Delivering for public bodies.
WHAT DIFFERS FROM PRIVATE CONTRACTS
Formal procurement rules Documentation requirements Payment processes and timing Audit and scrutiny
WHAT TO ESTABLISH BEFORE BIDDING
Whether you can meet the documentation requirements Whether you can fund delivery before payment
WHY FUNDING MATTERS MOST
Payment timing is frequently extended, and the gap must be financed.
WHAT TO PLAN FOR
Delivering and waiting.
WHAT TO ESTABLISH ABOUT PAYMENT
The process Required documentation Realistic timing
WHAT TO DOCUMENT DURING DELIVERY
Everything: milestones, approvals, variations, correspondence.
WHY
Payment depends on evidence, and scrutiny follows.
WHAT TO NEVER DO
Proceed on verbal instruction Deliver beyond scope without written variation
WHY
Unauthorised work is frequently unpaid.
WHAT VARIATIONS REQUIRE
Written approval before proceeding.
WHAT TO KEEP
The contract Every approval Delivery evidence Invoices and their submission evidence
WHAT TO EXPECT
Audit, potentially years later.
WHAT THAT REQUIRES
Records retained accordingly.
WHAT TO BE CAUTIOUS OF
Requests outside the formal process Pressure to commence before formal award
WHAT TO INSIST ON
Written authority for everything.
