DoH trials online document management system on PFIs

The Department of Health (DoH) is test driving an e-procurement tool on its batched PFI projects with the aim of speeding up the procurement process, particularly across multi-agency PFI schemes.

Both the Northern batched PFI and the Three Shires batched PFI are using E-BOX’s online document management system PFINet.

The system allows a single source of communication between the batches’ procurement teams and their bidders, which is secure and auditable.

Brian Banfield, project director for the NHS batching initiative, said: “We wanted a document management system that would give the team greater control over the information being provided to bidders, the submissions they received, and the subsequent rounds of clarification and evaluation. Confidentiality and encouragement of a disciplined approach to the management of the process was also required.”

If the system is successful, it could be extended to other DoH PFI schemes, particularly where a number of public sector agencies are involved. Gillian Parker, the Northern batch procurement director, said: “It has proved invaluable as an audit tool and as a means of communicating with three bidders and numerous Trust advisers, particularly as we have the added complexity of being two procuring organisations based in different locations.”

E-BOX managing director Nick Hughes said the system frees up resources and avoids costly delays. He said: “This way, there are no issues concerning out of date information or levels of user access. It facilitates the whole bidding and PFI process.”