InfraTrain launches qualification for Procurement

20 July 2012

InfraTrain launches qualification for Procurement

InfraTrain New Zealand has recently launched the New Zealand Certificate in Infrastructure Civil Engineering (Procurement Procedures).

Developed in partnership with the NZ Transport Agency (NZTA), the New Zealand Certificate recognises specialist skills and knowledge for tendering and procurement. It is aligned to NZTA Procurement Procedures, which aim to help local authorities and other approved organisations obtain better value for money.

The New Zealand Certificate replaces the National Certificate in Asset Management (Competitive Pricing Procedures), which was previously offered by InfraTrain. It is suitable for anyone who is involved in preparing tenders and administering physical works and professional services contracts relating to transportation and transportation assets. It is also suitable for anyone who is similarly involved in public transport services contracts.

The qualification is especially relevant for teams working on activities which are funded under the Land Transport Programme. For these projects, NZTA now requires that at least one member of the proposal evaluation team is appropriately skilled and qualified.

The New Zealand Certificate covers key skills including initiating and managing all aspects of the procurement process; knowledge of contract conditions; and ethical tender evaluation. Skills for preparation of tender documents, or preparation and negotiation of contracts can also be covered, depending on individual requirements.

“A stronger focus on value for money means that the tendering and procurement environment is becoming increasingly competitive,” says InfraTrain Chief Executive, Philip Aldridge. “This qualification meets industry needs by aligning skills to industry best practice. It is practical, relevant, and gives local authorities and other organisations confidence that their processes meet NZTA requirements.”

Bernard Cuttance, Principal Procurement and Evaluation Advisor at NZTA, adds, “Since 2003, when the NZTA first required tender evaluation teams to include a qualified person for all significant contracts, over 200 people have obtained the National Certificate in Asset Management (Competitive Pricing Procedures). This has helped to raise the standard and the consistency of procurement processes – tender evaluation in particular.”

He continues, “Now that the NZTA has replaced its Competitive Pricing Procedures manuals with the more enabling Procurement manual for activities funded through the National Land Transport Programme, having capable people to manage the procurement process is even more important. The New Zealand Certificate in Infrastructure Civil Engineering (Procurement Procedures) has a significant role to play in ensuring that purchasers have this capability.”

The New Zealand Certificate in Infrastructure Civil Engineering (Procurement Procedures) is now open for enrolment. Please contact InfraTrain for more details.

For more information visit www.infratrain.co.nz

ENDS

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