We try to make the decision making process as fair as possible,
and generally base tender decisions on the following
criteria:
Lowest cost
Where the subject of the tender exercise is relatively simple
and/or quality must be consistent across all tenders, the
determining factor will often be cost alone.
Most economically advantageous tender
This is the method by which costs and price are brought into
consideration. Lowest price is not always the best option and
tenders will be assessed to determine which offers the "most
economically advantageous tender".
Scoring matrix
Tenders are scored comparatively against each other and a weighted
scoring is often devised for each tender exercise, which will show
how each offer compares against the specification and assessment
criteria. Consequently, this will also show relative comparisons
between tenderers.
Interviews and presentations
Tenderers are sometimes invited for interviews and may be
required to make presentations in support of their bids. This
gives your company and the Council the opportunity to make sure
that every aspect of the tender has been understood and also allows
you and the Council to establish whether we will be able to work
together constructively in achieving the objectives of the
contract.
Reporting mechanism
The decision to award a contract to a particular company does not
rest solely with the officers involved in the tender evaluation.
Their Chief Officer must also confirm the decision. For high value
or especially significant contracts, the decision will also include
Elected Members. At any stage the tender process is open to
scrutiny by the Council's Internal Audit section.
Debrief
All unsuccessful tenderers will be advised that their bid was
unsuccessful. Further information would be provided to unsuccessful
tenderers upon request.
Contact us
For more information, please contact a member of the Purchasing team.