1. Scheduling Planning and Pre-Coordination
Scope:
Meetings and interviews to be coordinated may include:
- Internal procurement planning meetings
- Bid specification drafting sessions
- Supplier information/briefing sessions
- Pre-bid conferences
- Bid evaluation committee meetings
- Supplier interviews (technical/financial clarifications)
- Post-tender review meetings
Initial Planning Steps:
- Review the monthly procurement calendar and tender timelines
- Identify all required meetings based on the stage of the tender (planning, publishing, evaluation, or awarding)
- Prepare a meeting matrix including:
- Purpose of the meeting
- Participants
- Preferred dates and times
- Duration
- Format (in-person, virtual, hybrid)
2. Invitations and Scheduling Tools
Communication Methods:
- Use professional calendar tools such as Outlook, Google Calendar, or Microsoft Teams Scheduler to send invites
- Include a clear subject line and agenda in all invitations
- Attach relevant documents in advance (draft tender docs, supplier lists, etc.)
Invite Content Example:
EditSubject: SayPro Pre-Bid Meeting โ Office Equipment Tender (SP-JAN2025-001)
Date: 12 January 2025
Time: 10:00 AM โ 11:30 AM
Location: SayPro Boardroom A / Microsoft Teams
Agenda:
1. Overview of Tender Objectives
2. Supplier Clarifications
3. Submission Timelines
4. Q&A Session
Attached: Tender Document Draft v1.3, Supplier List
3. Venue and Technology Management
In-Person Meetings:
- Reserve appropriate meeting rooms (with projector, whiteboard, audio equipment)
- Ensure venue capacity matches participant count
- Arrange refreshments for longer sessions (>2 hours)
Virtual/Hybrid Meetings:
- Create a Teams/Zoom/Meet link with access settings (waiting room, password if needed)
- Test connectivity and audio-visual settings before the session
- Assign a co-host to manage participant entry and technical issues
4. Confirmation and Follow-up
Reminders and Confirmations:
- Send confirmation 24โ48 hours before each meeting
- Include any updated documents or agenda changes
- Ensure all participants acknowledge receipt and availability
Post-Meeting Tasks:
- Circulate meeting minutes within 48 hours
- Include:
- Date and time
- Attendance
- Summary of discussions
- Action items with responsible persons and deadlines
- Track action item follow-ups weekly
5. Documentation and Archiving
Folder Organization:
In the centralized document repository, create a dedicated folder:
SayPro_Tender_Documents/
โโโ 2025/
โโโ January/
โโโ SCMR-1_AdminSupport/
โโโ Meeting_Minutes_And_Schedules/
โโโ Internal_Planning_Meetings/
โโโ Supplier_Information_Sessions/
โโโ Evaluation_Committee/
โโโ Interviews_With_Suppliers/
File Naming Convention Example:
2025-01-12_PreBidMeeting_Minutes_SP-JAN2025-001.pdf
2025-01-18_SupplierInterview_SupplierA_SP-JAN2025-001.docx
6. Coordination Best Practices
Checklist for Each Meeting:
- Define clear objectives
- Identify all necessary attendees
- Confirm logistics and access details
- Prepare and share the agenda and documents in advance
- Assign a notetaker or use recording (with permission)
- Document decisions and next steps
Risk Mitigation Tips:
- Have backup platforms (e.g., Teams and Zoom) in case of connectivity issues
- Maintain a list of alternative times for critical meetings
- Keep a running tracker of attendance and decisions made
Conclusion:
Efficient coordination and scheduling of tender-related meetings and interviews are critical for maintaining momentum, ensuring accountability, and enabling informed decision-making within the SayPro procurement lifecycle. By following structured protocols and maintaining consistent communication, SayPro ensures all stakeholders are engaged, timelines are respected, and documentation is properly archived โ in full alignment with the goals of SayPro Monthly January SCMR-1.
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