Contracts and Tendering

Where it is prudent and cost-effective to do so, Isos will make use of central framework agreements set up by the Office of Government Commerce or appropriate procurement consortia.

Where a requirement cannot be effectively met by the above options Isos will agree a direct contract, most likely as a result of a formal competitive tender process, although this is dependent on the financial value of the requirement.

If the estimated total contract cost of a procurement is expected to be close to, or exceed, the European Union (EU) thresholds, we apply the relevant Public Procurement Regulations.

While individual tendering procedures will be tailored to the specific needs of the contract, there are some general principles which we seek to apply:

• Specifications will focus on the required outputs, not inputs.
• All tenderers will have the same chance and be invited to compete on a level playing field.
• Tenders will be clear and easy to understand.
• Enough tenders will be invited to ensure a reasonable competition whilst avoiding inviting companies just to make up numbers.

Evaluation of Tenders

If you are tendering for a contract with Isos, your bid will be successful if it is the one that offers Isos the best value for money. You will be informed of the broad evaluation criteria used for assessing bids as part of the tender documentation. All bidders are assessed using the same criteria.

The tender process might involve you attending an interview, where you can present your bid in more detail.

Unsuccessful Tenders

Whilst being mindful of commercial confidentiality, Isos Procurement will always be willing to discuss reasons why a bid has failed. This debrief can be done in person or via telephone and is regarded as a two-way process. The comments from Isos Procurement are meant to be constructive and are aimed at making unsuccessful tenderers aware of certain weaknesses and strengths to enable them to better compete in future tenders.