Changes to the Government Procurement Rules
On 24 May 2021, Cabinet introduced two new Government Procurement Rules to drive positive change across the government procurement system.
Cabinet agreed to strengthen the Procurement Functional Leader (PFL) mandate by introducing changes to the Rules to improve the standards and consistency of government procurement practices, support the government procurement response in emergencies, and drive broader outcomes.
Rule 12A: Procurement response measure
Rule 18A: Quality employment outcomes
Rule 12A: Procurement response measure comes into effect on 1 June 2021. The rule enables the PFL to respond to a policy priority, emergency or crisis by declaring appropriate procurement response measures.
Following consultation on the Rule late last year, New Zealand Government Procurement developed guidance to assist agencies in understanding the purpose of the Rule. The guidance also explains the situations where procurement response measure can be used and the process for declaring one.
Guidance to Rule 12A: Procurement response measure
The second Rule approved by Cabinet requires mandated agencies to consider quality employment opportunities for New Zealanders. Rule 18A: Quality employment outcomes comes into effect on 1 October 2021. Guidance and training opportunities will be available closer to the time.
Read more about delivering greater public good through government procurement.