Types of tender processes used by Cumberland Council
The tender process used by the council will depend on the value and complexity of the tender/service being procured and the potential size of the market. There are a number of different methods. The procedure used will be noted in the tender document. The most commonly used:
Open procedure
A single stage procedure whereby any interested party can submit a tender and the authority will decide whom to award the contract to on the basis of that tender.
Competitive flexible procedure
Any other competitive tendering procedure the contracting authority considers appropriate for the purpose of awarding the public contract.
Frameworks
Used to set up an arrangement with one or more suppliers on the understanding that the Council may call on suppliers to provide works, supplies or services as and when required. Frameworks do not guarantee work for suppliers and tenderers are still subject to competition as part of that framework. Once suppliers are successfully selected to form part of a framework, they are usually required to complete mini competitions with other suppliers on the framework to ensure best value is achieved.
Procurement cycle
- Identifying needs
- Develop business case
- Define procurement approach
- Competition
- Evaluate tenders
- Contract award and implementation
- Managing the contract and supplier relationship
- Closure and lessons learnt
Responsible procurement
We recognise our responsibility to help our suppliers by procuring value for money goods, services and works, which maximise social value, minimise environmental impacts and ensure the ethical treatment of people throughout our supply chains.
We are continually strengthening our pursuit of these goals.