Guide for Current & Prospective Suppliers
Â鶹ÊÓƵ is committed to running fair, open and transparent procurement processes. We expect all suppliers wishing to work with us to follow the guidance below to ensure compliant, high‑quality tender submissions.
We welcome interest from businesses of all sizes and sectors. Whether you're an established supplier or a company new to public‑sector contracts, this guide will help you understand how to work with Â鶹ÊÓƵ.
Understanding Our Procurement Process
All procurement activity is carried out in accordance with our Contract Procedure Rules (CPRs), Public Procurement Legislation and Regulations, and the Council’s Constitution. These rules ensure that competition is fair, value for money is achieved, and all bidders are treated equally.
We use several procurement routes depending on the estimated value and nature of the contract, including quotations, open tenders, framework agreements and dynamic purchasing systems (DPS). Opportunities are proportionately advertised through our and on where required.
Where Opportunities Are Advertised
Most opportunities above £25,001 are advertised electronically. Suppliers should:
- Register on the Council’s
- Regularly check for open opportunities
- Ensure company details and contact information are kept up to date
All quotations and tenders above £25,001 must be submitted electronically unless otherwise stated.
Preparing Your Tender
To support a compliant submission, suppliers should:
- Read all tender documents carefully, including specifications, instructions and evaluation criteria
- Ensure your proposal directly addresses the published requirements
- Follow the instructions for format, supporting documents and file limits
- Ask clarification questions only through the e‑tendering portal and within stated deadlines
- Submit your bid before the published deadline — late bids cannot be accepted
We provide all relevant information upfront, including award criteria, weightings, pricing schedules, submission requirements, draft terms and conditions, and any mandatory forms that must be completed.
Evaluation and Award
Tenders are evaluated strictly against the published criteria, which will be based on:
- Price or
- Most Advantageous Tender (MAT) — a balanced assessment of price and quality
Quality criteria may include technical merit, approach to service delivery, sustainability, community benefits, staffing proposals, environmental considerations and other contract‑specific factors.
A minimum of two qualified officers evaluate all submissions. All results are recorded and retained in line with our governance requirements.
For further information contact the Procurement Team:
Tel: 01495311556