Business Hub Tendering

Tendering: Understanding the jargon

EOI
When procurers need to buy a service they will advertise in various ways. If you feel your organisation is able to deliver the required service you can submit an

Expression of Interest
demonstrating that you can deliver the service and requesting that you be included on the short list of organisations submitting a more detailed proposal.

PQQ
The process for short listing prospective contractors is often called the
Pre Qualification Questionnaire

This aims to determine

• Technical knowledge and experience
• Capability (skills & knowledge) and Capacity (resources)
• Organisational and financial standing
 

It will usually ask for

• Background information
• Financial information
• Track record of performance
• Statements of compliance
• Client/customer details
• Information relating to the specific service required
 

A number of supporting documents may also be required eg proof of insurance cover, annual accounts, relevant policies etc

ITT
Once you have passed the PQQ stage you will be asked to submit a formal tender. This is the Invitation to Tender

The ITT will give details of
• The service to be delivered
• The terms of the contract including money and timescales.
• What additional documentation is required
• The deadline for submission

Things to consider before you tender.
• Do you have all the required policies?
• Are your procedures in line with your policies?
• Are your finances in order? (Up to date accounts audited and available)
• Do you know/can you calculate your unit cost?
• Do you have the right skills? (Some contracts will require your staff to be educated to a certain level or to have specific qualifications.)
• Do you have robust partnerships?
• Can you demonstrate added value?
• Is it worth the effort or are you just chasing the money at any price?

1. Is the total value of the contract worth the resources you have put into tendering?
2. Will the contract pay enough to enable you to deliver your service well or would you be compromising on quality?

HAVS Business Hub can help you work through these questions and can also help you write a good tender.

Click here for The London Tenders Portal  the public sector procurement portal for all London Boroughs.

For more details contact Ted Hill Chief Executive Officer, HAVS
jwong@havs.org.uk