The project procurement process should strictly adhere to Staffordshire County Council Financial Regulations and Standing Orders. Governing Bodies are required to meet the requirements of the "Scheme for Financing Schools" and the documents to which it refers concerning all tendering and contracting matters if undertaking the project on a self management basis.
Standing Orders on Contracts for schools were published in February 2004. Sections E, F, G & H explain how the tendering process operates. This guidance must be followed when procuring work to school premises. For more information on the tender process please contact Staffordshire Procurement.
Schemes procured through the Maintenance Consultancy or Capital Development Group will always comply to the relevant County Council regulations.
Voluntary Aided, Foundation and Trust schools must comply with the appropriate DfE regulations.
Selection of the most appropriate procurement route is identified following consideration of the size and scope of the project works proposed. Possible options include;
- Engage the County Council's Framework Contractors
- Utilise one of the County Councils Schedule of Rates Contractors
- Issue tender documents or a specification to a rotating selection of County Council pre-qualified Contractors.
With the first two options, the identified contractor will be approached to provide a quote for the project. In these circumstances, financial regulations are upheld as open book accounting is undertaken in the first instance or a previously arranged contract for building tasks has been tendered and the successful contractor identified for inclusion on the Schedule of Rates list. If, however, the project warrants procurement via issue of tender, then a tender list will be formulated from a revolving list of County Council pre-qualified Contractors.