Keep up to date with news of the latest tenders relating to resource management and more

For information or to browse current tenders, please visit www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk

For tendor support, consortium information and other relevant resources please visit www.readyforbusiness.org

What is a tender? How do they work? Where can you get help? If you have a question, we might have the answer

What is a tender?

A tender is the process in which a public body procures goods or services. Tenders must be advertised to allow competition.

What it the EU Procurement Threshold?

If a public body contract value is over a certain amount the public body must follow procurement law. The current values can be seen at http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-edinburgh-east-fife-11786143

What is an open tender?

An open tender is one that is open to all bidders. Anyone who registers interest in the contract will be sent an Invitation to Tender (ITT)

What is a restricted tender?

A restricted tender is only open to bidders who have passed a Pre Qualifying Questionnaire (PQQ). Once a bidder has passes the PQQ they are then invited to tender for the contract.

How do I find out about contract opportunities with the public sector?

In Scotland all contracts over the EU threshold must be advertised on the Public Contract Scotland portal www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk. There are various other websites that can search for you and send updates. A useful website that has been created to help sectors link together to deliver services is www.readyforbusiness.org

How do I compete for a contract?

If you see a contract you are interested in tendering for you should first register on Public Contract Scotland. You can select the contract and register interest. You will then be sent information, either the full tender documents or the PQQ. You will also be updated with any questions asked by other suppliers (all questions and answers relating to a contract are made available to all bidders)

I want to work with another organisation to do the contract, how can this work?

There are several ways in which to develop a partnership; you could develop a consortium or have one lead project and sub-contract some of the service. CRNS may be able to offer support and advice regarding partnership working. Contact your Regional Development Officer or the Furniture Procurement Officer for further information.

Does it cost to submit a tender?

In some circumstances a public body can charge for tender documents although this is not usually a large sum. It will cost you in time because completing a tender is a large task, it may also cost you to develop your organisation for example you may need to invest in quality assessment tools or further insurance.

Where can I get help?

The CRNS can offer help to its members either first hand or by signposting you to the right organisation.

Writing a tender is no small task. If you are thinking about contracts in the future you should:

• Start researching the types of services your organisation would be interested in

• Collect the information that will be required in any tender

• Identify gaps and weaknesses in your organisation and develop plans to tackle these

• Make sure all policies are adequate and up to date

• Speak to the public body you are interested in working with, form a relationship.