Contract Procurement Process: Everything You Need To Know

The contract procurement process includes the procedures followed by a business when purchasing services or products.3 min read

The contract procurement process includes the procedures followed by a business when purchasing services or products. The process starts when company managers identify a business need that must be fulfilled and ends when the contract is awarded and signed. Responsible stewardship of business and public funds should be maintained whenever products or services are procured.

Many projects succeed or fail based on the performance of their suppliers in combination with the project team. This makes it all the more essential to managing vendors and procurement carefully so that all deliverables meet your needs and expectations.

The Purpose of Procurement

With an established procurement process in place, your business will be able to manage relationships with suppliers to maintain a high level of service and value. You'll have a streamlined method of ordering, receiving, approving, and paying for item deliveries.

Ideally, you'll be able to use the same basic process each and every time you purchase products or services for your business. This will allow you to resolve issues quickly when they arise. Goals of a successful procurement management process include:

  • Identifying appropriate products and services.
  • Creating and issuing purchase orders.
  • Ensuring timely delivery.
  • Approving payments.
  • Establishing and meeting milestones in supplier contracts.
  • Resolving issues with product delivery.
  • Communicating issues among the management team.
  • Reviewing proper fulfillment of contracts.

Steps in the Procurement Process

Having established guidelines in place will support the procurement goals of your management team.

  • External or internal sources illuminate the need for a new product or service for your business. This could be a brand-new item or a reorder of something you've purchased in the past.
  • Determine the exact features and specs of the product or service you need. This may depend on standards established by your industry. Where available, include specific part or product numbers as well as identifiers such as size and color.
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