Testing New Methods
As the City of Wrenford continues to grow, we must ensure our purchasing processes remain efficient, fair, and responsive to community needs. We are committed to exploring innovative approaches that improve value for taxpayers while maintaining strict adherence to our established rules. This page outlines how the City tests new methods for purchasing goods, services, and works through structured pilot programs.
Why Pilot Programs Matter
Traditional procurement methods have served us well, but new technologies and market practices offer opportunities for improvement. By testing these changes on a small scale, we can identify potential issues, measure outcomes, and refine our approach before full implementation. This reduces risk and ensures that any new method aligns with our core values of transparency, equity, and fiscal responsibility.
How Pilots Are Evaluated
All pilot projects must demonstrate clear benefits in at least one of the following areas:
- Cost savings or better value for money
- Improved efficiency or reduced processing time
- Enhanced support for local or diverse businesses
- Positive environmental outcomes
- Better service delivery for residents
Proposals for new purchasing methods must include a detailed evaluation plan. This plan should define success metrics, timelines, and methods for collecting feedback from both internal staff and external suppliers. You must also outline how the pilot will comply with all relevant regulations and Procurement policy standards.
Requesting a Pilot
If you work in a City department and wish to propose a new purchasing method, you must submit a formal request to the Procurement Services Division. Your proposal should include:
- A clear description of the proposed method
- A risk assessment
- A proposed timeline (typically 6 to 12 months)
- Expected outcomes and measurement criteria
The Procurement Services Division will review all requests and consult with legal and financial advisors as needed. Approved pilots will be monitored closely, and results will be reported to Council. If a pilot is successful, it may be adopted into standard practice. If not, the City will document lessons learned to inform future innovations.
Supporting Our Values
Innovation must not come at the cost of fairness or inclusion. All pilot programs must support the City’s commitments to Anti-racism and anti-oppression policy and Accessibility strategy. We encourage proposals that actively engage underrepresented suppliers and ensure accessible procurement processes for all participants.
For questions about current pilot projects or to submit a proposal, contact the Procurement Services Division at 519-555-0100 or email [email protected].