Government tenders etc.
Discussion
Had a phone call from these people today: www.smesearch.info/
Story runs thus: 'Gordon Brown has told Local Government to put tenders out to SMEs and keep the work local. Must be paid within 30 days'
All I have to do is sign up to access their list of contracts.
Just wondered if anyone knows the business and whether it's simply a money-pit or actually works...?
Story runs thus: 'Gordon Brown has told Local Government to put tenders out to SMEs and keep the work local. Must be paid within 30 days'
All I have to do is sign up to access their list of contracts.
Just wondered if anyone knows the business and whether it's simply a money-pit or actually works...?
We've been using supplytogov.co.uk for almost six months now.
They send you ae email every morning with a list of available contracts(both in your area and national) and you're supposed to fill in an interest form if there's a job you can do.
We haven't had anything remotely close to what my company does. We're a window blind and awning manufacturer and it's of no use to us. It seems to be a hugely varied list from rubbish collection to IT support via supplying vehicles...
They send you ae email every morning with a list of available contracts(both in your area and national) and you're supposed to fill in an interest form if there's a job you can do.
We haven't had anything remotely close to what my company does. We're a window blind and awning manufacturer and it's of no use to us. It seems to be a hugely varied list from rubbish collection to IT support via supplying vehicles...
You can keep an eye on most UK tenders by visiting http://ted.europa.eu/Exec?DataFlow=hRead.dfl&T... It's updated daily. Most of the services you buy are collating this info.
Jubal said:
You can keep an eye on most UK tenders by visiting http://ted.europa.eu/Exec?DataFlow=hRead.dfl&T... It's updated daily. Most of the services you buy are collating this info.
Best place IMHO. This is also a good site for the OJEC tendering process but obviously BBC specific: http://www.bbc.co.uk/supplying/tenderprocess.shtml
Simpo Two said:
Thanks. Well at least it's something I suppose. Have you seen anything remotely like video or photography come through?
Remember, if its between £10k to £50k you can usually get away with quotes. Some set it higher, some lower. I think OJEC is mandatory at €200k. We tend to find out what there OJEC limit is and tailor our proposal to suit
.horza said:
We've been using supplytogov.co.uk for almost six months now.
They send you ae email every morning with a list of available contracts(both in your area and national) and you're supposed to fill in an interest form if there's a job you can do.
We haven't had anything remotely close to what my company does. We're a window blind and awning manufacturer and it's of no use to us. It seems to be a hugely varied list from rubbish collection to IT support via supplying vehicles...
I have used supply2gov too. Had a few up our street but many start with a detailed PQQ and it is clear that in fact they are unlikley to give it to a very small business (they ask for ISO9000, 3 years of accounts, policies on this, that and everything, etc etc).They send you ae email every morning with a list of available contracts(both in your area and national) and you're supposed to fill in an interest form if there's a job you can do.
We haven't had anything remotely close to what my company does. We're a window blind and awning manufacturer and it's of no use to us. It seems to be a hugely varied list from rubbish collection to IT support via supplying vehicles...
My view is that for the main part once a project has reached the tender stage there is already an encumbent who is likely to get the business, but that tendering is a requirement in order to prove that they have got best value. The likelihood they will move from someone they know and who has helped them draw up their specs to a complete outsider with whom they have had no contact previously is pretty remote.
To that end, anyone chasing these things has to be content with that fact that their conversion rate won't be high and their sales costs will increase.
Hendry said:
My view is that for the main part once a project has reached the tender stage there is already an encumbent who is likely to get the business, but that tendering is a requirement in order to prove that they have got best value. The likelihood they will move from someone they know and who has helped them draw up their specs to a complete outsider with whom they have had no contact previously is pretty remote.
To that end, anyone chasing these things has to be content with that fact that their conversion rate won't be high and their sales costs will increase.
I largely agree. I think time is best spent on more niche sites of the commissioning authorities where they WANT to advertise rather than the sites where they HAVE to advertise. Best tenders I see are small ones on the supply2gov, bluelight, and research/cmmisioning areas of the authority doing the commissioning.To that end, anyone chasing these things has to be content with that fact that their conversion rate won't be high and their sales costs will increase.
Guys, seen a similar posting as to some of these comments before, and replied in a similar manner.
The PQQ process is a must, and really is a good point at which to get your case over. Yes in some cases when an OJEU stage is reached an incumbent is well entrenched. HOWEVER - have you spoken to the client and found out how long they've been the incumbent, tried to find out how well they are performing or indeed found out what the client REALLY wants, as that is often very different to what the OJEU suggests.
I get the impression often that SMEs find it all too easy to say "it's only for the big boys", but take the bloody big-boys approach! Tendering can be costly and you need to analyse the opportunities as they come in, but I really do feel that people are missing out, and are too quick to complain.
The PQQ process is a must, and really is a good point at which to get your case over. Yes in some cases when an OJEU stage is reached an incumbent is well entrenched. HOWEVER - have you spoken to the client and found out how long they've been the incumbent, tried to find out how well they are performing or indeed found out what the client REALLY wants, as that is often very different to what the OJEU suggests.
I get the impression often that SMEs find it all too easy to say "it's only for the big boys", but take the bloody big-boys approach! Tendering can be costly and you need to analyse the opportunities as they come in, but I really do feel that people are missing out, and are too quick to complain.
muppetdave said:
Guys, seen a similar posting as to some of these comments before, and replied in a similar manner.
The PQQ process is a must, and really is a good point at which to get your case over. Yes in some cases when an OJEU stage is reached an incumbent is well entrenched. HOWEVER - have you spoken to the client and found out how long they've been the incumbent, tried to find out how well they are performing or indeed found out what the client REALLY wants, as that is often very different to what the OJEU suggests.
All of those things are correct to ascertain, but this is running a normal sales cycle, allowing you to control and steer the sale. The tender process normally removes that interaction. That is why we refuse to respond to tenders, stating that if a customer is interested in doing business with us it will meet us to discuss it. I don't think that's unfair.The PQQ process is a must, and really is a good point at which to get your case over. Yes in some cases when an OJEU stage is reached an incumbent is well entrenched. HOWEVER - have you spoken to the client and found out how long they've been the incumbent, tried to find out how well they are performing or indeed found out what the client REALLY wants, as that is often very different to what the OJEU suggests.
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