Good practice in action: The need for open processes

This example of Code 3 Transparency outlines the process and relationship between the funder and potential providers to select a provider to deliver a health promoting schools national leadership service.

The Ministry of Health established a health promoting schools national leadership service through an open tender process. The tender was awarded to Cognition Education Limited.

Key contract features included:

Service requirements, selection criteria and processes were clearly stated in the tender documents - The service was identified through an open request for proposals (RFP) process. Service requirements were clearly stated in the background and service requirement sections of the tender document. Information required to assist selection and the selection criteria were also published in the tender documents. Potential providers could assess whether they would be able to deliver the service and design their tenders to address the key service areas.

Stages in selection process - The tender documents identified two stages in the process, which would be used if required. The first stage encompassed written proposals for review by a tender panel using the criteria identified in the tender document. Two potential providers were invited to participate in a second stage with presentations to the tender panel. Written and verbal feedback was provided to the two potential providers to allow them to address tender panel queries specific to their proposals.

Selection process is managed according to the time frames - Adherence to the selection process time frames was important to maintain the integrity of the tender process and to ensure that a new service was in place to commence the leadership work required.