Collaboration mistakes jeopardise partnering

Partnering as a procurement method is being put at risk by collaborations that are getting their priorities wrong, according to JR Knowles chairman Roger Knowles.
"Some so-called partnering is not delivering best value because collaborative relationships are being given top priority ahead
of best value itself," he told CJ.
"This downside needs correcting because it opens up the possibility that the government auditing department could stop it [the partnering procurement method] dead in its tracks."
Some partnering awards have degenerated into farce, Knowles added. "One client was deciding which of four contractors to appoint and, with all presentations being good, he faced a difficult choice," he said. "One was rejected because an estimator did the presentation. That's pathetic.
"In another case, one of the contractor's team said 'that's not quite right Fred' as his colleague led the presentation. That modest comment was enough to get it thrown out."
Knowles Management has drawn up a new standard form of public sector partnering contract. It is designed to be short and simple, while achieving maximum flexibility.
n Turn to page 9 for Knowles' results.