About Us
 
 

Frequently Asked Questions

 

What is a PQQ?
A Pre Qualification Questionnaire - (PQQ) enables purchasers to identify the most suitable suppliers to invite to tender for contracts.

 

The document is a universal questionnaire for all interested parties. It contains a request for standardised information and is sent out to all interested parties. Responses are analysed and successful bidders are short listed to receive the full tender documentation.

 

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What is a RFI?
An RFI (Request for Information) is a standard business process whose purpose is to collect written information about the capabilities of various suppliers. Normally it follows a format that can be used for comparative purposes.

 

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What is an ITT?
An ITT (Invitation to tender) is a standardised document by which the contracting authority invites interested Companies or Organisations to submit a tender for a contract. It encloses the conditions for the submission of a tender and gives the terms of reference or the technical qualifications required.

 

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Why do I have to tender for business I have always had in the past?
Many companies are now choosing to adopt the tender process for choosing suppliers for products and services, as they believe it offers

  • Best value for money
  • Enables companies to best use their purchasing power
  • Ensures transparency
  • Complies with government guidelines

 

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How do I find out about tender opportunities?
You can find out about Private Sector contracts through:

  • Building contacts with potential customers
  • Advertisements in the local and national newspapers
  • Advertisements in trade and professional magazines covering your area of business
  • Following up press and other reports – Companies expanding, new companies to the area
  • Networking and picking up information from other businesses – and the Chamber of Commerce

 

You can identify public sector contract opportunities by:

  • Following up contract notices published in newspapers and trade magazines
  • Monitoring online government tender notices – register with:
    supply2.gov.uk website link
    It’s free and you receive alerts as and when contracts are advertised in your business sector
  • You can use a company that charges a small fee to search for contracts i.e. BIP Solutions or Tracker.
  • Your local Chamber of Commerce will already have or be in the process of developing an online portal to advertise tender opportunities. Ask to business development team at your local Chamber for more information.

 

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What is E-procurement?
Electronic procurement (eProcurement) is the use of electronic tools and systems to increase efficiency and reduce costs during each stage of the purchasing process.

 

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What is an E Auction?
e-auctions are increasingly being adopted by major players in industry and in the public sector. e-auctions are firmly built into the procurement strategies of many private sector companies to source direct materials, products and services and support services. They are increasingly used to support management of the supply chain and are not strategically restricted to primary suppliers. Both central, civil government and wider public sector organisations are building e-auctions into their sourcing activities.

 

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Is it only the public sector that tenders business?
No, more and more companies in the private sector are procuring their suppliers by means of a formal tender process.

 

There are three types of competitive tendering.

  • OPEN – Any interested supplier or group of suppliers may tender. No post-tender negotiation is permitted in this procedure
  • RESTRICTED – All interested parties submit requests to participate but only those short-listed by the company are invited to complete the full tender. No post-tender negotiation is permitted in this procedure.
  • NEGOTIATED – This procedure is similar to the restricted procedure but allows for post tender negotiation.

 

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How do I know what the client is looking for?
Generally a client will be looking for the following from a supplier

  • Value for money
  • Contract management abilities
  • Ability to deliver the product or service to the required locations
  • Quality product/service
  • Customer support
  • Innovation

 

It is vital in the tender response that the above factors are highlighted and you are marketing your company in the most positive manner.

 

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Is Price Everything?
Price is an important consideration, but most clients are seeking "Value for money" or "Added value". Most tenders will define the evaluation criteria i.e. 70% - price, 30% quality.

 

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Description of Contract
UK-Coventry: tree-maintenance services
Contracting Authority
Coventry City Counci
Value of Contract
Estimated value excluding VAT: 2 400 000 GBP.
Duration of Contract
Duration in months: 36 (from the award of the contract).
Tendering Procedure
Restricted - Please note, this is an electronic tender. To download the documents, register on www.coventry.gov.uk/etendering.
Time Limit
8.8.2008 - 16:00.

Tree-maintenance services. Tree-clearing services. Tree-cutting services. Tree pruning.

