Did you know that the government has over 3.5 million employees?
Public sector procurement is a complex process that can differ depending on which government body you are supplying. In this article, we will explore the differences between selling to local government and central government in the UK.
We will look at the similarities and differences in process, paperwork, and what you need to do to succeed as a supplier. Keep reading!
Supplying to the Central Government: An Overview
The Central Government is the United Kingdom’s government and comprises several departments and agencies. The Cabinet Office is responsible for coordinating the work of all departments, and it also supports the Prime Minister. Other notable central government departments include:
- Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy (BEIS)
- Home Office
- Ministry of Defence
- Foreign & Commonwealth Office
The Central Government Procurement Hub is the body responsible for procuring goods and services on behalf of central government departments. The Hub comprises several teams, each with its own specialist area.
The main types of contracts that the Hub awards are:
- Goods
- Services
- Construction
- IT & Telecoms
Supplying to the Local Government: A Summary
Local government is the public administration of local services and facilities within a defined area. In the UK, there are around 400 local authorities, including:
- District councils
- Borough councils
- City councils
The Local Government Association (LGA) is the body that represents local authorities in England and Wales. The LGA works with local councils to support and encourage good practice.
To sell to the Local Government, you must register on the Local Government Suppliers Portal. The portal is a free online service that helps local businesses find opportunities to supply goods and services to councils.
When bidding for a contract, you will need to go through a similar process to the one for supplying to the Central Government.
Government Procurement: Local vs Central
As you can see, there are some similarities and differences between supplying the Local Government and the Central Government. The main difference is that you must register on different portals to sell to each. Other than that, the process is similar.
One of the main similarities between the two is that you will need to go through a pre-qualification questionnaire (PQQ), an invitation to tender (ITT) and a supplier selection questionnaire (SSQ).
To succeed as a supplier, you must ensure that you provide a quality product or service at a competitive price. You must also have experience in the area you are supplying and a good understanding of procurement.
If you are thinking of supplying to the public sector, we recommend that you get in touch with a procurement specialist. They will be able to advise you on the best way to win contracts and help you navigate the complex world of government procurement.
Government Tenders: A Quick Guide
When it comes to government tenders, there are a few things that you need to know.
A government tender is an invitation to suppliers to submit a proposal for a contract. The invitation is usually made through a published notice, such as an ad in the newspaper or on a government website.
The notice will contain information about the contract, such as the:
- Scope of work
- Budget
- Evaluation criteria
- Submission deadline
Government tenders are usually made for large contracts, such as construction projects or the supply of goods and services to government departments.
Bidding on Public Sector Contracts: Best Practices
When bidding on public sector contracts, there are a few practices that you should follow.
First, ensure that you understand the scope of work and the contract’s requirements. You must have the necessary experience and skills to complete the work.
Once you understand the project and its requirements, you can create a strong team to work on the bid. This team should include people with the relevant skills and experience and a procurement specialist.
Third, put together a strong proposal that meets all the tender requirements. Your proposal should be clear, concise, and persuasive. Make sure that you submit your bid before the deadline. Late bids will not be accepted.
Finally, don’t forget to follow up with the procuring authority after you have submitted your bid.
Following these best practices will give you the best chance of winning a public sector contract.
How Cadence Marketing Can Help
Whether you are looking to procure local or central government contracts, Cadence Marketing can help.
We are a team of procurement specialists with years of experience in government contracting. We can help you win contracts by:
- Registering you on the CCR
- Identifying suitable contracts for your business
- Submitting bids on your behalf
- Providing advice and support throughout the process
If you would like our help, please get in touch. We would be more than happy to discuss your requirements and see how we can assist you.
This is a complex area and one that is constantly changing, so it’s important to keep up to date with the latest developments. A procurement specialist can help you navigate the process and ensure that you comply with the latest rules and regulations.
Public Sector Procurement: Start Today
If you’re looking for a way to better connect with the public sector, Cadence Marketing is here to help. We offer data-driven and targeted marketing solutions that can help get your products or services in front of key decision makers at public sector buyers
Contact us today to find out how we can help!
