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AOF Commercial Toolkit

Commercial Guidance for the UK MOD Defence Acquisition Community

version 2.10.9 - August 2010

Content

Standard Topic Guidance Format

There are two distinct topic guidance formats on the AOF:

EITHER:

This page is an extract from the full topic guidance on [TOPIC] [provides a link to the full topic guidance in pdf format].  It details any Constraints associated with [TOPIC], provides a summary of the Authoritative Guidance and lists any essential reading, further reading or associated documents.

If you have any queries on this topic, please contact the Sponsor by email:[provides an e-mail link to the relevant sponsor].

Constraints

Guidance that is underpinned by legislation (UK or international) and/or MOD or Government regulations. Failure to follow a Constraint could result in legal sanction and/or disciplinary action.

Authoritative Guidance Summary

A summary of the main points addressed in Authoritative Guidance.

Associated Documents

This section provides clickable links to other documents associated with this one, i.e. Annexes etc.

Essential Reading

This section provides links to reading references considered to be essential for a full understanding of this Topic.

Further Reading

This section provides links to reading references related to this Topic and considered to be beneficial.

OR - If a Commercial Policy Statement has been issued the format will be as follows:

Who should read this page?

This section sets out the target audience.  For example:
This page is primarily provided for Commercial Officers, but is also relevant to all those involved in INSERT TOPIC across MOD.

What does this page provide?

This section provides a summary of what the page contains.  For example:
This page briefly explains what INSERT TOPIC is, shows you where you can find policy and guidance on the subject, identifies the main legal regulations impacting on INSERT TOPIC (the Legal Framework) and outlines the general principles underpinning THE TOPIC.
It also explains what is mandated, identifies who you can go to for advice, sets out the relevant Commercial training and provides a list of further reading.

What is [TOPIC]?

This section provides a description of the TOPIC.

Where can I find policy and guidance on [TOPIC]?

This section identifies the key policy documents and shows the flow down.   For example:

  • Defence Instruction and Notice x details MOD’s overall policy on the INSERT TOPIC
  • The SUBJECT Commercial Policy Statement details MOD’s Commercial Policy and Guidance on TOPIC [link to the CPS in pdf format].

What is the Legal Framework for [SUBJECT]?

This section identifies key pieces of legislation.   For example:

  • The Public Contracts Regulations 2006 – for advertising requirements, exemptions and procurement procedures.
  • Competition Act 1998 – for the requirement to compete

What is the general principle when dealing with [SUBJECT]?

This section may not appear each time but will contain a particular message or key principle/principles on the TOPIC.

What is mandated when dealing with [SUBJECT]?

  • Details what is mandated.  A general statement identifying the key parts of the commercial process where something is mandated e.g. tendering, advertising etc.
  • “That acquisition teams work in accordance with the policy and guidance set out in the TOPIC Commercial Policy Statement.”

Who do I go to for advice?

Contact Phone / Email Area

DGDC Commercial Systems

specific point of contact email link

For advice on this page and the TOPIC Commercial Policy Statement.

The relevant Head of Commercial

 

For business specific application of TOPIC.

Add others as necessary including CLS, DIPR etc

specific point of contact email link

For SME advice on TOPIC.

What training is available on [TOPIC]?

This section details any current commercial training in CAPP as well as other commercial or broader training. 

What further reading might help?

This section directs the reader to AOF material, other internal material and external websites.  For example:

AOF - Commercial Toolkit content:

Delivery & Acceptance - for Diversion Orders

Defence Intranet content (only for those with access to the Defence Intranet):

JSP 462 - Financial Management Policy ManualExternal link to Ministry of Defence Intranet content

External Websites:

OGC Guidance on Competitive DialogueExternal link to Internet content

Sponsor and Change History

Sponsor and Change History

Sponsor

The Sponsor for this guidance is DGDC CS-2E-2A

Change History

1 November 2009
Amended to reflect the new Standard Topic format.
1 May 2009
Change of Sponsor title from DCD-DCS2-AD5.