Contract strategy
The DCMS is a very small department with a limited budget. Wherever possible and cost effective we make use of central framework arrangements set up by other government departments.
Where the requirement cannot be effectively met by a centralised agreement and the value exceeds £5,000 the procurement team will agree a direct contract.
Contracts under £5,000 are let locally by that part of the department which has identified the goods/services required.
If the likely cost exceeds £5,000 we go to a full, formal closed tender exercise.
While individual tendering procedures will be tailored to the specific needs of the contract there are some general principles that we seek to apply:
- Specifications will focus on the required output and not input
- All tenderers will have the same chance and be invited on a level playing field
- Tenders will be clear and easy to understand
- Over specification will be avoided
- Enough tenders will be invited to ensure a reasonable competition while avoiding inviting companies just to make up numbers
