establishing great relationships and enduring partnerships. It provides the time to bond, to share stories, to enjoy each other's company and remove barriers. In many ways the food is secondary.

And so it was that the LGA Procurement hosted a group of around 25 council staff to the second in a series of Roundtable Breakfast meetings to keep the sector abreast of the immediate and future plans for the procurement service. The information provided was wide ranging, the feedback and directions received outstanding and of course the food was delicious.

Of course there is no such thing as a "free breakfast" as they say. Where to now?

The pathways ahead for LGA Procurement are presenting themselves with ever increasing clarity. The business has undertaken a granular business analysis process, investigating every part of its operational scope, from its financial viability and customer engagement strategies through to the value proposition for councils.

Perhaps the most significant change that LGA Procurement is making is in strengthening its strategic partnerships. Like the breakfast meeting, partnerships provide something for everyone. Of note are the reinvigorated and new partnerships with the State Government, incorporated local government bodies such as the Local Government Information Technology group, our National Procurement network partners, regional bodies and of course our suppliers.

Our partnership with our parent body, the Local Government Association (LGA), is also evolving. This partnership provides LGA Procurement with the reason for being,  and the imperative to provide the best outcomes possible for all member councils and affiliated bodies.  It is with this in mind that I look forward to presenting the LGAP business case and plans for the next five years to the LGA Board in July 2016.

Finally - please see our special mentoring offer below - as an incentive for trying one of our panel contracts or VendorPanel - you'll be glad you did!


Andrew Haste
Acting CEO
LGA Procurement  

People in Procurement - Karishma Dutta   
NPP -  Committee Members

In this series of People in Procurement, the Network of Procurement Professionals (NPP) features Committee members (new and old).

Karishma Dutta

Karishma is the Manager, Finance and Procurement at the City of Burnside. She is a Chartered Accountant who started her career with Ernst and Young in the areas of risk and audit before moving into the local government realm - first with the City of Onkaparinga and then with the City of Mitcham . In her six years within local government, Karishma has gained a wealth of knowledge in the fields of leadership, corporate governance, strategic policy development, financial reporting, budgeting, service level reviews, efficiency and effectiveness, procurement, risk and audit. Her recent achievement was winning the 2016 Local Government Professionals SA award for Financial Management.

A big believer in continuous improvement, Karishma is constantly on the lookout for doing things smarter. Karishma has just embarked on a 12 month Procurement Roadmap journey and is keen to develop the City of Burnside's procurement function into a value-add strategic arm of the Council. She is also part of other networks within local government such as Financial Managers Group, Internal Audit Network and Continuous Improvement Network and keen to gain synergies and work collaborating to achieve similar goals.

Karishma brings to the Committee her passion to share ideas and resources and work together to get the best value for money, whilst gaining efficiencies and maintaining probity within processes.

To learn more about the NPP please click here.


LGAP Updates   

1. Customer Feedback Online - Compliments, Concerns and Suggestions

LGA Procurement values working in close partnership with councils and other local government entities to obtain the best possible outcomes for the sector.

Obtaining council feedback on the services we offer is an important part of this process and we are keen to hear from councils to learn how we can improve and enhance the experience of our customers.

To assist with this, LGA Procurement has recently introduced an online customer feedback mechanism.   

If you would like to make a suggestion, have us follow up on an issue or just generally provide feedback please follow this link to the online customer feedback form. 

Alternatively, if you would like to talk directly to an LGA Procurement team member contact us on (08) 8224 2000.  

All feedback is most welcome.

2. Council Visit Program

To further obtain feedback and build stronger partnerships with our councils, LGA Procurement is also currently undertaking a council visit program.  

The purpose of the visits is to provide councils with an overview of the services that are available through LGA Procurement and to obtain feedback on the services they have used and those they would like to see enhanced or introduced down the track.

A number of visits have already been completed and through this we have received invaluable input from our customers.  

