We are only a small local authority; however, we are still a relatively large purchaser within the district. This brief guide has been produced so that local businesses are aware of the opportunities available to them.
What do we purchase?
We purchase some £4 million pounds worth of revenue items every year. Approximately half of this expenditure relates to blue collar services, such as refuse collection and grounds maintenance. At present these services are undertaken by Enterprise. This contract will run until March 2012. We are currently assessing tenders for new contracts.
The main items of other expenditure are:
| Main Items |
£ |
| IT equipment and software |
240,000 |
| Training |
37,000 |
| Books and publications |
33,000 |
| Advertising |
155,000 |
| Printing and stationery |
65,500 |
We also enter into a range of contracts for capital works. The total Capital Programme over the next four years is approximately £4 million pounds and comprises both building and engineering work.
How do we purchase?
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Orders below £10,000 - the bulk of our day-to-day supplies and services are procured by orders of less than £10,000. The orders are awarded on the basis of competitive quotations (dependent on value).
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Orders over £10,000, but less than £50,000 - a minimum of three competitive quotations are invited. We are committed to placing our opportunities to provide services on The Chest. This is an electronic portal on which suppliers can register free of charge. Registration ensures service providers are automatically notified when suitable opportunities arise.
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Procurement over £50,000 - a minimum of four competitive tenders are sought for this level of procurement. Unless impractical, all such tenders will be advertised on The Chest. In some circumstances, we also use a Special List, where there are a limited number of specialist suppliers for that particular procurement. In other cases, we use open tendering. In such a case, a tender invitation will appear in the local press, as well as in the relevant trade journal.
What you can do
If you think you supply goods and services that we may be interested in, please register free of charge on The Chest, it is simple to complete. There are some 'Supplier Guidance Notes - The Chest' which you may find useful.
Useful Contact Details:
Constructionline
Web Address: http://www.constructionline.co.uk/static/
Buyer Helpline: 0844 892 0312
Supplier Helpline: 0844 892 0313
Cumbria Supplies
Web Address: http://www.cumbria.gov.uk/scprocurement/Default.asp
Procurement Helpline: 01228 227762
Register on The Chest
Web Address: https://www.thechest.nwce.gov.uk/procontract/supplier.nsf
For Further Information:
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Contact: Financial Services Manager, Town Hall, Penrith CA11 7QF
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Telephone: 01768 817817
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Email: fin.man@eden.gov.uk
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Fax: 01768 212229
