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.

If the estimated cost seems likely to be close to or exceed the EU/WTO thresholds we apply the relevant Public Procurement Regulations.

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