Government Purchasing Review Enters Next Phase
to Achieve Savings for Goods and Services

Newfoundlanders and Labradorians will get better value for their tax dollars as the Provincial Government improves the way it procures goods and services. An ongoing review of spending and purchases across core government departments, school boards, regional health authorities, advanced education institutions and other government-funded entities has identified potential savings of more than $15 million annually by working collaboratively to streamline requirements, take advantage of economies of scale, and collectively acquire goods and services. Requests for proposals will be issued over the coming weeks to support these savings.

“Our government is examining every dollar spent to ensure programs and services are provided in the most effective and efficient way possible,” said the Honourable Nick McGrath, Minister of Service NL and Minister Responsible for the Government Purchasing Agency. “The upcoming requests for proposals will ensure we are making smart, efficient purchases while saving money where possible, and improving the quality of goods and services we offer to our residents.”

Through the Strategic Procurement Project, which was announced on March 5, 2013 (www.gov.nl.ca/releases/2013/servicenl/0305n06.htm), requests for proposals may be issued across a variety of areas including:

• Laboratory and medical consumables and equipment;
• Pharmaceuticals within the regional health authorities;
• Airfare and airfare booking tool/agency;
• Bulk fuel;
• Bulk salt;
• Facilities services;
• Vehicle parts;
• Vehicle insurance; and,
• Print services and equipment.

In Securing Our Future: A 10-Year Sustainability Plan for Newfoundland and Labrador, the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador’s commitment to providing a sustainable future for residents included developing strategic procurement practices across Provincial Government and entities.

“When the Strategic Procurement Project is completed this August, it will have helped achieve this goal through improved procurement practices and increased collaboration across the public sector in this province and with other Atlantic provinces,” said Minister McGrath. “In this way, Newfoundland and Labrador can sustain a vibrant economy, live within its means, and get back to a balanced budget.”

For more information, and to access the requests for proposal as they come available, please visit the Government Purchasing Agency website at www.gpa.gov.nl.ca. 

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Media contact:
Vanessa Colman-Sadd
Director of Communications
Service NL
709-729-4860, 682-6593
vanessacolmansadd@gov.nl.ca 

2013 05 28             11:20 a.m.