A new SME focused Government procurement contract could eradicate many of the virtual oligopolies that exist in current public-sector tendering and encourage more ICT resellers to bid for government projects.
The new Crown Commercial Service contract has reduced the core terms across multiple public sector contracts, from 50,000 words to a single 20 page 'slimline' public sector document.
Peter Jeffery, partner at UK wide law firm Moore Blatch, which serves the SME sector, commented: "We have previously seen clients spend hundreds of thousands of pounds tendering for contracts which were ultimately not ever awarded.
"So, while not technically barred from tendering for public sector contracts, many medium sized SMEs are effectively barred, due to resources and costs associated with the process. As a result, a virtual oligopoly exists for many services. Plainly wherever this is the case best value is not necessarily always achieved.
"This new contract is both flexible and customisable and should make it much easier for SMEs to apply. While external legal support is likely to still be necessary, this should open up the market for many of our clients."