If you haven't received a visit, your council will be contacted over the next couple of months to make the necessary arrangements.  If you would like to schedule a visit earlier or to have it coincide with a planned council event please contact LGA Procurement on (08) 8224 2000. 


Long division - do you still use pen and paper or a calculator?   

How do you do long division?  Do you grab out a pen and paper and do it the old way - or do you reach for the calculator?

It's hard to believe now that people still like to do things "the hard way" but sometimes habits are hard to break.

Marketers know this - so they are always making "special offers" or incentives for us to try new products or services - knowing that if we actually try something, we will probably like it.

Remember the successful NT campaign some years back - if you never never go, you'll never never know?  The NT government realised that they had some fantastic tourism products that would lead to incredible experiences for tourists - but they were frustrated that many people didn't consider the NT as a tourist destination.

So - let me get to the point.

There are some procurement people out there who have still not tried any LGAP contracts or VendorPanel.

We know using our contracts will be easier for these folk - (like using a calculator vs long division) but we just need people to TRY them!

So - here's the incentive. 
For all people who sign up to VendorPanel and/or use an LGAP contract in the next month, you'll go in to the draw to have a personal, one-hour mentoring session with Andrew Haste, or Matt Pinnegar - or, if your prefer, any SA Council CEO of your choice.  We'll arrange it. 
  
You could discuss anything - your career, seek their advice, pitch an idea, or just chat about the footy on the weekend - it's your choice, but we'd suggest you make good use of the time....

Just flick us an email to [email protected] when you've signed up or used one of our contracts and we'll add you to the draw....

Winners announced next month!


Take a Closer Look at Australian Paper

Australian Paper is Australia's only manufacturer of office papers such as Reflex and Australian 100.  Producing up to 600,000 tonnes of paper per year, Australian Paper has created over 5,800 jobs in Australia, and underpins a further 21,000 local forest product industry jobs.  It contributes $430 million a year to governments' revenues and $750 million a year to Australia's GDP.

Australian Paper recycles up to 80,000 tonnes of office waste paper a year that would otherwise be diverted to land fill, and many of its products are certified carbon neutral by the National Carbon Offset Standard (NCOS).  

Is your council using Australian Paper products?  If so, Australian Paper can arrange for your council to undergo an independent paper impact audit to quantify the resulting environmental, social and economic benefits.

For further details contact Mr Nick Lia, Engagement and Sustainability, Australian Paper at [email protected] or go to the Australian Paper Website at australianpaper.com.au



Australian Paper & LGAP Office and Workplace Supplies Panel

LGA Procurement is pleased to advise that councils are able to source Australian Paper from all copy paper and speciality paper suppliers on our Office and Workplace Supplies, Associated Products and Services Contract (ST4412-2015), including:

*    COS
*    Lyreco
*    Quick Corporate Australia
*    Staples

In addition, councils can source general stationery & consumables; printer & IT consumables; catering/kitchen consumables; janitorial & cleaning supplies; and office furniture through this arrangement.

Click here for further information on the Panel.


Adelaide Shores Resort

Adelaide Shores (The West Beach Trust) has recently tailored a new
government discounted accommodation offer that is available for all councils
in SA.  With direct beach access, Adelaide Shores precinct offers accommodation just five minutes from Adelaide Airport and only 20
minutes from the CBD. 

Adelaide Shores also offers the perfect location for a conference, meeting or seminar with a choice of venues to suit.

Click here to view this offer or follow the link to go to the Adelaide Shores website www.adelaideshores.com.au 



Notifications
  
Specialised Trucks and Bodies Contract - NPN1.15

Often when purchasing through the specialised trucks and bodies contract a council will need to source two supplies - the specialised body and the cab chassis.  LGA Procurement, through the National Procurement Network (NPN), has two contracts for these supplies. The above contract and the general Trucks Contract (NPN 04-13). 

To assist councils determine how to procure both supplies through these contracts the NPN has prepared Trucks and Specialised Bodies Purchasing Guidelines (NPN 04-13 & NPN 1.15). 

Click here to view these guidelines for this type of purchase.


