Public Procurement

Public Procurement is a constantly evolving process. On one level, it remains the traditional product of competitive bidding requirements in which proposals are prepared, reviewed, and contracts awarded. On another increasingly complicated level, it is the primary focus of government reform. Those wishing to deal with the government must now concern themselves not only with their own product, and insure its efficacy and competitiveness, but must familiarize themselves and comply with an increasingly complex set of ancillary requirements relating to the procurement process.  These evolving rules require the bidder to track and report certain political contributions; consider an array of set aside possibilities; comply with corporate disclosure and affirmative action regulations and geographic work preferences; and, very recently, be aware of government initiatives away from the fundamental individualized product specific RFP process, through the use of intergovernmental purchasing pacts and agreements, as well as public private partnerships.

GPS offers solutions, services and assistance to clients attempting to navigate the vast array of business opportunities and responsibilities presented by the public sector.  GPS assists its clients in participating in the procurement planning process, from the initial decision of the governmental entity to the purchase of the service or product through bid solicitation and implementation. 

In many instances, the publicly advertised bid process is neither the only, nor the most practical mechanism for procurement. GPS works with clients in consulting with governmental entities in formatting other legally available forms of purchasing.  These may include waivers of advertising, pilot or experimental projects, use of existing agreements from other governmental entities, or other forms of public-private cooperation.

Even within the confines of the advertised bid arena and regulations, there are often opportunities for utilizing different legal methods of finalizing contractual arrangements including negotiation, prequalification and best-and-final offer scenarios.   GPS assists the client in identifying and availing itself of these alternative approaches.

GPS also represents clients in connection with post award issues relating to contract compliance, post award negotiation, change orders, extensions, penalties, mitigation, complaints and other contract related issues.

GPS assists its clients in identifying available government markets for the client’s business and in developing a plan to market and develop public sector business opportunities.  Through its representation, GPS endeavors to educate appropriate public sector buyers regarding the client’s abilities, resources and reputation.

Where the client requires regulatory assistance, GPS can assist the client through the identification of appropriate regulatory solutions and in educating and regulators regarding the needed solution.