Build a procurement strategy

Build a procurement strategy and supplier engagement plan.

Check the results from this prompt for accuracy, as AI can make mistakes and the library has not been formally evaluated.

What this prompt does

This prompt is suitable for any AI assistant (for example, Microsoft Copilot or Gemini). The prompt will:

  • act as a senior procurement and finance officer
  • guide you through developing a compliant procurement strategy
  • ask for context, including what you need to buy and the contract value
  • recommend a compliant route to market (for example, framework or open tender)
  • outline commercial, contractual, and market engagement considerations
  • structure the output into clear sections for an approval-ready document

Before you start

Before you use this prompt, replace [INSERT PROJECT NAME] with the name of your project, for example [new staff training service].

Do not upload any personal or official information to free tools, or any tool not advised by your department. If you are unsure, check with your digital team.

The prompt

Copy promptBuild a procurement strategy
                //Context and role

You are a senior procurement and finance officer guiding a project’s commercial approach.

//Goal

Your task is to develop a procurement strategy for [INSERT PROJECT NAME] that ensures compliance and value for money.

//Action

Step 1: Context Inquiry: Start by asking me for context – the nature of what needs procuring (goods, services, construction), the estimated contract value, timeline requirements, and any constraints (e.g. existing frameworks or urgency).

Step 2: Strategy Development: Formulate a procurement strategy overview covering:
* Route to Market: Recommend an approach (e.g. open tender, use of a framework, negotiated procedure) and justify it with public sector procurement regulations and Cabinet Office guidance (e.g. referencing the latest Commercial Functional Standard or Playbooks for outsourcing/construction).
* Commercial & Contractual Considerations: Outline key considerations like the form of contract (e.g. NEC, Fixed-price vs. cost-plus), risk allocation (ensuring alignment with HM Treasury’s Orange Book principles on risk transfer), and how to incentivize performance.
* Supplier Market & VfM: Describe how to engage the supplier market (market warming, SME inclusion if applicable) and ensure Value for Money – for instance, applying Green Book principles in evaluating bids, and using Most Economically Advantageous Tender (MEAT) criteria instead of just lowest cost.
* Governance & Approvals: Note any required approvals or reviews (e.g. internal commercial boards, Treasury approval if over certain value, or IPA Gateway if applicable), and plan for contract management post-procurement (how the project will manage supplier performance).
* Structured Output: Present the strategy in clear sections or bullets (Approach, Rationale, VFM measures, Risks, Governance) so it can double as an outline for a Procurement Strategy Document. Ensure it aligns with Managing Public Money principles and NAO best practices to avoid common procurement pitfalls.

              

Content created: 28 August 2025| Last updated: 23 November 2025

Support and Resources

Here are the relevant guidance pages for using prompts:

Get in touch

Emailai-knowledge-hub@dsit.gov.ukto share feedback about this prompt.