Frequently Asked Questions
If you would like to submit a question to this page please email enquiries.sp@staffordshire.gov.uk|
How do I get on the Staffordshire Procurement Approved list?
You need to register an Expression of Interest| on the Staffordshire County Council web site. When a tender becomes available for the categories that you have expressed your interest in, the system will automatically email a notification of contracts that may be of interest to you when they become available. You can only be on the Staffordshire Procurement Approved list by being awarded a contract through the tender process.
How do I get documents for a tender?
Tender and PQQ documents are available by emailing sp@staffordshire.gov.uk| with the contract details and reference number of the contract that you are interested in. If it is an E-tender then the documents will need to be downloaded from the Alito web site by following the instructions on this page.
How do I apply for future tenders?
You need to log an Expression of Interest on our Contracts Database on the procurement pages of the Staffordshire County Council web site. Once you have done this, your details will be saved in our system and when a contract is available that you may be interested in, the system will automatically email you with a notification.
Where can I see what contracts are available?
Contracts which are currently available are displayed on our web site, which can be found by following the 'Current Tender Opportunities' link.
Where will I find details of contracts you are advertising?
All contracts valued over the thresholds set out in EU Procurement Directives must be advertised in the Official Journal of the European Union (OJEU). Adverts may also be placed in local and national press and in trade journals. Details of forthcoming contracts may also appear on our web site.
What's the difference between a tender and a contract?
The term 'tender' formally means an invitation to trade under the terms on offer. 'Contract' refers to any agreement entered into between or on behalf of the buyer and another party for the execution of any work for the supply of goods, works or services.
What is the OJEU?
The term 'OJEU' means the Official Journal of the European Union. If the value of a contract falls above the EU thresholds (currently services £156,442 and works £3,927,260) then we must advertise the tender in the supplement to OJEU. Some types of services are exempted from this requirement. However, as detailed above, there are many lower value contracting opportunities that do not require us to follow an OJEU tender process.
How do I register for an E-tender?
Registering for an E-tender requires registering here and following the instructions.
Your procedures seem long and complicated; does it need to be this way?
As a local authority we are bound by a number of rules and regulations in terms of how we conduct procurement. Most significant are the EU Procurement Directives, which aim to ensure that the procurement process remains fair, transparant and open to all regardless of where they are based in the EU. More information on the EU Procurement Directives is available here.
How should I submit my tender?
If you are taking part in an e-procurement process, then you will probably have to submit your tender electronically. If you are sending it by post, it is a good idea to send it early to make sure it reaches the buyer on time. Instructions for all submissions are contained in the initial PQQ or ITT.
How do I log an Expression of Interest?
You need to register on our Contracts Database by following the instructions on the page and fully completing the form. When a contract becomes available that you may be interested in then the system will automatically send you an emailed notification with details on how to apply for the tender documents.
Who do I call when I can't log on to the Alito (E-Procurement) web site?
Please call Staffordshire Procurement on 01785 854657 to get your password reset, or to solve any other Alito problems.
What if I have a tender query?
Please email sp@staffordshire.gov.uk| with full details and contact information.
How do I contact Staffordshire Procurement?
A list of departmental contacts is available on our web site, for general enquiries please call 01785 854657 or email sp@staffordshire.gov.uk|
E-Tendering, can I return a paper copy?
If the PQQ or tender opportunity is an e-tender then returns should be electronic only and returned exclusively through the e-tendering portal.
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