Upcoming Tenders  

1. DEBT COLLECTION SERVICES CONTRACT - New Offering

LGA Procurement recently undertook a survey of all councils seeking advice on the requirement for a Debt Collection Service to councils in SA.

As part of this process, LGA Procurement contacted the SA Local Government Financial Management Group and the Local Government Rate Administrators to ensure their members were also given the opportunity to respond to the survey.

The response was overwhelming (54 councils) with almost all respondents indicating that they will be, or are likely to be interested in, drawing on an LGA Procurement contract for this supply.

LGA Procurement will now commence a process of preparing a specification that will provide the structure for the tender.  In addition, a working group will be formed drawing from respondents who indicated that they were interested in taking part in the tender preparation and evaluation process.  The working group will be convened shortly and the tendering process will commence following finalisation of the tender documentation.

LGA Procurement wishes to thank all those who responded to the survey, and welcomes any additional feedback in relation to this proposed contract.

For further information contact [email protected]



2. Information & Communication Technologies - New Contract # 16-001
keyboard-sm.jpg
The Tender for supply of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT), a collaborative project between LGA Procurement and Local Government Information Technology South Australia (LGITSA), is currently underway.  Tenders close on 14 June 2016.  

The intent of this Contract is to secure a SA local government specific sector-wide solution for a range of ICT requirements including:

*    Software/hardware and associated services
*    Specialised consultancy services
*    Managed services,  and
*    Other innovative proposals.

An evaluation panel has been formed comprising five ICT specialists from LGITSA, a council procurement specialist and LGA Procurement staff.  

It is anticipated that this new contract will be available for use by all councils and Local Government entities across SA by July/August 2016.

For further information please contact [email protected]

3. Passenger Vehicles, Vans & Buses and Hybrid/Electric Vehicles and Chargers - Tender Refresh
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LGA Procurement in conjunction with the National Procurement Network (NPN) will shortly undertake a tender refresh of the Panel of Preferred Suppliers for the supply of Passenger Vehicles, Vans & Buses and Hybrid/electric Vehicles and Chargers (NPN 223-1112).

The tender will be released on 14 June 2016 and will enable additional providers to submit tenders under the same terms and conditions as the original Panel, for consideration to be included under this Contract.

The existing NPN Panel is due to expire on 30 March 2018 with extensions available; therefore it is important that an opportunity is afforded to new suppliers in the market and those who did not respond to the original tender to be included in the Contract.

The lead NPN agency for this tender will be LocalBuy QLD and the tender documentation will be available for download from the Tenderlink (e-tendering portal).  In addition, the tender will be advertised on the SA Tenders and Contracts portal.  

If you have any queries please contact [email protected]



New Contracts  
   
Fuel (Bulk & Card), Oils & Lubricants Panel - New Suppliers

LGA Procurement is pleased to advise that new suppliers have been added to this Panel following a tender refresh conducted earlier this year.

The new suppliers on the Panel include:

*    L H Perry and Sons Pty Ltd
*    Logicoil Pty Ltd   
*    Motorpass Fuel Card (WEX)

These companies join a further ten existing Panel Members approved to supply fuel, oil and lubricants to local government entities in SA.

To find out more about the Panel and the list of Panel members click here


LH Perry and Sons
L H Perry & Sons Pty Ltd is an independent, family owned SA Fuel & Oil Distribution Company. Perrys is a distributor of Mobil fuel and lubricants through its bulk deliveries as well as BP fuel and lubricants through its service station and re-seller sites.  Perrys originated in the Mid North of SA. While the head office is still located in Crystal Brook, the business has expanded to now service areas from Adelaide to Port Augusta and the Barossa to the Yorke Peninsula.

Motorpass Fuel Card
WEX Motorpass is Australia's premier multi-branded fuel card, with acceptance at over 90% of fuel outlets Australia-wide. WEX Australia invites you to take advantage of the convenience of our unparalleled merchant network, and to see the improved efficiency and cost savings that only an open-loop network can deliver.  With buying power of over 500,000 cards Australia wide Motorpass Fuel Card is able to negotiate discounts from the major oil companies for your council.

