Province finds savings in fleet, IT purchases

HALIFAX – Nova Scotians are getting better value for their tax dollars as the province improves the quality of how it procures fleet and transportation, information technology devices and office supplies.   An ongoing review of spending and purchases across government departments, Nova Scotia school boards and the Nova Scotia Housing Development Corporation identified potential savings of up to $11 million for the 2013-14 fiscal year.   "Nova Scotians expect government to make smart, efficient purchases, to save money where possible, while improving the quality of goods and services for Nova Scotia families," said Deputy Premier Frank Corbett. "A better and improved procurement process will support Nova Scotia's business community and encourage sustainable economic development."   The province has identified savings in how it buys vehicles, heavy equipment, parts, bulk fuel, office supplies and information technology. Requests for proposals will be issued this month in the following business areas, which will bring significant savings: -- printers -- office supplies -- laptops and desktops -- IT contingent labour -- heavy and light duty vehicles -- heavy equipment -- parts -- bulk fuel -- a new fleet-card management tool will be used to record accurate spending and create fuel and maintenance discounts   "We are excited to be working with the province to create savings and efficiencies for our purchases, which will have a lasting impact on our operations," says Ambrose White, superintendent for the Cape Breton-Victoria Regional School Board. "The savings we experience through this process will go directly toward students and programs, and help to improve the quality of goods and services we deliver."   These savings are being identified through the Strategic Procurement Project, which should bring more savings across government and the public sector when complete in February 2013. The province spends about $1 billion annually on goods and services. Regional models will become part of procurement to ensure all companies across Nova Scotia can compete for government business.   This project is the latest of a number of strategies by government to live within its means. Others include ending excessive end-of-year spending, holding the line on overall spending, reducing debt-servicing costs, shared services and implementing the change and innovation fund.   For more information about these business areas and to see the request for proposals, visithttp://business.novascotia.ca/en/home/default.aspx or www.gov.ns.ca/tenders/home.aspx .