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Apply or tender for a contract

Where to find contract opportunities

We may advertise procurement opportunities in the following publications or places:

  • European contracts are advised through Find a Tender
  • on the Supply Hertfordshire Portal
  • the Government Contracts Finder website
  • public notices in the local press (eg if selling land/ property) or potentially Trade Journals relating to the commodity being tendered
  • with our partners to promote use of local businesses and suppliers for their needs

The contract notice or advertisement will invite suppliers to apply for a procurement opportunity and will state what is required from potential suppliers.

Who we buy from

We encourage supplies from:

  • local businesses as well as major companies
  • SMEs and micro businesses
  • voluntary sector organisations
  • other public sector organisations

We recommend you read though our guidelines for suppliers before making an application.

E-tendering

We use an e-tendering system called InTend for all tenders. A step by step guide for suppliers to InTend is available below.

Sometimes we will use a pre-qualification process to allow us to shortlist suppliers to go forward into the procurement. This will decide on the nature and complexity of the procurement.

E-procurement

We use an e-procurement portal. Suppliers are able to register and log in to the system and download the PQQ or Tender Documents. They can then upload the completed documents in the same way.

Tender documentation

Tender documentation at North Herts Council generally includes the following:

  • a Letter of Invitation and Instructions to Tenderers – this will advertise when and where the tender bids should be submitted and instructions on how to complete the tender Award Criteria – advises how the tender bid will be evaluated and the contract awarded.
  • the Contract Specification – sets out what needs to be achieved including policies, procedures or guidelines to be followed. All performance/quality outcomes and standards would be set out in this area
  • a Pricing Schedule – document where all of the pricing is entered
  • North Herts Council General and Specific Conditions of Contract – provides definitions of the obligations of both parties and the legal framework
  • References – to be completed illustrating other organisations with whom business has been conducted
  • Collusive Tendering Certificate – to be signed and returned
  • Parent Company Guarantee – to be completed if the tenderer is a subsidiary company within the meaning of Section 736 of the Companies Act 1985
  • Equalities Questionnaire – to be completed in relation to essential information gathering/distribution and legislation compliance
  • any other relevant supporting information

Submitting a tender application

Suppliers will be asked to complete and upload the tender documents by a specific date and time. If they fail to upload their tender within the specified deadline then the e-tendering system will not allow them to be included in the tender process. All tenders received within the deadline remain locked in the e-tendering system and do not become accessible for evaluation until the closing date and time has passed.

Suppliers will be informed as to whether or not they have been successful with their tender application. If it is not successful, a supplier can request more detailed feedback as to which aspects of the tender were assessed as unacceptable in meeting the best value requirement.

Debriefing of suppliers will be undertaken within the limits of commercial confidentiality. Unsuccessful suppliers should use this information to help with any future bids. Being unsuccessful in one contract does not mean that a supplier will be unsuccessful in the future.

Insurance requirements

All suppliers of goods and services to the council must hold public / products and employers liability insurance cover. These must be for a limit of indemnity of at least £5 million and dependent on the nature of any contract a higher limit may be required.

Where the council is seeking professional advice and guidance, professional indemnity insurance will be required - this limit will vary dependent on the work to be undertaken.

Whilst undertaking any work for the council the supplier must pass any claims for injury or property damage to their insurers within 14 days.

Terms and Conditions

Example Terms and Conditions for consultancy, services and purchase orders are provided below.

Attachments

Consultancy Agreement

Contract for Services