WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A FRAMEWORK AND A BID?

A framework is an agreement set up by central Government teams to cover the supply and distribution of goods and services. They do not guarantee work for the supplier but instead allow procuring parties to award your business with work during the agreement’s period.

A bid is a competitive process where a supplier submits interest in providing goods or services, usually against other organisations. The bidding process is required for most Government business contracts to establish a fair and transparent process for all suppliers.

WHY USE A FRAMEWORK?

The framework agreements created by the Government ensure the supply of goods and services across a range of departments. For example, the NHS could choose a business on a recruitment framework to help provide staff for cleaning or admin.

Frameworks are commonly used to detail requirements that make it easier for buyers to choose a supplier. Procuring parties purchase from frameworks as suppliers have already been through a competitive process to ensure they are suitable for specific business functions.

If your business wins a framework award, you have more opportunities to bid for relevant Government tenders against a select pool of suppliers.

HOW TO FIND FRAMEWORKS

Depending on the industry you operate in, there are several sources you will be able to find relevant frameworks.

You can find framework agreements for Building, Professional Services, People & HR, and Technology through the Crown Commercial Services (CCS) portal.

Frameworks are a great way to prove your credibility as a business. Once approved on a framework, your business may find it easier to secure Government tenders in the future. Plus, if the agreed framework is lengthy, you may find it easier to ensure a healthy revenue stream.

If you are looking for assistance in getting onto a framework, get in touch. We provide an end-to-end framework submission service to support businesses like yours win bids in the Public Sector market.

IDENTIFYING THE RIGHT PROCUREMENT FOR YOUR BUSINESS

Frameworks can differ across industries; for example, a Public Sector construction framework agreement will have different elements regarding the provision of goods and services compared with a Public Sector professional services framework agreement.

Agreements are divided into sub-categories of product or service type, known as lots. Each lot consists of a list of approved suppliers, the length of time the framework is active and the award value. In some framework agreements, there can be multiple lots, each with many suppliers that a purchaser can choose from.

It’s important to remember that just because a supplier is listed in a lot, does not mean that they have been awarded a contract, they are simply a supplier that a Government department or organisation can use to fulfil those particular needs.

CREATING A SUCCESSFUL BID

Creating a successful Government bid relies on compliance with the regulatory processes in place. It may seem like the work a company does on the ground is null and void if their submission paperwork isn’t up to scratch, but the procuring party want to make sure you are compliant with legislation, deadlines, and best practice.

Before you start creating your bid, you will need to:-

• – Catalogue your relevant case studies and show where you added value.
• – Organise a library of your documents, such as certifications, accreditations, CVs and policies.
• – Define your USPs. When you begin the bidding process, ensure you have understood what questions are being asked in the ITT and PQQ, ensuring you back your answers up with evidence from your case studies. You should treat your USPs as a strapline, weaving them into your answers.

If you are a small business that knows they have the skills and expertise to meet a tender, but in the dark on where to begin, get in touch. We can provide support and a complete strategy to help meet your strategic goals of delivering Government work.