Evaluating tenders

What is tender evaluation? 

The ability to systemically assess and evaluate supplier responses against council requirements, ensuring value for money is achieved.  

This includes the co-ordination and training of evaluators, management of clarifications and moderation of scoring leading to the recommendation contract award to the successful bidder.   

Knowledge 

• Knowledge of procurement and contract law. 
• Knowledge of social value policy.  
• Understanding of best practice evaluation models and criteria. 
• Understanding of best practice public sector commissioning, sourcing, and procurement processes.   

Skills 

Able to:  

• Evaluate supplier qualification: Depending on the route to market, completing first stage evaluation of suppliers against the mandatory qualification criteria which will include evidence of insurances, previous experience etc. 
• Deliver evaluation training and guidance: To evaluators involved in scoring elements of the tender response, including finance, IT, and other stakeholders.
• Engage with evaluators: Ensuring the process, methodology and regulations are fully understood, providing advice and guidance throughout the evaluation process.
• Identify conflicts of interest: Ensuring all evaluators complete conflict of interest forms and mitigate any risks. This could include the removal of an evaluator from the process. 
• Facilitate moderation: Enabling evaluation teams to come to a consensus on scoring for each bidder and finalise evaluation feedback. 
• Co-ordinate and document: the response to clarifications and scoring of tender responses, ensuring there is an audit trail, and all recommendations and awards are fully documented. 
• Apply legal and procurement regulations knowledge: To respond to any challenges within the standstill period. 
• Manage risk: Understanding, analysing, and managing risks associated with evaluation processes effectively and within the council’s risk appetite.