How we buy
Hertfordshire County Council has responsibility for the delivery of a range of services across the whole of the county. It works with central government and other local organisations to help improve and deliver a range of local services to more than a million people, who live, work and travel in the county. Services such as local schools, libraries, support for elderly and vulnerable people and the roads and pavements are all provided by the county council.
The Strategic Procurement Group has responsibility for purchasing policy, governance, strategy, standards and practice within HCC. It deals with all contracts above the EC thresholds which are published in this portal. Lower value contracts and request for quotes are managed at a departmental level where appropriate.
The Council participates in joint contracting with other local authorities in the South and East of England through the Central Buying Consortium, Eastern Shires Purchasing Organisation and the Hertfordshire Procurement Forum. The council also makes use of government wide framework contracts awarded by OGC Buying Solutions for purchasing some goods and services.
The Council also makes wide use of Purchasing Cards for low value items that ensures our suppliers receive payment promptly.