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Procurement process

The procurement process used depends on factors such as:

  • commodities required
  • expected spend. 

The process of procuring is governed by legislation including North Ayrshire Council's Standing Orders (PDF, 658kb), National legislation. The process is as follows:

  1. The service identifies a need and a budget is approved
  2. A specification is developed and an Invitation to Quote/Tender is created
  3. Requirements are advertised on Public Contracts Scotland and Find a Tender (FTS) if expected spend is over the GPA thresholds*
  4. Tenders/bids are received from interested suppliers/contractors/service providers
  5. Responses are evaluated against the stated criteria in the procurement documents
  6. Contract award is made in line with North Ayrshire Council's Standing Orders (PDF, 645kb).
  7. Award letters/unsuccessful letters are sent to supplier(s)/contractor(s)/service provider(s)
  8. Award notice is published on Public Contracts Scotland if the value is over £50,000 for supplies and services and over £2,000,000 for works.

*GPA thresholds are £189,330 for supplies & services and £4,733,252 for works.

A detailed explanation called the 'Supplier Journey' can be found on the Scottish Government website with information on working with local authorities.

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