When does the council ask for a tender and a quote?

The council has a statutory obligation under the Government's Best Value regime to seek competitive prices.

Generally, for Walsall Council, it is the level of value and risk that will determine whether the council asks for a quote or goes out to tender.

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At what level does a quote become a tender?

The council will normally seek 4 written quotes for low value work, supplies or services. If the nature of the request is complex, or requires a certain specification that needs to be matched, then the council will 'Competitively Tender' the works, in accordance with the council's Contract Procedure Rules.

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What is a competitive tender?

A tender is the completed and priced pre-prepared document that lays out all the terms, conditions and specification. The council usually invites between 6-7 suppliers to provide a tender. The tender enquiry is issued to all suppliers on the same day. They are not then allowed to canvass or collude with the council about it, other than to seek clarity.

The tender period allowed for pricing and submitting a tender varies dependent upon the nature of the contract; however we normally allow a minimum of 2 weeks.

Tender returns all come back in plain, unmarked envelopes to the appropriate officer for opening, on the same day and at the same time.

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What is the difference between a tender and a contract?

People often use the same terms for different things and different terms for the same thing.

The term tender formally means an invitation to trade under the terms of offer.

A contract is the term used for when the parties have reached agreement.

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What is the OJEU? And European Procurement Laws?

OJEU is the Official Journal of the European Union.

When contracts for works, supplies and services are over a certain value threshold, local authorities and other public sector organisations have to advertise their details in this publication, calling for expressions of interest.

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If I am on Walsall Council's unified lists will I still have to apply formally in response to an OJEU notice being published?

Yes.

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If I want to apply for a tender do I have to submit some pre-qualifying information about my company?

This will depend on the tender. If a pre-qualification questionnaire is required for shortlisting it will be detailed within any advertisement.

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Does the council have a select list of approved suppliers/contractors?

The council no longer operates a unified list of contractors for works and construction based requirements. From the 15 September 2011 Constructinline is now used.

View link for further assistance

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Does the council use a third party supplier accreditation scheme such as Exor or Construction-line?

Yes.    Walsall now uses Contrstuction.

Please follow this link for further information and an application form

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Where can I get access to the OJEU notices?

This publication is available in CD-ROM format only, and you can subscribe to OJEU by either of the following ways:

Information can also be obtained on the OJEU website.

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