Current contract opportunities
Providing Goods and Services
We follow the main principle of utilising combined common contract areas within the Crown Commercial Service (CCS) as directed by the Efficiency and Reform Group within the Cabinet Office, and practiced by our parent department Defra and its associated executive agencies.
When a procurement opportunity arises we follow, where appropriate, a hierarchy of supplier contracting:
- If a Crown Commercial Service contract exists then we will use this method of sourcing a supplier, taking advantage of the increased savings to be made through aggregated commercial procurement arrangements for core common goods and services.
- If no CCS contract exists it is preferred to combine our spending power with other executive agencies as members of a collaborative framework group.
- If the above options are not available we will then conduct a tender exercise.
Contracts Finder
Contracts Finder is a free online service for finding public sector contract opportunities and viewing contract awards and contract documents. We are registered as a buyer and publish procurement opportunities through this service.
Sustainable Procurement
We are committed to the continuous improvement of our environmental performance, as part of our overall goal of implementing the principles of sustainable development in all areas of our work. Sustainable Procurement Policy 2007.
Terms and conditions of contract
The standard Terms and Conditions under which we let goods and services contracts are:
- General Terms and Conditions
- Special supplementary terms for research and development (PS10)
- Terms and conditions for small orders (PS11)
- Travel & Subsistence Rates – JNCC Contractors (PS12)
- Virus Policy (PS26)
- Evidence Quality Assurance
Potential suppliers will be advised which set of terms and conditions apply at the point of invitation to tender.
Small and Medium size Enterprises (SMEs)
The Government set a target for 25% of central government spend to go through SMEs by 2015. We are committed, as part of the Defra network agencies, to support this and encourage SMEs to bid for our contracts.
Prompt Payment Policy
We are committed to paying our suppliers within 10 working days on submission of a valid and correctly presented invoice. For more information see prompt payment of suppliers.
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