The Suppliers Guide To Doing Business With The Council
Alnwick District Council's trading with suppliers is governed by the financial regulations contained within its constitution and the regulations of the European Community where contract values fall above a threshold which is defined by the European Union and varies according to type of contract to be performed. Notwithstanding its financial regulations the Council also makes full use of procurement under framework agreements as defined by the Office for Government Commerce where suppliers have effectively undergone tendering in order to be placed on the list.
For contract values of up to £5,000 an official order may be placed on receipt of a single written quote provided that the Council has budget provision for the expenditure. For contracts with anticipated values of £5,000 to £50,000 then a minimum of 3 written quotations will be sought and these will be opened together in the presence of at least two officers of the Council. Exceptions to these provisions may apply where there is a specialist supplier for any particular good or service.
For anticipated Contract Values of over £50,000 then a formal tender process will be operated, exemption from which can only be given by a Committee of the Council. In circumstances where a tender is to be let then the contract will be advertised giving at least 10 days notice of the submission of the tender and a closing date for the same. Tenders will be returned to the Chief executive of the Council in a formal tender envelope which has been duly marked and will be opened in the presence of Members and Officers of the Council. Where anticipated expenditure exceeds the European Community thresholds then the procedures laid down by the European Community will apply.
In general the Council will accept the tender which provides Best Value for Money to the Council which may not mean lowest price received.
If you have any queries then please contact Marianne Miles through the Alnwick District Council Call Centre on 01665 510505