- If a newly formed consortia placed a bid for a tender – would all relevant parties have to provide details?
Yes – each organisation / business that forms part of the consortia must complete the pre-qualification questionnaire.
- How much insurance is required and is it flexible or fixed?
These are fixed, but the types of insurance requirements vary depending upon the type of contract.
- What are the minimum financial reserves you expect for a business / organisation?
We would expect the organisation to be able to cover all liabilities and also to be able to deliver the contract.
- Do you need a ‘DUNS’?
No – Where a Dun & Bradstreet report was not available we would expect the organisation to submit the required number of financial years accounts from which we would calculate various ratios to be used as compactors between organisations.
- Should businesses / organisations be checking if their Equifax information (rating) is correct?
No – the assumption is that the information held by Equifax is correct as they obtain the most recent records available.
- How does the Trust ensure its suppliers comply with their diversity policy?
Each competitive tender submission is evaluated to take all of the relevant issues into account. The trust takes the issue of equality and diversity very seriously and suppliers must meet all of the requirements of the Equality Act 2010 and take account, as appropriate, of the protected characteristics of Age, Sex, Disability, Race, Sexual Orientation, Pregnancy and Maternity, Gender Reassignment, and Religion and Belief. Suppliers may be asked to provide further information to demonstrate how they are meeting the requirements of the Equality Act 2010.
- Can you give me feedback on why I've not been invited to tender?
Suppliers are entitled to request feedback on any unsuccessful SQs submitted. Within the limits of confidentiality, we can tell unsuccessful suppliers which aspects of their SQ were the strongest, which were the weakest and potentially advise on how to improve and develop for the future. Being unsuccessful in one contract does not mean you will not be successful in future contracts. You should use the feedback we give you to help improve any future bids you make.
- I run a small business and I do not produce annual accounts. Can I still win trust business?
Yes you can. For the majority of contracts below £50,000 we do not need to see any accounts.
- If I want to apply for a tender do I have to submit some pre-qualifying information about my company?
We normally require all suppliers to complete a questionnaire detailing information about their financial/economic standing and their technical capability. This usually covers information about when you started business or your organisation/company was formed, what experience you have in providing the goods or services being tendered for, details of where we may obtain references on your company, and details of your company’s finances. We have a pre-qualification questionnaire that can be accessed via the Due-North pro-contract portal when an advert is published. Once completed and returned you will be considered for tender invitation.
- My company is new and has few references, will I be allowed to compete for the trust’s business?
Yes. The trust does not discourage new businesses. A view will be taken on your company’s suitability and any potential risk to us. Thorough investigations will be made examining your financial status and past performance where possible. You could also be invited to an interview to further examine your suitability.
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