 

 

Description of Contract
UK-Wolverhampton: telephone-answering services
Contracting Authority
Bromford Housing Group,
Value of Contract
Duration in months: 60 (from the award of the contract).
Duration of Contract
Subject to The Group's discretion, the duration of each contract will be five years although The Group will, at its absolute discretion, have the option to extend each agreement by up to five further years.
Tendering Procedure
Accelerated restricted
Time Limit
30.7.2008 - 12:00.

Bromford Group is seeking expressions of interest from suitably experienced and qualified suppliers to provide a high quality service to customers contacting Bromford Group regarding reporting incidents, requesting information or assistance. In relation to the following activities: 1) Logging & Responding to Repair requests outside normal working hours. 2) Logging Anti Social Behaviour issues and providing advice outside normal working hours. 3) Responding to Social Alarm Monitoring calls 24/7. 4) Provide Tenancy Advice outside normal working hours. 5) Supporting Bromford Colleagues out side normal working hours.

 

 

Description of Contract
UK-Oldbury: architectural services for buildings
Contracting Authority
Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council, Passenger Transport Unit
Value of Contract
Estimated value excluding VAT: 240 000 GBP
Duration of Contract
Starting: 1.1.2009. Completion: 1.6.20
Tendering Procedure
Restricted - envisaged min number 5
Time Limit
8.8.2008 - 12:00.

Full architectural services on a building conservation project relating to a 16th century house, a 17th century stable and an 18th century barn, the latter two being derelict, associated landscaping works etc. Services will be required from RIBA stage c (outline proposals) through to RIBA stage L (administration of contract and works). The contract will be let as a two part contract (initially to RIBA stage E- detailed design) as funding may not be available for stages F-L initially (and there is a low risk of the project not progressing beyond stage E).

 

 

Description of Contract
Catering Services - Coventry
Contracting Authority
The Learning and Skills Council
Value of Contract
not provided at this stage
Duration of Contract
not provided
Tendering Procedure
not provided
Time Limit
o express your interest and apply for a pre-qualification questionnaire, please email Sara Johnson, at the awarding authority address.

The service of a full range of meals and snacks within a purpose-built staff restaurant serving up to 600 covers per day, including breakfast.

 

 

Description of Contract
UK Telford - Manned security service
Contracting Authority
English Partnerships
Value of Contract
otal estimated value over 5 years - Lot 3 - Telford - 100 000 GBP
Duration of Contract
5 years
Tendering Procedure
Restricted - no electronic auction will be used
Time Limit
8.8.2008.

English Partnerships will reserve the right to appoint either a national contractor to provide all services nationwide or regional providers on an office-by-office basis depending on which solution proves to be the most economically advantageous.

 

 

Description of Contract
UK Dudley - Recycling Services
Contracting Authority
Dudley Metropolitan Borough Council,
Value of Contract
Duration of Contract
Starting: 1.8.2008. Completion: 31.7.2009.
Tendering Procedure
open - No electronic auction will be used
Time Limit
22.6.2008 - 12:00.

The Supply of 14 Cubic Yard Bottle and Can Banks.

 

 

Description of Contract
UK-Wolverhampton: dining tables
Contracting Authority
Wolverhampton City Council
Value of Contract
he Council's estimated expenditure for the above is estimated at 50 000,00 GBP per annum
Duration of Contract
uration of the framework agreement: Duration in year(s): 4
Tendering Procedure
open - No electronic auction will be used
Time Limit
2.6.2008 - 17:00.

Wolverhampton City Council requires a suitable company to supply and maintain mobile combined tables and seating units to be used within schools

 

 

Description of Contract
UK-Wolverhampton: washing machines
Contracting Authority
University of Wolverhampton
Value of Contract
not provided at this stage
Duration of Contract
Duration in months: 60 (from the award of the contract).
Tendering Procedure
via the University's In-Tend e-procurement website at http://in-tendhost.co.uk/wolverhamptonuni/
Time Limit
17.6.2008 - 12:00.

Rental of Equipment & Maintenance of Student Laundrette Facilities

 

 

Description of Contract
Waste Management
Contracting Authority
Birmingham City Council
Value of Contract
not provided at this stage
Duration of Contract
March 2011.
Tendering Procedure
n application / questionnaire document will be issued to suitable respondents to this advertisement
Time Limit
Closing date for the return of Application / questionnaire - 6 May 2008

90100000: Sewage and refuse collection and disposal services, 90120000: Refuse services, 90121000: General waste services.

