Tendering process
The next stage, after a company has replied to an OJEU notice or advertisement, is the supplier will either be sent a tender (If the open tender procedure has been used) or sent a pre-tender questionnaire.
The responses from the completed pre-tender questionnaire will be used to assess whether the company can meet the council's requirements for that particular contract. If the company can meet the relevant requirements they will be shortlisted and will receive an invitation to tender package.
Within the invitation to tender package there will be as a minimum:
- A letter of invitation outlining details of all the documents in the invitation to tender package and the closing date for return of tenders.
- Standard Lancashire County Council terms and conditions
- Supplementary terms and conditions specific to the particular goods, works and services being tendered for.
- Specification
- Pricing schedule
It is essential tenders are returned on time and to the address detailed in the tender package. Any tenders received after the closing date and time will be disqualified.
The returned tenders will all be opened at the same time and evaluated against the criteria detailed in the tender documentation.
Both the successful and unsuccessful suppliers will be notified in writing or by official electronic communication.
All suppliers will be offered the opportunity to have a contract debrief meeting. The contract debrief is an opportunity for companies to find out why they were unsuccessful and where they need to improve to help make their bid more successful next time.
Please note each contract is dealt with on an individual basis. Both successful and unsuccessful companies are not automatically considered for any other contract.
TRAK (Tender Readiness Audit Kit) Introduction
The Government already recognises the role played by third sector organisations in public services and an action plan drawn up by the Cabinet Office in 2006 set out reforms to increase third sector involvement in public services. Since then, further policy papers have repeatedly highlighted the desirability of a greater third sector role meaning more services will be tendered increasing the need for third sector organisations to engage effectively in competitive tendering.
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