Procurement - frequently asked questions
Last updated | 24/04/2008
I have a business, how can I offer my services to the authority?
Perth & Kinross Council does not maintain a list of ‘approved’ contractors and suppliers.
In order to ensure fair competition, services and supplies are currently advertised in the appropriate forum - ie local or national newspapers and within the web page entitled Tender Opportunities.
Contractors and suppliers are requested to submit an expression of interest in response to tenders as and when they are advertised.
These expressions can only be accepted when received electronically or in hard copy format, and MUST include all information requested within the advert.
Verbal expressions of interest will not be accepted.
What about Approved and Select Lists?
Perth & Kinross Council does not use approved lists but subjects each requirement to a tender procedure. Lists created as result of this process become null and void at the tender award stage.
Where do you advertise? Tender adverts are advertised via an appropriate forum ie OJEU and local or national newspapers .
What about sub-contractors and suppliers? Perth & Kinross Council recognises the importance of sub-contractors and suppliers within the supply chain and accordinly we will develop pages within the websire which attempt to provide the contact information providing direct access to our current service providers for the full spectrum of goods and services.
Additional supply chain opportunities may also be found from our Economic Development Unit.
How can I improve my chances? There are a number of ways in which you can improve your chances of being successful.
Be prepared for tenders as they are due to for release, i.e. keeping an eye on the contracts register and the contract expiry date of the contracts your company may be interested in.
When expressing an interest or completing a tender pack, ensure you follow the instructions issued, answering all questions and returning all documents/evidence requested and making sure this is provided in the format required.
- Do not answer the questions by sending in company annual reports/brochures that require the evaluation team to search for the information required.
- Be honest and open, if you are unable to answer a question give the reason why.
Failure to follow the above two bullet points can severely restrict your chances, and may even result in your application being dismissed.
What is your policy on insurance requirements? Generally insurance requirements are stated within tender/contract documents, however as a minimum most contracts will require the contractor to be covered by an Employers and Public Liabilities Insurance to the value of £5 million
What is your policy on health & safety requirements? Perth & Kinross Council is committed to ensure the health and safety of its residents, visitors, employees and users of all its facilities and services.
As part of this on going commitment we continually assess and monitor the way in which contractors and suppliers provide their services to Perth and Kinross Council, whilst also reviewing the way in which we carry out such assessments.
Should you have any further queries relating to H&S, please email our
Health and Safety team.
What is your policy on equality and diversity in Procurement? The Council is committed to an Equalities and Diversity Policy covering Race, Disability and Sexual orientation.
An important part of this commitment is encouraging and, where possible, requiring companies and other organisations which bid for Council services to practise equalities and diversity in employment and service delivery.
The Council will take into account within its tender evaluation and contracting processess, a potential contractor's approach to equalities in terms of its employment practices and service delivery, which will also be monitored and managed during the life of each contract.
What is your policy on contractors and the environment? Perth & Kinross Council will endeavour to put into practise the principles of a sustainable procurement.
How do I return Tender Documents?
Full details on how to return your tender should be included with the tender documents issued and these must be followed to the letter to avoid disqualification.
What are your terms for payment? Where Perth and Kinross Council enters into a formal contract the terms and conditions are stated within the tender documents and/or negotiated with the successful tenderer.
These terms of payment will generally be based on our standard terms for purchase orders, which are, that payment will be despatched 30 days from receipt of an acceptable invoice for goods or services performed.
These pages have been designed to provide our business partners and other interested parties with information and advice on our procurement process.
If you have any comments on their design or content or purely wish to contact us please email
procurement@pkc.gov.uk .
