Tendering for contracts training offers a comprehensive training programme provided by small enterprise support specialists and public sector support specialists for small firms who wish to develop new revenue streams by tendering for public sector contracts.
1. UNDERSTANDING PUBLIC PROCUREMENT All public procurement activity is based on (EU / UK) directives as described in the diagram above.
2. Why small companies have trouble securing public sector contracts A recent Parliamentary report shows that small businesses are still finding difficult to bid for public sector contracts, despite Government policies and attempts to intervene. A major problem is not the fact that public sector agencies are preparing the pathways so that SME's find the process of tendering a lot easier – a recent survey conducted in the London area by Business Junction concluded that most SME’s do not tender for public sector contracts, Their perception is that they will be unsuccessful and their time and resources would be better spent on pursuing activities which are less demanding and whose outcome is more within their grasp. Read more here: SME Procurement Report
3. Small businesses provide a valuable contribution to the needs of the public sector through innovation, responsiveness and quality in the provision of goods From the Glover report, government was now required to have a free-to-use portal by the end of next year for every wider public sector contract above £20,000 Read more here: Glover Report Collaborative procurement proposals will result in a shake-up of procurement across all UK public sector organizations. Read more here: Savings in Collaborative Procurement A recent (2009) report advises that the public sector is still prone to overly complex tendering process for government contracts. Read more here: SME Tendering Report The Public Contracts Regulations of (2006) followed the (EU) directive issued in 2004, this states that a competitive dialogue should be used when requesting tenders for complex projects. Read more here : Competitive Dialogue
4. All public procurement will involve the completion of pre-qualification questionnaire, It is essential that would be suppliers to the public sector familiarise themselves with the normal processes, i.e.: completing documents correctly and delivering all Required documents on time. Firms who are interested in obtaining contracts from the public sector are advised to view the accompanying “Understanding Pre-Qualification Questionnaires ” document. A brief introduction is included on the following pages.
5. This brief overview consists of a standard generic terms that enable companies to understand the importance prequalification. The Official (PQQ) form is normally completed and certified as being accurate by one of the company's directors. Completion of an (Official PQQ Form) does not commit the Issuing Authority in any way nor is it intended to circumvent any legal requirements required under EU /UK Procurement Directives or Competition rules. The form only requests company information, levels of competence to perform the required task, financial viability, staff, environment, policy documents and other relevant company and personnel information. NOTE:
6. The completed document may be provided either in hard copy or electronic format. All requests for clarification or further information in respect of a PQQ should be addressed to the named contact point. No approach of any kind in connection with the PQQ should be made to any other person within, or associated with the Issuing Authority. The PQQ forms the first part of the procurement process. Respondents must adhere to the format of the PQQ when answering all questions. Where questions cannot be fully answered, relevant explanation including details should be provided. Respondents are required to sign a declaration as follows: [I, the undersigned, confirm that the information contained in this PQQ response is correct at the time of completion.