Logicoil
Established in 2005, Logicoil is a subsidiary of the Liberty Oil Corporation and is one of Australia's largest leading bulk fuel and lubricant providers. Logicoil offers a full hydrocarbon management approach, which leverages Logicoil's scale and national reach to deliver: recognised HSE systems and performance credibility; supply security through access to our supply chain of multiple international suppliers, key supply points, own intermediate storage; and extensive national retail and fuel card network.
 
 

Good News!   
   
LGAP and SA Government Partnership - Council Access to State Contracts
 
LGA Procurement is pleased to be working in partnership with the State Government to promote and provide council access to a range of State Government Contracts.  As part of this process, LGA Procurement will be promoting State Government contracts that councils can access through our website.  Read below to find about more about two current offerings and how to access them.

1. Across Government Contract for the Provision of Postal Services

A new SA Government Postal Services Agreement has been put in place with Australia Post that is also available to be accessed by local councils.  This Agreement secures a range of considerable discounts off Australia Post's Optional Services and a range of benefits in sourcing Postal Services.

The contract commenced on 1 November 2015 and will remain in place for a period of two (2) years, until 31 October 2017.  The contract does not attract a Contract Administration Fee/Levy.  This contract is managed by Strategic Procurement within Department of the Premier and Cabinet. Click here for further information and to access the contract.


2. Across Government Contract for the Provision of Audit and Financial Advisory Services

The State Government Agreement for the Provision of Audit and Financial Advisory Services commenced on 27 November 2012 for a period of five years, with an option to extend for a further period(s) of up to five years.

A panel of seven suppliers have been approved to provide a range of audit and financial advisory services under this contract.  This contract enables agencies to achieve considerable cost savings due to the combined purchasing power of the SA Government.

The contract also delivers value for money by offering competitive industry rates and providing customers with flexibility and a wide choice of capable suppliers to provide a range of high quality audit and financial advisory services.

The contract attracts a 2% Contract Administration Fee/Levy. This contract is managed by Strategic Procurement within Department of the Premier and Cabinet. Click here for further information and to access the contract.


Existing Contracts  
   
1. SA Motorcycles - LGAP preferred provider

As VendorPanel members on a LGA Procurement tender arrangement, SA Motorcycles can supply ATVs, UTVs, motorcycles and jetskis to Local Government through the very efficient Request for Quote (RFQ) on the VendorPanel website.

LGA Procurement has been set up to fast track the procurement of goods by local government while conforming with best practice and ensuring council officers are at ease in terms of ICAC scrutiny.  

For further information click here.

Contact LGA Procurement for further information at lgaprocurement.sa.gov.au  

 
2. LGAP's Plant Machinery Equipment Panel
 
SA Councils are able to procure a broad range of plant through LGA Procurement's Plant Machinery Equipment Panel.  This includes:
 
  • Earth moving equipment
  • Material handling equipment
  • Compaction and road construction equipment
  • Terrain and work utility vehicles
  • Elevated work platforms
  • Tractors
  • Lawn mowers
  • Small engine equipment
  • Compressors and generators
  • Other equipment and accessories
 
Click here for further information on the Panel.
 

Upcoming Events  
  
1. Network of Procurement Professionals (NPP) - 29 July Forum - Save the  Date!

The next NPP Forum will be held on Friday, 29 July 2016 at the City of Mitcham.

Presentations at the July Forum will include:
  • "Insurance and the Local Government Sector", Peter Moskaljuk, Account Executive, Arthur J. Gallagher
  • "Buying a Swimming Pool:Part 2 (Fleurieu Aquatic Centre)", Kate Jessep, Director Corporate & Community Services, City of Victor Harbor
The third speaker will be confirmed shortly.

Click here to register or find about more about the Forum.

