Upcoming Contracts

The information in these pages is designed to help you to apply for our contracts.

The Council spends in excess of £9 million a year with third parties, giving companies of all sizes a wide range of commercial opportunities.

As there is a great deal of competition, this guide cannot assure success for everyone. However, it should provide you with the information you need to apply with confidence.

Current Opportunities

All current opportunities are listed here. If there are none listed it means that there are no current opportunities.

All contracts over £10,000 will be advertised (provided a framework agreement or existing contract isn't used). The contracts will be advertised on one of 3 websites

1) Wyre Forest District Council Website (as above)

2) Worcestershire County Council Website http://www.worcestershire.gov.uk/cms/business/council-procurement.aspx

3) Contract Finder www.contractsfinder.businesslink.gov.uk

For contracts under £50,000, suppliers can be asked to provide a quote. We must ask at least two companies to quote and enough to ensure genuine competition.

For contracts over £50,000, where EU procurement directives do not apply, at least 4 contractors (who have expressed an interest) must be invited to tender. Again, we must ensure we invite enough to ensure genuine competition.

There is no charge for obtaining a tender pack or returning your submission.

Tenders are currently received by post. If we use an electronic tender, we will ensure no suppliers will be disadvantaged by it. Details will be provided in our invitation to tender.

There are two main types of tenders:

Open Tender

All suppliers responding to an Open Tender are given the tender documents to complete and return. There is no opportunity to shortlist supplies using this approach. You will be asked to submit an expression of interest for the contract, however you will receive the tender documentation at the same time. The expression of interest will be considered at the same time as your bid.

Restricted Tender

This is a two stage approach where we invite interested suppliers to express an interest in the contract. We will send you a pre-qualification assessment and, if you meet the criteria, you will receive the tender documents.

This method can be useful where large amounts of responses are expected, for non-standard items or high value tenders.

Applications from Social Enterprises

We are committed to fairness and open competition when letting contracts and recognise that many different organisations and groups can provide quality goods and services. These may include Small or Medium sized enterprises (SMEs), Black, Minority and Ethnic (BME) businesses, voluntary and community organisations.

We recognise Social Enterprises as one such type of organisation that can contribute to our wider objectives. These are companies whose profits are re-invested in the company or the community (not for profit), rather than aiming for maximum profits for shareholders and owners.

Tender Opening, Evaluation and Feedback

Opening and Witnessing

Tenders will not be opened after the deadline has passed. Occasionally, the tender deadline may need to be extended, if this happens we will let you know.

Tenders under £50,000 will be witnessed by the Tender receipt officer . For tenders over £50,000 will be opened in the presence of two Directors and the Chairman of the Council.

Electronic tenders will be automatically opened when the closing date and time is reached.

Evaluation

Very few tenders are selected by price alone. We will usually consider several quality aspects which will be detailed in the tender pack. We generally select the 'most economically advantageous tender' - the best tender in terms of 'price' and 'non-price' items.

We will let you know how important price is in relation to other factors.

Feedback

You will write to you to let you know if your bid was successful or not.

We will ensure that for the contracts let in accordance with the EU Procurement Directives that the procedures in relation to the "stand still" period will be compiled with.

You are entitled to ask us for feedback. We will provide frank and helpful information.

However, we can withhold information which is commercially sensitive or contrary to public interest. We will act in accordance with the Freedom of Information Act.

Contact Details

For more information on Contracts please contact the Corporate Procurement Officer, David Tirebuck.

Telephone: 01562 732 102

Email: david.tirebuck@wyreforestdc.gov.uk