This qualification is a ‘must’ for all those involved in practical government procurement activity. It covers everything needed to become a Qualified Proposal Evaluator for Waka Kotahi (NZTA) as well as other public sector organisations (Councils, Ministries Departments, Health NZ and more).
Over the past 12 years, the Clever Buying Programme for this qualification and its predecessors has become New Zealand’s undisputed champion for practical, relevant, leading-edge procurement capability development. Thousands of procurement staff have been trained – and almost all graduates and Waka Kotahi Qualified Tender Evaluators have been accrcedited through Clever Buying’s qualification programme.
The Diploma has been formally audited by NZOQ, the NZ Professional Association for quality practice and practitioners. The audit has confirmed that this qualification is equivalent to the qualification previously known as the CPP or NZTA Qualified Tender Evaluator qualification. In fact, it covers additional emerging aspects of best practice procurement.
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How it works
After registering for assessment, you can get started right away on Module 1 of your training. The first step is to use pre-reading and training materials that we provide, to complete a short introductory assignment on Procurement Practice in New Zaland. This provides you with a strong basis to continue with this qualification.
To complete Module 1, you’ll attend the two-day Clever Buying course (normally within the first 90 days of your enrolment). You’ll hand in your course materials to complete the first module in your Procurement Assessment Programme.
After you complete Module 1, you’ll get one-on-one coaching from an expert qualified Procurement Assessor as you work through your five remaining work-based procurement assignments.
These involve:
Module 2 – Legal and Ethical Aspects of Procurement, and NZ Government Procurement Rules – this is a desktop assignment which takes most people around 1 day. It asks you to research and apply principles of ethical procurement and demonstrate your familiarity with, and correct application of, relevant Principles and Rules that apply to NZ Public Sector procurement.
Module 3 – Procurement Strategy and Planning – this involves preparing a detailed procurement plan for a live or scenario-based project. You’ll receive feedback and detailed guidance on your procurement plan, prior to formal assessment. Formal assessment is through both written evidence and a professional discussion.
Module 4 – Procurement Sourcing Processes – This module is largely desk work, involving learning techniques and theory that create alignment between procurement plans, and sourcing design, including supplier selection methods, delivery models, open and closed tenders, developing pre-conditions and selecting non-price attributes, determining scoring guidelines and questions that provide evidence for scoring.
Module 5 – Procurement Sourcing Practical – involves Preparing two RFx Documents (supported with a robust procurement plan, which can be the one you have already prepared). These can be based on a scenario that we can provide, or a real-life example from your workplace. Feedback will be given on these examples. This normally involves using the Government RFx templates. Assessment will be through both written evidence and a professional discussion.
Module 6 – Managing, processing and evaluating tenders – this module requires you to demonstrate your abilities to manage the sourcing process to complete award of a contract. It includes developing scoring systems, briefing Tender Evaluation Teams and preparing Tender Evaluation Reports. Two examples (at least) are needed. Assessment will be through both written evidence and a professional discussion.
Key Facts on the Diploma in NZ Public Sector Procurement
A suitable procurement qualification is mandatory for one member of the Tender Evaluation Team for significant projects funded by Waka Kotahi/ the NZ Transport Agency. It is also a valid and highly respected qualification for a wide range of industries.
We are working with Government Procurement (MBIE) personnel and other government groups to raise awareness of the value of this qualification across all of government procurement.
There are more than 300 procurement professionals registered completing on-job workplace practical procurement study through the Clever Buying programme. All Clever Buying graduates have provided excellent feedback on the value of their journey through achieving this qualification.
Note: Clever Buying programme participants should complete and submit at least one training module every three months. If circumstances do not allow this progression, students MUST communicate with their Assessor, at least every three months, to update on their progress. Your Qualified personal trainer/ Assessor will be on hand to help you or give advice at any stage.
If you have questions about your progress through the qualification, or you would like to know more about getting qualified, please contact us.