03 August 2006 | Rebecca Ellinor
The Olympic Delivery Authority (ODA) is committing to "two-way, early and clear communication" with suppliers for the London 2012 Games.
The ODA, which is responsible for delivering the infrastructure of the Games, outlined its intentions in the draft procurement policy published last month. Consultation on the policy runs until October.
"It is important there is sufficient notice of requirements to allow firms to develop appropriate skills and capacities to compete for contracts," states the policy.
The ODA plans to go to market early not only to help suppliers come up with innovative ideas, but also to ensure the cost of the games is kept under control.
"Costs spiral if design is changed at a late stage, and we're not going to do that," said David Higgins, chief executive of the ODA, at a press conference last week.
The procurement policy states that the ODA plans to embed innovation by specifying requirements based on outcomes and keeping demands on design and technical aspects to a minimum.
This was also evident at last week's launch of the procurement process for the 80,000-seater Olympic stadium. The ODA announced it was seeking a team able to design and build the centrepiece of the park but would not put a figure on the amount it will pay.
Sebastian Coe, chairman of the London Organising Committee, said to do so would risk "closing down the creativity" of potential providers.
The ODA has also put aside an undisclosed sum to cover some of the costs incurred by firms and consortia producing ideas for the stadium.
According to the procurement policy, the ODA intends to promote sustainability, occupational health and safety, and design and construction excellence.
The authority also intends to use e-procurement and a partnering approach with suppliers "when appropriate".
Two documents will be published shortly on procurement process and procedures, which will form a "procurement code" to be reflected in each project's own procurement plan.
Details of the draft policy and consultation can be found at
www.london2012.orgSMaug2006
