Understand demand and the market
Validate baseline demand, stakeholders, specifications, current contracts, total cost, constraints and supplier-market structure. Challenge fragmented or over-specified demand before selecting a sourcing route.
Design the strategy
Choose lotting, qualification, competition, negotiation and contracting approaches based on value, risk and market capacity. Define objectives, mandatory gates, evaluation criteria, timetable, governance and fallback options.
Run a fair event
Use consistent bidder access, controlled clarifications, submission deadlines, evaluator conflicts, evidence-linked scoring and recorded moderation. Protect commercially sensitive information and maintain separation of duties.
Implement and measure value
Complete due diligence, approval and contracting; transition operations and data; assign supplier owners; and track realised outcomes against the approved business case. Capture lessons for the next category cycle.
Related resources
Sources and research basis
- Open Contracting Data Standard
- OECD Principles for Integrity in Public Procurement
- ISO 31000 risk management
This guide distinguishes general control recommendations from legal requirements. It is general information, not legal advice; applicability varies by entity, sector, jurisdiction and contract.