How to do business with the Council

We welcome enquiries from existing and new suppliers who are interested in tendering for business.

We do not maintain an Approved List of Suppliers; we currently refer to a database of suppliers for low-value quotations in line with Standing Orders (process currently under review) as well as using the Supplier search facility on the Public Contracts Scotland portal, any company wishing to receive business from the Council should therefore register with Public Contracts Scotland. 

Once you are registered on this site you can also receive automated alerts regarding the higher value opportunities that are applicable to your organisation.

More advice and information is available from the following:

• The Supplier Development Programme aims to help businesses improve their performance in winning contracts with Scottish public sector organisations by providing information, news and organised events.
• The Supplier Journey provides information on contract award processes, business opportunities and support available to help you win business in the public sector. 

By following a few simple rules when submitting a tender to the Council you may improve your chances of success:

• Make sure you get your tender in on time at the correct return address, or via the relevant portal, as indicated in the tender documentation. Late tenders will not be accepted
• Follow all the instructions given in the tender documents. If in doubt, contact the Council for further information, usually through the Public Contracts Scotland (PCS) portal
• Ensure all the specifications elements contained within the tender document are met
• Include all necessary documents/samples in the tender.
• Where documents are required to be signed, please ensure the instructions are carried out as stipulated within the tender documentation. Failure to do so will result in your submission being rejected
• Where requested, provide evidence of financial stability, quality, references, and that your company has sufficient resources to successfully complete the contract.

How are tenders evaluated?

Tenders will be subject to a sturdy evaluation process. The evaluation criteria could include the following:

• Price and price stability
• Quality and specification
• Availability
• Delivery
• Service provision
• Financial stability
• Health and safety
• Sustainability
• Diversity and equality
• Environmental policies of contractors.

Please ensure that you read all the documentation which is issued and note the evaluation criteria and scoring, which are detailed within the tender.