Which of the following should be done by procurement professionals right after obtaining a pre-written specification for a critical item so that the added value will be the greatest?
Correct Answer: C
A previously used specification must always be robustly challenged to see how well it fits the proposed circumstances. Aspects which appear not to fit should be analysed to understand why they were included in the sample specification and whether this changes the view on whether or not they should be omitted or changed. Reference: LO 2, AC 2.1
Question 12
When should liquidated damages clauses be written into a contract?
Correct Answer: D
Liquidated damages are presented in certain legal contracts as an estimate of otherwise intangible or hard-to-define losses to one of the parties. It is a provision that allows for the payment of a specified sum should one of the parties be in breach of contract. Liquidated damages are meant as a fair representation of losses in situations where actual damages are difficult to ascertain. In general, liquidated damages are meant to be fair, rather than punitive. Limitations of Liquidated Damages It is possible that a liquidated damages clause might not be enforced by the courts. This can occur if the monetary amount of liquidated damages cited in the clause is extraordinarily disproportional to the scope of what was affected by the breached contract. Such limitations prevent a plaintiff from attempting to claim an unsubstantiated exorbitant amount from a defendant. For instance, a plaintiff might not be able to claim liquidated damages that amount to multiples of its gross revenue if the breach only affected a specific portion of its operations. The concept of liquidated damages is framed around compensation related to some harm and injury to the party rather than a fine imposed on the defendant. The courts typically require that the parties involved make the most reasonable assessment possible for the liquidated damages clause at the time the contract is signed. This can provide a sense of understanding and reassurance of what is at stake if that aspect of the contract is breached. A liquidated damages clause can also give the parties involved a basis to negotiate from for an out-of-court settlement. Reference: - Liquidated Damages - CIPS study guide page 158-159 LO 3, AC 3.2
Question 13
Which of the following are likely to be advantages of using invitation to tender? Select TWO that apply: Short turnaround times
Correct Answer: B,D
Advantages of using invitation to tender may be as below: No Nepotism: Tenders or bids are evaluated on the basis of certain predetermined criteria, such as price, quality and value for money. In other words, the firm offering the highest quality product or service at the lowest price point would win the contract. As most tender documents are opened and evaluated in a public process, I think that there remains little room for nepotism or favoritism of any kind. Value for Money: From the perspective of the client, tenders offer the greatest value for the amount of money spent. This is due to the fact that the client can choose from a wide pool of potential suppliers to select the ones that can produce the highest quality product or service at the lowest price point. This allows the company, establishment or organization to save money without having to compromise on quality. Therefore, despite being quite time consuming, tendering is, in my opinion, a profitable long-term process from an organization's point of view. Encourages Competition: The process of tendering helps promote a competitive market. This is because a number of potential contractors, firms or suppliers get a chance to bid for every project. And because selection depends on quality and price, every bidder tries to reduce operational inefficiencies and redundancies as much as possible in order to lower expenses and improve quality. This entire process encourages healthy competition in the market and prevents complacency and laziness, which in turn provides a boost to innovation and new ideas. Easier Entry: The system of tendering makes it easier and simpler for new firms to enter the market or even a particular industry. This is due to the fact that contracts under this system are awarded on the basis of predetermined, objective criteria. As a result, even a firm that is a new entrant to the market, having no connections or contacts in the industry, can win a prestigious and lucrative contract by providing the highest value for the client's money. This process therefore helps new firms to quickly get a foothold in the market or industry, thus significantly lowering the traditional barriers to entry. Reference: - Characteristics and Benefits of the Tendering Process - CIPS study guide page 6-8 LO 1, AC 1.1
Question 14
Which of the following is always automatically considered as a contract?
Correct Answer: A
- A call off or a term contract is one which exists for a fixed period of time, rather than for a specific purpose - A formal framework agreement does have some legal standing but it is not a contract, primarily because there is no consideration involved, but it is an overarching (or umbrella) agreement under which contracts can be created (this holds true in English law but may not be right in other jurisdiction) - A framework arrangement is a rather loose set-up, without any legal standing. It usually occurs when an organisation has decided for itself to limit the number of suppliers it is willing to work with and, through a purely internal process, sets up an approved list of such suppliers. - A performance management framework including KPIs and targets, the assessment scheme and incentives, disincentives, bonuses and penalties. It is a schedule to a contract and only legally binding if it is referred from contract clauses. Reference: LO 1, AC 1.3
Question 15
A tire manufacturer entered into a contract with a distributor. In the contract, the distributor is prohibited from selling the tire under the price list. The distributor must pay $5 for each tire sold in breach. The amount of $5 is known as...?
Correct Answer: C
This scenario is in fact based on a famous case law: Dunlop Pneumatic Tyre Company v New Garage & Motor co [1915] AC 79. In this case law, the House of Lords identified the clause as liquidated damages, and therefore enforceable. However, if this case had happened in 2015 or afterwards, there would be some legal issues: - The price agreement is prohibited by Competition Act 1998 - If the agreement is allowed by Competition Act, as in the case Cavendish Square Holding BV (Appellant) v Talal El Makdessi (Respondent), the clause can also be identified as a penalty and it is still enforceable. Reference: LO 3, AC 3.2
