1.1 Procurement is the purchase of goods or services from third parties. This covers a wide spectrum, from commodities such as stationery or energy and contracted out services like building maintenance or security, to major IT systems and construction projects.
1.2 The procurement process formally starts from the point where the need to make a purchase to deliver an objective has been identified, and its success can only ultimately be judged when the product has been used up or sold on, or the service contract has been delivered in full.
1.3 The Government's overall procurement policy is centred on buying the products it needs under a fair and open competitive tendering process, guarding against corruption and achieving value for money. Indeed these principles are underpinned by EU law and World Trade Organisation agreements.