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<p>Ministry of Defence (MOD) procurement activity ranges from the purchase of low
value consumable items through to complex equipment acquisition, support and services.
These activities involve multi-disciplinary teams, including engineering, technical,
finance, project management and procurement staff. There is clear separation of responsibilities
between those authorising the initial requirement, those giving financial authority
and those empowered to place contracts.</p><p> </p><p>The MOD currently has around
1,700 civilian staff in the commercial function of which 1,200 are in active commercial
roles and are authorised to sign contracts with suppliers.</p><p> </p><p>Commercial
staff must demonstrate the necessary levels of functional competence and experience
to be licensed and receive a formal commercial delegation. Some 60% of commercial
staff currently hold, or are working towards, qualifications in the Chartered Institute
of Purchasing and Supply (CIPS). This is expected to rise to around 75% in 2015. The
MOD is also developing an advanced commercial skills programme to provide additional
training relevant to the MOD complex acquisition process, which goes beyond standard
CIPS training.</p><p> </p>
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