Monthly Archives: September 2013

Who Audits the Auditors? We have been reading a “Contract Award Manual”. The content relating to procurement begs the question regarding auditor’s competencies to, on an informed basis, audit the specifics of a deal. There is a section on “Negotiation” It states: The auditors review of purchasing procedures should determine whether: a)      Buyers are required […]

Over the last week or so we have published extracts of clauses from an IT System Provider’s Terms and Conditions ( the Fine Print). We have done this to raise awareness of their implications to your business and to stimulate debate. The extracts in question are replicated below: “Where Hardware is to be supplied XXX shall supply […]

  The last of the clauses in this series is short and on the face of it appears innocuous. “In respect of Hardware XXX warrants that it shall be in such condition at the time of delivery as to be acceptable as the subject of the normal maintenance agreement offered by XXX.” Many would not […]

Fine Print 3   In this the third extract from an IT System Provider’s Terms and Conditions the Seller is seeking to place obligations on the Buyer. Nothing unusual in that  and it is good practice to detail who is responsible for each aspect. But do you think the following clause would be accepted by […]

Reading the Fine Print We have been reading a proposal from a company selling IT Systems.  There were some interesting clauses in the fine print. Over the next few days we will offer extracts, suitably anonymised,  for your contemplation. Many companies sign up to such terms without question. Would you accept these at face value? […]

MANAGING PROCUREMENT RISK – SCIENCE OR ART? Introduction Who is ultimately accountable for managing procurement risk in your organisation? This is a question that should be asked by those at the top of the organisation. Based upon our experience, the answer will range from those Heads of Procurement who have systems and procedures in place […]

“Weak policies and procedures have led to questionable procurement practices, mismanagement and a lack of overall accountability.” The OIG Audit report AV-2013-006, issued Nov 1, 2012 in regard to the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority (MWAA) is compelling reading. Any alert organisation will ask a rhetorical question, “Could this be happening to us?” Some will find […]