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Tenders

Any contracts subject to tender are advertised in accordance with the council’s approved constitution and in where applicable placed in the Official Journal of the European Union (OJEU).

Should your company decide to respond to an advertisement and express an interest in bidding for council work here are some brief tips that you should bear in mind.

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Background

We usually run two types of tenders - open and restricted. Under an open tender procedure all suppliers who respond to an advertisement are supplied with tender documentation, which they can return as appropriate. This approach is usually followed when purchasing standard items such as goods.

The restricted procedure can best be described as a two-stage approach in which we invite interested suppliers to undergo a pre-qualification assessment before inviting them to tender. The restricted route is normally used for non-standard or large service requirements where it would not be economic for all parties concerned, if too large a tender field were invited to bid for the work e.g. consultancy contracts.

The tender documents you will receive usually consist of the following:

  • Covering letter
  • Instructions to Tenderer - this document details important administrative procedures relating to the tender e.g. dates and times, method of tender return, evaluation criteria to be used in the selection of the successful supplier, details of where tender queries should be directed.
  • Tender Questionnaire - this document covers basic financial and technical information about your company e.g. accounts, insurance levels, etc.
  • Specification - this details our requirements and must be read carefully and complied with.
  • Contract Conditions - This document gives details of the terms under which we wish to do business. These should be read carefully, since it is our policy to contract only on its terms and conditions of contract.

Tips

Whichever procurement procedure we follow, you should nevertheless read the advertisement carefully and submit or request the information required by the dates stipulated.

We normally require all suppliers to complete a questionnaire detailing information about their financial/economic standing and their technical capability. This usually covers information about when your company was formed, what experience you have in providing the goods/services/works being tendered for, details of where we may obtain references on your company, and details of your company's finances. To ensure your bid is considered you must:

  • provide all the information requested
  • make sure that you answer all questions accurately
  • return the information by the closing date specified

Sometimes the information we receive from suppliers is unclear or in need of further clarification. Once again you should provide any additional information sought by the closing date set.

The tender documents we send out to suppliers contain details of our requirements. The documents, particularly the specification, should be read carefully and all information completed fully and accurately. If you do not understand any part of the specification you should ring the Council Officer named in the tender documentation and request further information. This must be done before the tender period closes.

Equal opportunities

We are an equal opportunities employer and are committed to promoting equality of opportunity for all people irrespective of sex, age, race or disability. We are keen to ensure that our suppliers abide by the law and are working to best practice in this area. All suppliers, as part of the tender process, will thus be required to provide evidence that they have equal opportunities policies in place and are committed to them.

Environmental policies

We are committed to using the resources entrusted to us to ensure best value for money at the least possible cost to the environment. As part of this commitment to the environment, the Council’s procurement procedure will, wherever practicable, focus on.

  • specifying less environmentally damaging products.
  • promoting greater use of renewable sources.
  • encouraging suppliers to use environmentally friendly practices throughout the production process.

When applying for certain council contracts you may be requested to supply evidence of your practices and procedures as they relate to the environment.

Health and Safety

We are committed to ensuring the health, safety and welfare of our employees and that of all others affected by our undertakings. Contracts to supply goods or services will only be awarded to contractors who can satisfy the council requirements in terms of resources required and their health and safety competence.

Successful contractors/suppliers are expected to demonstrate compliance with current health and safety legislation including:

  • a commitment to the health and safety of its employees, clients and others
  • up to date health and safety policies and procedures
  • adequate risk assessment procedures
  • an adequate system of monitoring and reporting accidents, incidents and ill-health
  • access to competent health and safety advice

contracts are monitored to ensure compliance with contract standards and health and safety requirements.

Contact details

South Derbyshire District Council
Corporate Procurement Manager
Civic Offices
Civic Way
Swadlincote
Derbyshire DE11 0AH

Tel: 01283 595811
Fax: 01283 595852
Online: contact form
email: procurement@south-derbys.gov.uk

Page ref: LGSL 828

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