Before the University of Strathclyde enters into an agreement with any supplier, a competitive process will be undertaken. This is likely to involve the University requesting a supplier to submit a quotation or a tender for the contract. The University does not place contracts in response to direct marketing.
Quotations
These can be sought by telephone or email and are for low value purchases.
A more formal quotation may be requested in writing for higher value purchases.
Tender process
Tenders are sought for all goods and services where the value exceeds £25,000. Where the value exceeds the European Procurement thresholds, the process under the European Procurement Regulations are usually followed. There are a number of different tender processes depending on what is being purchased, the timescale involved and whether the EU Regulations apply:
- Open Process: All potential contractors/suppliers can bid for a contract.
- Restricted Process: A two or three stage process allows only those potential contractors/suppliers who satisfy a number of criteria to be shortlisted and allowed to bid.
- Competitive Dialogue: Used for complex purchases under the EU Regulations where dialogue with selected suppliers is required to develop one or more suitable solutions for our requirements and on which bidders will be invited to tender. Careful consideration is given to the use of this process.
- Negotiated Process: Used for those purchases where Competitive Dialogue is not appropriate to achieve the University's objectives. Careful consideration is given to the use of this process.
- Accelerated Procedure: This is used if there is insufficient time to go through the Open or Restricted procedures under the EU Regulations and a Prior Information Notice has been issued. Suppliers have to respond within 15 days of despatch of the notice, and the time limit for the receipt of tenders is 10 days from invitation to tender.
Once evaluated, which may take a few days or several weeks, all tenderers are notified of the outcome in writing and the successful tenderer will be issued with a contract.
Once the contract is in place, contract management is key to a successful relationship. We expect you to manage your part of the business and work with us to improve the contract over its lifetime.