The Scottish Public Finance Manual sets out a number of requirements in respect of procurement, including requirements that procurement decisions are based on value for money (usually following competition), that procurement processes are managed by staff with appropriate skills, experience and training and that purchasers preserve the highest ethical standards in their dealings with suppliers.The Executive’s Procurement Directorate helps Executive agencies and NDPBs meet their obligations under the Finance Manual in a number of ways, through its website, publication of guidance manuals and ad hoc policy and best practice circulars and through periodic meetings for heads of procurement and through the award of contracts for common requirements (e.g. electricity and ICT services) which are available for use by Executive Agencies and NDPBs.In May...