Make room for SMEs

摘要

Many SMEs complain of the bureaucracy required to access these contracts and they often have to rely on being included in the main contractors supply chain which brings its own problems.With the prospect of further amalgamations of major contractors and providers within the highways sector there is a danger of there being only a very limited number of operators bidding for term maintenance and framework contracts. Quality submissions are often very similar and price ends up being the deciding factor in tender awards. Other areas of public service provision have already moved along this route and it has led to domination by a select few.Clients must bear some of the criticism for this; they like to continue and consolidate existing arrangements as it makes them feel comfortable. Although this can often lead to savings in tender prices, which can be taken by the bean counters as meaning a more efficient contract, it can neglect the effect on the supply chain through tighter pricing and offering the general public a reduced service.