COVID-19: Working Practices Update from Cirrus Purchasing

During the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, Cirrus has continued to deliver high quality support and advice to our clients using appropriate technology solutions to enable effective remote working.

Our preferred communication channels during this time have been telephone, conference calls via Microsoft Teams or Zoom, InTend tender platform and email, in addition to any specific methods used by our individual clients.

While we continue to work remotely as much as possible, we are also able to visit client sites on request where necessary (subject to government guidance and appropriate safety precautions for all concerned).

Using public transport as much as possible remains a core value to us as a business. However, to minimise risk when visiting clients, where possible we will travel by car rather than public transport until further notice.

We will continue to keep up to date with government guidance and will adapt our service delivery in line with those recommendations.

We hope all of our clients and stakeholders stay safe and keep in good health at this time.

Please contact cpaton@cirruspurchasing.co.uk or 07828 143935 if you wish to discuss this matter further.

Procurement Policy Notes (PPN)

Please see the links below for the latest guidance issued from the Cabinet Office on best practice for public sector procurement in relation to the COVID-19 outbreak.

Procurement in an Emergency
4th February 2021

The Crown Commercial Service has issued a Procurement Policy Note (PPN) reminding contracting authorities of the options available to them when procuring in emergencies, including urgent procurements required due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

The full PPN is available here.

Recovery and Transition: COVID-19
9th June 2020

The Crown Commercial Service has issued a Procurement Policy Note (PPN) in response to the COVID-19 outbreak to provide further guidance to public bodies on payment of their suppliers, to ensure service continuity during the pandemic.

The full PPN is available here.

COVID-19: Supplier relief
25th March 2020

The Cabinet Office has issued a further Procurement Policy Note (PPN) connected with the COVID-19 outbreak. This PPN highlights the severe impact the virus is having on businesses that supply to public bodies and outlines ways contracting authorities can support their suppliers during these unprecedented times.

The full set of guidelines outlined in the PPN to support suppliers can be viewed here.

Public Procurement: COVID-19
18th March 2020

The Crown Commercial Service has issued a Procurement Policy Note (PPN) in response to the COVID-19 outbreak to provide guidance to contracting authorities who will now need to procure goods, services and works quickly, as a result of the virus.

The full PPN is available here.