
Probity in Procurement
The objectives of a local government procurement policy are generally to advance the local government’s priorities, achieve value for money, and ensure probity and accountability for outcomes.
Probity requires the purchase to be conducted ethically, honestly, and with fairness to all participants. Accountability for outcomes is about being able to explain or account for how the purchase has achieved its anticipated outcomes. Best practice in government procurement would see the development of a suitable probity plan, and for high value or complex procurement activities, the development of the plan well before the commencement of the procurement process, as well as the engagement of an external probity adviser.
This article serves as a checklist of tasks in chronological order which can form the basis for a probity plan.