Submitting a tender

So what does a 'typical' tender process entail?

When a supplier expresses an interest in a contract that has been advertised they will be provided with a set of tender documents which must be returned by the closing date given. This is typically four to six weeks after the advert first appears. The tender documents will include all or some of the following:

• Information to tenderers. Providing background information about the tender.
• Instructions to tenderers. Providing guidance on the completion of the tender documentation, including the deadline, how to return your submission and the selection and award process.
• Specification. Providing details of the contract requirements and what needs to be achieved, including any performance standards. 
• The council's general terms and conditions of contract.
• Other documents. Including requests for other information, for example environmental questionnaire, quality assurance or equal opportunities policy.
• Form of tender. This forms part of the contract documentation and includes start and end dates of the tender.
• Guarantee undertaking. Required if the tenderer is a subsidiary company.

This page was last updated on 16 November 2022