DWP to switch procurement to OGC's Zanzibar eMarketplace

The Zanzibar Managed Service is a secure hosted service accessed via the Internet, which offers 3 distinct services:

• An online 'marketplace' providing access to invited suppliers, catalogues displaying goods and services, and external webshops
• A 'purchase to pay' system' enabling customers to transact with suppliers online
• A pan-Public Sector Data Warehouse

Using the Zanzibar Managed Service, DWP aims to save time and money in the procurement process. They will also be able to make informed value for money decisions based on having better access to a wide range of suppliers and management information. Suppliers who are invited to join Zanzibar by a subscribing organisation will benefit from a single point of access to the government marketplace which requires only an internet connection for any size of business to be able to transact electronically and free of charge with their public sector customers.

Hugh Barrett, Chief Executive of OGCbuying.solutions said: 'I am delighted that DWP has chosen to take advantage of the benefits that Zanzibar has to offer. The Zanzibar Managed Service revolutionises the way the public sector does business. It saves both procurement process time and cost for the public sector and suppliers alike. Anyone that has internet access will be able to use this service. It means that buyers can browse catalogues and review electronic quotations quickly and easily at the click of a mouse.'

John Oughton, Chief Executive of the Office of Government Commerce added: 'The Zanzibar Managed Service will become a key component in realising the government's efficiency and eProcurement targets. It will be easier for suppliers to do business with government and will allow us to have a real understanding of demand across the public sector.'

David Smith, Commercial Director at the Department for Work and Pensions said; 'I strongly support OGC's initiative in developing an eMarketplace for Government which will be a key enabler to DWP's commercial modernisation. I also see this as a significant development in the spreading of commercial best practice throughout the government procurement community. We are looking forward to working closely with OGC Buying Solutions on this project.'

Veera Johnson, PA's lead consultant on the Zanzibar project and member of PA's Management Group, added:
The Zanzibar Managed Service represents a major step towards delivering efficiencies across the whole UK public sector. It is an exciting project and a great product, which offers more than just a marketplace."