 

 

Description of Contract
UK-Wolverhampton: The Provision of Locksmith Services
Contracting Authority
Wolverhampton City Council,
Value of Contract
25K to 50K
Duration of Contract
not provided
Tendering Procedure
not provided
Time Limit
16/04/2008

To carry out Emergency, Urgent & Routine Locksmith Services for the Council when required.

 

 

Description of Contract
UK-Dudley: firefighting equipment
Contracting Authority
Dudley Metropolitan Borough Council,
Value of Contract
not provided at this stage
Duration of Contract
Starting: 1.6.2008.
Tendering Procedure
Open
Time Limit
or accessing documents: 5.4.2008 - 17:00

Tender for the Supply and Service of Fire Extinguishers,Firefighting Equipment and Firefighting materials. To carry out Fire-extinguishers installation along with Firefighting equipment installation work. To provide repair and maintainence service of existing Fire-extinguishers and firefighting equipment.

 

 

Description of Contract
UK-Dudley: road sweepers.
Contracting Authority
Dudley Metropolitan Borough Council,
Value of Contract
contained in PQQ documenets
Duration of Contract
Starting: 1.7.2008.
Tendering Procedure
open - No electronic auction will be used
Time Limit
accessing documents: 3.4.2008 - 17:00.

he Directorate of The Urban Environment are looking to purchase Hydrostatic Urban Sweepers with a full cab suitable for working on pavements and highways. Road sweepers. Suction-sweeper vehicles.

 

 

Description of Contract
UK-Birmingham: closed-circuit surveillance system
Contracting Authority
West Midlands Passenger Transport Executive (Trading as Centro)
Value of Contract
Estimated value excluding VAT: 700 000,00 GBP.
Duration of Contract
Tendering Procedure
Restricted - Envisaged number: 6. Maximum number: 10 - no electronic auction
Time Limit
Time limit for receipt of requests for documents or for accessing documents: 18.2.2008 - 12:00.

Centro (WMPTA) is seeking a suitable company to provide a replacement of it's existing analogue CCTV monitoring system at the Network Safety and Security Centre (NSSC) in Birmingham. The replacement system will need to be able to digitally record images from all the cameras currently in operation at Centro's parking facilities, rail and bus stations and interchange areas.

 

 

Description of Contract
UK-Wolverhampton: command and control system
Contracting Authority
Wolverhampton City Council,
Value of Contract
Estimated value excluding VAT: 500 000 GBP.
Duration of Contract
Duration in months: 60 (from the award of the contract).
Tendering Procedure
open - No electronic auction will be used
Time Limit
Time limit for receipt of requests for documents or for accessing documents: 12.3.2008.

At the core of the scheme and key to the integration of the various workstreams is the Command and Control (C&C ) system. The C&C sysytem will take the form of an UTMCv2 compliant database, which will be responsible for interfacing to the individual workstreams via the standards identified in UTMC2 TM004

 

 

Description of Contract
UK-Dudley: hire of passenger transport vehicles with driver
Contracting Authority
Dudley Metropolitan Borough Council
Value of Contract
not provided at this stage
Duration of Contract
Starting: 1.9.2008. Completion: 31.7.2010.
Tendering Procedure
Open - No electronic auction will be used
Time Limit
ime limit for receipt of requests for documents or for accessing documents: 6.3.2008 - 17:00.

Transportation of older people, vulnerable adults and people with physical and/or learning disabilities by Coach, minibus and hackney carriage/private hire vehicle.Hire of passenger transport vehicles with driver.Hire of buses and coaches with driver.Taxi services

 

 

Description of Contract
UK-Birmingham: business and management consultancy and related services
Contracting Authority
The University of Birmingham
Value of Contract
detailed in the invitation to tender.
Duration of Contract
Duration in months: 120 (from the award of the contract).
Tendering Procedure
Open
Time Limit
5.3.2008 - 14:00.

The University of Birmingham has a requirement to establish a contract for the provision of price risk management, market intelligence, procurement, price risk management policy development and invoice validation relating to the purchase and use of energy and resulting emissions.

