Procurement

What is the Procurement Process?

Public procurement refers to the process by which public bodies source and purchase goods, services and works. Public procurement is highly regulated, by EU and national law, and government policy and guidelines. The rules for public procurement are founded on the key principles of the EU Treaties, relating to transparency, equal treatment, mutual recognition, non-discrimination and proportionality.

University of Galway is a body governed by public law, which is funded, for the most part, by public money. In light of this, we are required to conduct all of our procurement activities in line with the public procurement rules referred to above, and these are reflected in the University of Galway Procurement Policy. Adherence to the Procurement Policy ensures that our public funds are spent in such a way that achieves maximum value for money, provides the sustainable operation of university activities. It also ensures that we are compliant with government policy, national guidelines and EU procurement directives.

University of Galway operates a decentralised model of procurement. This means that responsibility for adherence to the procurement policy rests with individual staff members involved in any aspect of procurement in the university, irrespective of the type of procurement, or the value of the requirements. 

The role of the Procurement & Contracts Office is to support University of Galway staff to source their requirements in compliance with the procurement rules. Such support includes the provision of training and easy-to-follow process guides and templates, as well as recording and publishing details of contracts which have been awarded that are valued in excess of €25,000, and overseeing the procurement projects for contracts that are valued in excess of €50,000.

Various government bodies also require reports on our procurement processes and activities.  The Procurement & Contracts Office prepares a Multi-Annual Procurement Plan for the university in line with the requirements of the Higher Education Authority for all higher-education institutions.  The Procurement & Contracts Office also engages with the Comptroller and Auditor General (the Government audit office), making submissions in respect of all university spend as part of the annual university audit, in addition to assisting with various other audit and planning reports. 

Further Information