|
Procurement Frequently Asked Questions
Where do I find out what contracts are coming up for tender?
Our contract opportunities are advertised on our web site, in local or national press, trade journals or the supplement to the Official Journal of the European Union.
How does the tender process work? How long will it take?
There are a number of different procurement processes and the time frames for each will depend on how complex the procurement is.
See the tenders page for further details.
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 £153,376, goods £153,376 and works £3,834,411) 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 my business with the council?
The council operates an approved supplier list. This is managed on our behalf by Exor Management Services Ltd.
To register, you should contact Exor direct. They will send you an application form and full details of the scheme including annual costs.
Exor Management Services Ltd
Innova House
4 Kinetic Crescent
Innova Park
Mollison Avenue
Enfield EN3 3XH
Tel: 01992 707 272
Email: customerservices@exorgroup.co.uk
Website: www.exorgroup.co.uk
How much business can I expect from the Approved Suppliers List?
The council will award work to businesses registered on the approved supplier list - generally for work with repeat orders.
Officers will typically seek quotes from at least 3 suppliers registered on the approved supplier list.
The business which has offered the best value solution will be awarded the business - it is not always based on the lowest price.
The list uses an automatic rotation system so that suppliers are treated fairly. This means that every supplier should be given an opportunity to bid before a supplier is offered a second bidding opportunity.
I am considering setting up my own business - how do I start?
There are a number of organisations that can offer assistance and advice to small businesses. You should contact your local chamber of commerce, Greater London Enterprise or One London who can provide you with guidance and support.
One London
53 Brixton Station Road
LONDON SW9 8PP
Tel: 020 7274 9119
The business advice pages on this website also provide links to useful resources.
Who is the best person for me to speak to about contract opportunities?
There are many tender opportunities within the council. See the contract opportunities page to see our current tenders and upcoming contract opportunities planned over the next three years.
Where can I get information about the supply chain in general? Who can provide me with training and advice on how to tender for council contracts?
Business Link for London offer advice and guidance to small businesses on how to tender for public and private sector contracts. They also run free training seminars and workshops.
For further information contact:
Business Link for London
Client Management Centre
Link House
292-308 Southbury Centre
Enfield EN1 1 TS
Tel: 0845 6000 787
Website: www.businesslink4london.com/supply
Do I have to be based in Lambeth to do business with Lambeth council?
No. Our contract opportunities are open to all suppliers and will be awarded on the basis of best value.
How do I find out further information?
Our supplier's guide "Selling to Lambeth - Your Guide to Doing Business With Us" provides detailed information about our procurement processes.
A printed copy of the guide can be obtained by contacting the Corporate Procurement Team.
Corporate Procurement Team
Olive Morris House
18 Brixton Hill
Brixton SW2 1RW.
Tel: 020 7926 9358
Fax: 020 7926 0245
Email: CorporateProcurement@lambeth.gov.uk
Investors in People
Lambeth Council meets the Investors in People Standard.