Did you know that the public sector spent £379 billion in 2021 and 2022? In the UK, public tenders are issued by central and local government bodies, as well as other public sector organisations.
So, what is the purpose of a public tender? And how can you find the right one for your organisation?
What Are Public Tenders?
Public tenders are a type of procurement process whereby the UK government invites suppliers to bid for contracts to provide goods or services.
Public tenders can be an extremely effective way of procuring goods and services, as they help to ensure that taxpayers’ money is spent wisely. However, the process can also be very time-consuming and complex, so it is important to make sure that you have a clear understanding of the requirements before you start.
Different Types of Tenders
There are four main types of public tenders in the United Kingdom: open, selective, negotiated and joint venture. Each has its own advantages and disadvantages, and the most suitable option will depend on the nature of the project in question.
Open Tenders
Open tenders are the most common type of public tender, and they are generally used for lower-value contracts.
The process is relatively simple: all interested parties are invited to submit a bid, and the successful bidder is then awarded the contract. One advantage of this system is that it encourages competition, but it can also be time-consuming and expensive to assess all of the bids.
Selective Tenders
Selective tendering is for larger contracts, and only a limited number of pre-approved companies are invited to submit a bid. This can save time and money, but there is a risk that only a small number of companies will be considered for the work.
Negotiated Tenders
Negotiated tenders are used in cases where there is only one company that is able to provide the required goods or services. In such cases, the contracting authority will negotiate directly with that company to agree on a price.
Joint Tenders
Finally, joint ventures are typically used for large-scale projects that require significant investment. In a joint venture, two or more companies come together to share the risks and rewards of the project.
This can be an effective way to secure funding for complex projects, but it can also lead to disagreements between the partners if things do not go according to plan.
The Purpose of Public Tenders
Public tenders are a procedure whereby the public sector procures goods and services from the private sector. The Public Contracts Regulations 2015 (PCR 2015) regulated the process, which came into force on 26 February 2015.
The PCR 2015 implements the EU Directive 2014/24/EU on public procurement, which repealed and replaced the previous Directive 2004/18/EC. The UK was required to transpose the Directive into national law by 18 April 2016.
The purpose of public procurement is to ensure that the government awards tenders for public contracts in a fair and transparent manner. The PCR 2015 sets out the rules in relation to the awarding of public contracts, including regulations on:
- Advertisement
- Selection criteria
- Award criteria
- Contract award
The main objective of PCR 2015 is to promote competition in order to get the best value for money for the taxpayer.
The process of awarding contracts through open competition also helps to prevent corruption and fraud. In addition, public procurement can help to stimulate economic growth and create jobs by opening up opportunities for small businesses.
Therefore, public tenders play an important role in ensuring that taxpayers’ money is spent efficiently and effectively.
The Tendering Process Explained
In the United Kingdom, the tendering process is a way for the government to procure goods and services from private contractors.
The process is overseen by the Crown Commercial Service (CCS), which is responsible for ensuring that all contracts are awarded fairly and transparently.
The first step in the process is for the CCS to issue a contract notice, which sets out the requirements of the contract and invites interested companies to submit a bid. The bids are then evaluated by a panel of experts, who will award the contract to the company that offers the best value for money.
The entire process is designed to ensure that taxpayers get the best possible value for their money.
The process is open and transparent, and a bidder must submit the bid in writing. Once the government receives the tenders, it will evaluate them with a panel of experts who score each bid against a set of criteria.
How to Win UK Tenders
There is no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to winning UK tenders. However, there are a few key tips that can help increase your chances of success.
First, make sure that you understand the requirements of the tender and that your proposal meets all of the criteria. Once you understand this, you should continue your research and make sure you are aware of what the competition is offering.
Finally, don’t be afraid to be competitive on price. While you should never sacrifice quality for the price, being competitive on cost can be the difference between winning and losing a tender.
Public Procurement With Supply2Gov Today
Supply2Gov is the UK’s leading online tender service. We provide a simple, easy-to-use platform that allows businesses of all sizes to find and apply for government contracts.
Our database contains thousands of live tenders, covering a wide range of industries and sectors. By using Supply2Gov, you can save time and money on your tender applications.
To find out more about how Supply2Gov can help you win public tenders, visit our website or contact us today.