The Minister states:" We are also committed to ensuring that SMEs are fully engaged in the process and will be encouraged, where necessary, to form alliances and networks to ensure they can tender on a competitive basis for this work."
In so stating the Minister must be congratulated for beautiful spin that lacks any credible substance.
I note the Minister has declined to clarify how SME's will operate in alliances and or networks -? , how they will overcome the legal and cost difficulties that this option presents, how or if the department can or has assisted in eliminating these legal and cost difficulties, nor is there clarification from the department in forming an alliance who is responsible if the "alliance" fails to deliver- or enters legal difficulties within the group.
As such department policy "encouraged" this option and in some cases is "forcing" SME's to have to consider this option....so government is now dictating how small businesses must run their own businesses..in the market place ..In forming this encouraged alliance can these group of SME's operate as a vat group and would that be just for the tender ?
I note the Minister also declined to acknowledge how the government collective tendering policy is adding to the live register .. which isn't a cost saving..
Good spin answer totally lacking in substance ........
On foot of the Minister's response the question now becomes is the above answer from the Minister his full understanding of the procurement issue...................
Anne Frawley
Posted on 23 Jan 2014 8:02 am
The Minister states:" We are also committed to ensuring that SMEs are fully engaged in the process and will be encouraged, where necessary, to form alliances and networks to ensure they can tender on a competitive basis for this work."
In so stating the Minister must be congratulated for beautiful spin that lacks any credible substance.
I note the Minister has declined to clarify how SME's will operate in alliances and or networks -? , how they will overcome the legal and cost difficulties that this option presents, how or if the department can or has assisted in eliminating these legal and cost difficulties, nor is there clarification from the department in forming an alliance who is responsible if the "alliance" fails to deliver- or enters legal difficulties within the group.
As such department policy "encouraged" this option and in some cases is "forcing" SME's to have to consider this option....so government is now dictating how small businesses must run their own businesses..in the market place ..In forming this encouraged alliance can these group of SME's operate as a vat group and would that be just for the tender ?
I note the Minister also declined to acknowledge how the government collective tendering policy is adding to the live register .. which isn't a cost saving..
Good spin answer totally lacking in substance ........
On foot of the Minister's response the question now becomes is the above answer from the Minister his full understanding of the procurement issue...................