For the majority of the Council's contracts, the following procedures are used:-

• Open Tendering
  Open tendering is a one-stage bidding process, where all interested service providers responding to an advertisement will be invited to submit a tender.
  The advertisement will state where interested parties may obtain tender documents and the last date when tenders will be accepted.
  Open tendering is not normally used when an Approved List already exists.
• Restricted Tendering
  This is a two-stage bidding process in which potential contractors expressing an interest in bidding are evaluated first. Then a shortlist is drawn up from the evaluation exercise for the sole purpose of inviting bids.
  The public notice will give details on what information must be submitted by the supplier or how to receive the necessary documentation to be able to express an interest in being short listed.
• Negotiated Tendering
  This is when the Council, under certain limited circumstances, negotiates with one or more organisations of its choice.

Framework Agreements

Following a tendering procedure, under a Framework Agreement more than one provider is selected.  This provides the council with choice, competition and flexibility. This procedure has recently been used for the provision of External Printing and the supply of Agency Staff.

Approved List for Construction and Social Care

The Council currently operates two approved supplier lists which comprise of pre-vetted companies.

A construction services list is managed by Exor.

See our Social Care providers contacts.

N.B The tendering process chosen is at the Council's discretion.