Cyclone Gabrielle – Emergency procurement guidance
In an emergency like a cyclone or a flood, agencies may not have to follow the usual procurement procedures. Agencies will need to be flexible in how they procure goods and services that are required for their response, and are permitted to forgo routine procurement procedures.
Flexibility to respond in an emergency
Agencies are permitted to purchase direct from a supplier if the delay involved in conducting a routine procurement will prevent them delivering the goods or services in time to bring effective relief.
Key consideration
The following key considerations may help your agency respond in an emergency:
- clarify that the situation meets the criteria for treatment as an emergency and that a flexible approach to procurement can be fully justified
- identify, specify and prioritise the immediate procurement activities that will bring relief
- consider the operating environment and conditions on the ground
- find out what other government agencies are doing and, where possible, collaborate
- consider your duty of care to suppliers and take appropriate measures to ensure their safety.
Emergency responsiveness can be viewed at different levels with regard to the immediacy of the threat or danger and the degree of harm if relief is delayed.
Full details on options for emergency procurement are in our guide to emergency procurement:
The Construction Sector Accord has also put together guidance for those who have been impacted by weather events:
Contractual guidance due to severe weather and flooding events – Construction Accord
Further support and advice
We are here to help.
If you or your agency needs immediate support or advice, please let us know and we will help out where possible.