Ofcom announces creation of 'Supplier Panel'

Ofcom have announced the creation of the Ofcom Supplier Panel, an initiative to allow the new communications regulator to call on best-in-class consultancy and support service providers in the UK at highly competitive rates.
The procurement process will ensure Ofcom secures maximum value for money in commissioning a range of consultancy and research projects and in entering into contracts for the provision of operational support services.
Approved members of the Ofcom Supplier Panel will be required to commit to meet a range of quality and value-for-money requirements defined by Ofcom. These will include a willingness to provide a significant discount on rates charged to clients in the commercial sector to reflect Ofcom’s desire to minimise costs.
All Panel members will be selected via open and competitive tender processes. Where necessary, requirements will be advertised in the Official Journal of the European Communities in accordance with the EU Procurement Directives.
Ofcom Chief Executive Stephen Carter said: “Ofcom will have a broad range of responsibilities across some of the most dynamic industries in the UK. To meet our duties fully we will need access to some the brightest minds and the latest thinking outside the organisation as well as within it. The Supplier Panel initiative will allow us to achieve this is in a cost-effective and speedy way.”
The Ofcom Supplier Panel is now up and running, and companies interested in applying to Ofcom should contact [email protected] for further details.
(GB)