CNES works with French state procurement office to improve public-sector purchasing

As part of efforts to improve the purchasing processes of public operators, the French state procurement office (SAE) asked CNES to lead a working group bringing together public-sector entities at regional level to raise professional standards in maintenance-related purchasing in the real estate segment. The first proposals were put forward on Friday 27 March at the Toulouse Space Centre (CST).

Created in 2009 to modernize the Government's purchasing policy, the SAE (Service des Achats de l'État) asked CNES and in particular its Purchasing, External Revenues and Legal Affairs Department (DAJ) to lead a working group bringing together various public-sector organizations to raise professional standards and search for efficiencies in maintenance-related purchasing in the real estate segment.

Around 50 people representing the purchasing functions of the various public-sector entities concerned as well as the SAE and the SGAR (France's general secretariat for regional affairs) took part in the working group. Discussions focused on best practices in purchasing and potential improvements and cost savings.

The first proposals were put forward on Friday 27 March at the Toulouse Space Centre (CST). At the end of the morning session, the SAE, the SGAR and CNES stated that they were pleased with the richness of the dialogue and the proposals made by the working group. The participants have agreed to continue the initiative and implement a range of concerted actions to improve their purchasing processes.