 

 

Description of Contract
Microfilming, Scanning & Data Storage Services
Contracting Authority
Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council
Value of Contract
not provided at this stage
Duration of Contract
2 month period (with the option to extend for a further 2 years subject to satisfactory performance).
Tendering Procedure
Quotations
Time Limit
29.2.2008 (12:00).

Email:purchasing@sandwell.gov.uk.

 

 

Description of Contract
Microfilming, Scanning & Data Storage Services
Contracting Authority
Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council
Value of Contract
not provided at this stage
Duration of Contract
2 month period (with the option to extend for a further 2 years subject to satisfactory performance).
Tendering Procedure
Quotations
Time Limit
29.2.2008 (12:00).

Email:purchasing@sandwell.gov.uk.

 

 

Description of Contract
UK-Walsall: bailiff services
Contracting Authority
Walsall Metropolitan Borough Council
Value of Contract
not provided at this stage
Duration of Contract
Duration in year(s): 4.
Tendering Procedure
Open
Time Limit
28.2.2008.

Enforcement of council tax and business rates liability orders, also including insolvency, charging order and tracing services.

 

 

Description of Contract
Paint, Wallpaper & Decorating Sundries
Contracting Authority
Sandwell Homes Ltd
Value of Contract
Annual spend is currently £58,000
Duration of Contract
The contract will run for a 2 year period commencing 2nd April 2008.
Tendering Procedure
open. - An Electronic Reverse Auction will be included within the Tender process. The Auction is scheduled to in the third week of March 2008
Time Limit
15.2.2008.

Expressions of interest are invited from companies wishing to supply the Awarding Authority's stores with paint, wallpaper & decorating sundries.

 

 

Description of Contract
UK-Birmingham: grounds maintenance services.
Contracting Authority
Birmingham City Council
Value of Contract
Estimated value excluding VAT: 160 000 000 GBP.
Duration of Contract
Duration in year(s): 10
Tendering Procedure
Restricted - An electronic auction will be used
Time Limit
22.2.2008 - 10:00.

 

 

Description of Contract
UK-Birmingham: computer software
Contracting Authority
Birmingham Childrens Hospital NHS Foundation Trust,
Value of Contract
not provided at this stage
Duration of Contract
not provided at this time
Tendering Procedure
Competitive dialogue. Envisaged minimum number: 3. Maximum number: 6.
Time Limit
15.2.2008 - 12:00.

provide a turn-key solution including software, consultancy and implementation services to establish a Patient Level Costing / Reporting (PLC/PLR) and Service Line Reporting/Management (SLR/SLM) system.Computer software

 

 

Description of Contract
UK-Birmingham: grounds maintenance services.
Contracting Authority
Birmingham City Council
Value of Contract
Estimated value excluding VAT: 160 000 000 GBP.
Duration of Contract
period of 10 years
Tendering Procedure
Restricted - no electronic auction will be used
Time Limit
no later than Monday 18th February 2008

he provision of Grounds Maintenance and Arboriculture services within the City.

 

 

Description of Contract
UK-Dudley: hire of passenger transport vehicles with driver
Contracting Authority
Dudley Metropolitan Borough Council,
Value of Contract
not provided at this stage
Duration of Contract
not provided at this time
Tendering Procedure
Email:

andrew.i.smith@dudley.gov.uk

Time Limit

Coach, minibus and taxi transportation for adults with physical, mental or learning disabilities. Hire of passenger transport vehicles with driver. Hire of buses and coaches with driver. Taxi services.

 

 

Description of Contract
UK-West Brom: electrical machinery, apparatus, equipment & consumables
Contracting Authority
Sandwell Homes Ltd
Value of Contract
urther information relating to this notice may be available on the Sandwell Homes web site at http://www.sandwell

homestenders.org.uk/Search/

Duration of Contract
urther information relating to this notice may be available on the Sandwell Homes web site at http://www.sandwell

homestenders.org.uk/Search/

Tendering Procedure
his tender will be an electric auction, dates for training and the e-auction to be advised.
Time Limit
SCHEDULED DATE FOR START OF AWARD PROCEDURES:1.4.2008.

Electical components used to support the maintenance of Sandwell Homes properties