North Wiltshire District Council's Procurement Policy
"How to do Business with the Council"
The District Council has an open and transparent approach to the procurement of goods and services and invites interest from any company that wishes to offer its products, subject to Council's contractual conditions and the normal conditions of trade.
Although the amount varies from year to year, the Council spends on average between £2 and £3 million per year, including capital expenditure on major projects. Much of the spend will be through tendered contracts and nominated suppliers, but other expenditure covering a large variety of goods and services is spent each year.
The Council has a sustainability clause within its procurement policy and it does require companies to subscribe to the principles of environmental protection. For example, building contracts should only utilise wood from replenishable sources, machinery should be energy efficient, waste should be non-toxic, if possible goods should not be transportable over long distances.
Companies are also asked to subscribe to equality standards in terms of the treatment of staff and customers. For advice on this subject companies can refer to the Council's equality policy by contacting the information source given below.
The Council has standing orders that govern competitive tendering to ensure fairness and equal treatment. In some instances the Council requires companies to meet certain requirements if they wish to be placed on an approved contractors list, details of how to contact the Council on the details of this are given below.
It is quite legitimate for companies to seek information regarding future procurement needs from officers within the Council and in future large contract needs will be published in advance on this web-site. In addition details of annual procurement needs will also be published to give an indication of the range and type of goods and services purchased.
By the end of the year 2005, the Authority will be adopting an E-Procurement system and new and existing suppliers will need to take account of this as goods will be ordered and paid for electronically.
There is a strict code of conduct covering both Members and Officers of the Authority and includes the relationship with external companies, however, within this ethical framework, it is quite acceptable for companies to present details of their services or products. The local authority is open to new and innovative products and services as a means of delivering quality services to the public.
Procurement does not just cover the provision of goods and services but also relates to totality of how the Council meets the needs of the community. This means that external organisations or partners may be wish to approach the Authority on the provision of services which go beyond conventional purchasing arrangements. The Council is constantly reviewing its priorities based on the needs of the public and local communities, and has an open mind about how services are to be provided.
The Council is particularly keen to receive partnership bids under the procurement umbrella especially where there may be gaps in provision. For example local and ethnic groups may wish to explore what services could be provided to meet priorities.
In terms of the local economy, the Council wishes where possible and where appropriate, to support the local economy. It will engage with local suppliers to discuss to the public sector market. The Government has made it clear that smaller companies should be encouraged to bid for larger contracts by forming partnerships and alliances.
The Members of Council do not have to accept the lowest tender and can factor in quality, long term performance, equity and sustainability matters when awarding contracts.
If you your company has a product or service that may be of interest to a non-unitary local authority, please feel free to make preliminary enquiries.
For further advice and guidance please also see: 'A Guide for Small and Medium Size Enterprises including Voluntary and Community Sector Organisations' (Microsoft Word 100 Kb)
Although the amount varies from year to year, the Council spends on average between £2 and £3 million per year, including capital expenditure on major projects. Much of the spend will be through tendered contracts and nominated suppliers, but other expenditure covering a large variety of goods and services is spent each year.
The Council has a sustainability clause within its procurement policy and it does require companies to subscribe to the principles of environmental protection. For example, building contracts should only utilise wood from replenishable sources, machinery should be energy efficient, waste should be non-toxic, if possible goods should not be transportable over long distances.
Companies are also asked to subscribe to equality standards in terms of the treatment of staff and customers. For advice on this subject companies can refer to the Council's equality policy by contacting the information source given below.
The Council has standing orders that govern competitive tendering to ensure fairness and equal treatment. In some instances the Council requires companies to meet certain requirements if they wish to be placed on an approved contractors list, details of how to contact the Council on the details of this are given below.
It is quite legitimate for companies to seek information regarding future procurement needs from officers within the Council and in future large contract needs will be published in advance on this web-site. In addition details of annual procurement needs will also be published to give an indication of the range and type of goods and services purchased.
By the end of the year 2005, the Authority will be adopting an E-Procurement system and new and existing suppliers will need to take account of this as goods will be ordered and paid for electronically.
There is a strict code of conduct covering both Members and Officers of the Authority and includes the relationship with external companies, however, within this ethical framework, it is quite acceptable for companies to present details of their services or products. The local authority is open to new and innovative products and services as a means of delivering quality services to the public.
Procurement does not just cover the provision of goods and services but also relates to totality of how the Council meets the needs of the community. This means that external organisations or partners may be wish to approach the Authority on the provision of services which go beyond conventional purchasing arrangements. The Council is constantly reviewing its priorities based on the needs of the public and local communities, and has an open mind about how services are to be provided.
The Council is particularly keen to receive partnership bids under the procurement umbrella especially where there may be gaps in provision. For example local and ethnic groups may wish to explore what services could be provided to meet priorities.
In terms of the local economy, the Council wishes where possible and where appropriate, to support the local economy. It will engage with local suppliers to discuss to the public sector market. The Government has made it clear that smaller companies should be encouraged to bid for larger contracts by forming partnerships and alliances.
The Members of Council do not have to accept the lowest tender and can factor in quality, long term performance, equity and sustainability matters when awarding contracts.
If you your company has a product or service that may be of interest to a non-unitary local authority, please feel free to make preliminary enquiries.
For further advice and guidance please also see: 'A Guide for Small and Medium Size Enterprises including Voluntary and Community Sector Organisations' (Microsoft Word 100 Kb)
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