2. LGIT SA Conference - 23 & 24 June 2016

LGIT SA is pleased to welcome all Local Government IT & IM professionals to the 'Strong Together Grow Together' Conference and Gala Dinner to be held in Adelaide.

When:
23rd & 24th June 2016

Where:
Grand Chancellor Hotel
65 Hindley St, Adelaide SA 5000

The Conference offers an excellent opportunity for you to network with other council and business professionals, and keynote speakers and presentations will provide useful local government insights or challenge you as a situational leader.  In addition, dedicated IT/IM Breakout Sessions will be held covering two specific streams - Information Technology and Information Management.  These streams will be rich in case studies from SA councils and provide an ideal method for learning what your peers are up to and the lessons learned in their endeavours.

Click here to register for the conference or find out more about LGIT SA.  


Upcoming Training 
  
1. Contract Management in the Local Government Sector

Date: 29 June 2016
9:00 am to 4:30 pm

This course is designed to provide participants with an understanding of the key principles to be observed when managing contracts.  Training covers elements of a contract, how to go about identifying risks and how to develop a contract management plan.  Staff managing contracts will gain a better understanding of contract relationship and performance management.  

Click here to obtain further information or register for the course.

2. Online Training - Watch this Space!

LGA Procurement, in conjunction with the LGA Education and Training Service will shortly be releasing three online training modules: Procurement Essentials; Contract Management; and Probity in Procurement.  The modules have been developed by Arc Blue in consultation with local government authorities nationwide and are specifically targeted to the local government sector.

 Further detail will be forthcoming on the Education and Training Website in the near future.



NPP Update 
  
NPP Update - Strategic Procurement Workshop - April 2016

Over the past 12-18 months - it would be fair to say that the Network of Procurement Professionals (NPP) has been flying under the radar.  Not to say we haven't been active - we've had a couple of great forums recently, with the last one being at Port Pirie (with approximately 30 in attendance).

The NPP Executive recently convened to reconsider the "strategic position" of the NPP, in relation to the Local Government Procurement sector.

On the Agenda, were discussions on...
  • The role of the NPP overall
  • Mentoring and professional development
  • LGA/LGA Procurement model documents
  • LGA R&D funding opportunities
  • Buying local policy development
  • Sustainable procurement
  • Centralised prequalified contractor database

It's always a tough discussion to prioritise key elements, when we are working to represent the best interests of over 60 councils - some with formal Procurement Teams, and some with "buyers" - and a myriad of configurations in between.  The one thing we have in common, is the keen interest to be able to learn from others, minimise unnecessary duplication, and provide a far more fluid opportunity for businesses to work with council.

The discussion was quite robust, with the group being joined by the CEO of LGA Procurement, Mr Andrew Haste and the CEO of the LGA of SA, Mr Matt Pinnegar.

It was certainly a good forum, with a large number of items put on the table.  Very significant discussion was had in respect of the duplication of processes - in particular, the prequalification arena.

So where to from here?  We will be formalising an action plan, with some key deliverables, to assist in keeping Procurement and the benefits that can be achieved with early strategic engagement at the forefront of the council decision-makers.  We'll make sure to keep you posted.

To find out more about the NPP or to put something on the table for consideration click here.


A reminder - keep your eyes peeled for the preferred supplier logo
 
Look for the "tick" - it shows the supplier has been given permission to use the preferred supplier logo from LGA Procurement.

 

Suppliers who earn the right to be one of LGAP's "preferred suppliers" have done so after an extensive procurement process, ensuring that their products and services are of high quality, competitively priced and that they provide excellent customer service.

So keep your eyes peeled for the tick - it's your mark of confidence.
   


Don't forget our other contracts!

Don't forget to check out the contracts page on the LGA Procurement website for the full range of contracts for products and services that councils and local government entities can access.

These contracts provide for fast, efficient and streamlined purchasing under a robust and accountable procurement framework.  

 

Please let the LGAP team know if there are any products or services your council needs to acquire. The LGAP team can be reached via email at: [email protected]

LGA Procurement
148 Frome Street
Adelaide,South Australia 5000