Common Procurement Questions

Below is a list of frequently asked procurement questions.  Click on the questions to be directed to the answers contained within the content on the Further Education Library of Procurement.

 

Q: “What are the EU procurement thresholds?”

Q: “How do we value a contract for the purpose of EU procurement thresholds?”

 Q: “How do we find out if the services we want to purchase are included in the lighter touch regime that applies to Social and Other Specific Services?”

Q: “What are rules are we required to follow for Social and Other Specific Services?”

 Q: “Can Pre-Qualification Questionnaires be used in procurements below the EU procurement thresholds?”

Q: “Is it acceptable to insist bidders have very high turnovers and insurance cover?”

Q: “Is there a standard Pre-Qualification Questionnaire to be used in above EU procurement threshold procurements or can we devise our own Pre-Qualification Questionnaires?”

Q: “What rules and regulations should I be aware of when managing an above threshold tender process?”

Q: “How much information are you obliged to tell unsuccessful bidders?”

Q: “What should I do if a supplier challenges the award decision?”

Q: “How do I find out what framework agreements are available for me to use?”

Q: “What is the mini-competition process and what are the benefits of running a mini competition under a framework agreement?”

Q: “Is it permissible to allow in-house bids as part of the procurement procedure?”

Q: “We have funding for building refurbishment works, are there frameworks that can assist in procuring design and build or just construction services”?

Q: “Do we have to advertise contracts above £25,000 on Contracts Finder?”

Q: “Is there any guidance on standard terms and conditions?”

Q: “Are there example specifications available that I can use as a starting point for drafting my own specification for goods and services?”

Q: “Is it permissible to add additional goods or services to an existing contract?”

 Q: “Does the purchase of gas and electricity supply fall under the scope of the EU procurement regulations?”

A: Yes, the purchase of electricity or gas would be a supply contract and if the thresholds were breached then the EU procurement regulations would apply to that purchase.  There are CPV codes associated with the supply of electricity and gas or alternatively there is a CPV code for energy and related services.

Q:“What is considered the ‘best’ way to purchase gas and electricity?”

Q:: “Can we include conditions in our contracts relating to the provision of apprenticeships?”