The contract catalogue is a resource that makes it easier to find information about what agreements are available and how to use them. The contract information currently in Lupin/Proceedo will be moved into the contract catalogue. You can find a link to the contract catalogue on the Staff Pages under administrative systems: Kommers - the contract catalogue (select English in the top right corner).
A lot of money could be saved if our purchases are done correctly. By pooling purchases, we can get better terms and more competitive prices. When you use existing agreements, you contribute to sound business practice, which means public funds are used in the most efficient way and the University gets the best value for money. It also pertains to taking environmental and social factors into account, as well as the purchase helping to promote healthy competition in the market.
“Working on the assumption that everything purchased at LU below the direct procurement threshold in a year was put out to tender, this would mean prices that were 1% lower. This could mean that we would save between SEK 40 and 50 million per year. By opening up our purchases to competition, we as purchasers have the opportunity to set the terms of the agreements, instead of just accepting what the suppliers offer,” says Måns Weimarck, head of procurement at the Division of Finances.
“Using these agreements, we ensure that all needs related to the transaction are covered. For example, not only the technical requirements of an instrument, but also the need for servicing and repair during its lifetime. We make sure to set out the contractual requirements that must/should be fulfilled and thus ensure the quality we need. It might, for example, be about sustainability, delivery, warranty or data security,” says Måns Weimarck.
Other advantages of purchasing via the agreements are that you can rest assured that several complex issues are taken care of at a competitive price and with good service. The evaluation has already been done. “We also have to comply with the law; if we don't, we not only risk doing bad deals, but it can also have serious negative consequences for the University. It can be expensive in terms of procurement fines (between SEK 10,000 and SEK 20 million) and it could cause negative publicity and damage confidence in LU,” says Måns Weimarck.
Even small purchases make a difference and are to be made correctly. Along with the new contract catalogue, a support system is now being introduced that makes it easier for purchasers to carry out direct procurement, among other things.
- Read more about making purchase in the contract catalogue: How to make a purchase
Lower limit for assistance with procurement
A new change that will be phased in for the faculties in the spring semester of 2025 is that when making purchases over SEK 700,000 (previously SEK 1.5 million), you are always to consult the Purchasing and Procurement Office. They can help get a better deal and avoid costly pitfalls where suppliers set the terms.
Read more about the rollout in a separate news item: The threshold for procurement support is being reduced