The tender process
We purchase all of our goods and services by competition, unless they are of low value (typically less than £2,000 excluding VAT), or there are convincing reasons for the contrary. This avoids any suggestion of favouritism and demonstrates that value for money has been achieved.
Typically, we carry out a competition by seeking written quotations or tenders from several suppliers. Suppliers are invited to make an offer to supply specified goods or services at a stated cost or rate.
Tender documents include a project specification (or Terms of Reference). This includes information about
- our role
- the project objectives
- the outputs the contractor would be required to deliver
- the levels of experience that are required
The specification also explains the process by which the tender will be evaluated, including the criteria and relevant weightings given to these. The object of the evaluation process is to identify the tender which provides the best overall value for money. We ensure that tenders are evaluated objectively and impartially.
Find out more about our invitation to tender process and how we evaluate tenders. Alternatively you can use our tender process summary.
