Procurement Professional is the official publication of CIPS Australasia

#106 - When holster selection drives pistol choice

26 Jan 2010

The news in The Age   http://www.theage.com.au/national/victoria-police-close-to-signing-deal-on-pistols-20100113-m6za.html  that the purchase by Victoria Police of their long awaited new semi-automatic firearms is in its “final stages” is hardly reassuring for a concerned public and police association that impatiently feel Melbourne police are currently outgunned by the bad guys.

And on the face of it, it seems odd that  the choice of the best pistol seems to some extent to be driven by the selection of the most appropriate holster. A bit like choosing the best new plasma TV by which is the best stand to put it on perhaps?

But, actually, this carefully worded statement highlights the careful consideration of all the issues. It reeks of someone thinking through the best solution and considering all the issues prior to final selection and professionally managing the best outcome for everyone. Keeping their powder dry on pistol selection, whilst considering the vital holster selection will also maximize their negotiating position with all vendors.

So this story is good news for professional procurement as, for once, news about a major purchase is not any of the usual reactionary headlines such as sour-grapes from a spurned vendor, new kit not working, internal clients complaining about the choice of supplier, consumers dissatisfied with the offer, contract headaches, bad process or the price.

Complex procurement is just that - complex. It takes time to get it right, to see through all the issues, cover all the bases, consider all options and make the right choice to deliver a solution that is the right product on the right terms with the right price. It is a choice that the VIC Police will be stuck with for a long time. It is worth investing in the right decision.

The Buyer – posted 26 January 2010

The views of THE BUYER are personal and are not necessarily those of Procurement Professional magazine, BTTB Marketing nor CIPS.