Frequently Asked Questions
I would like to be considered as a supplier to the council. Who should I contact? If you are a Building or Civil Engineering Consultant or Contractor you must be registered on the Government database, Constructionline , before you will be considered for any tender opportunities. Confirmation of your registration should be forwarded to Property Services, Construction Services, Lammermuir House, Owen Square, Livingston, EH54 6PW If you are a supplier of goods and services you should contact Procurement Services. Is consideration given to new businesses or sole traders? Yes. Any firm is entitled to be considered. Where can I find out what contract opportunities are available? All supply and service contract opportunities are advertised on www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk. I am a local small to medium enterprise and could not take on a large value contract due to limited resources. Are there any low value contracts reserved exclusively for local suppliers. Awarding contracts on a geographical basis is not permissible within the European or UK Procurement rules. However, it is our normal practice to award contracts on economically advantageous criteria and accordingly partial contract awards for low value sums are common. I have heard that the purchase to pay process is electronic. My processes are mainly paper based. Will this stop me from becoming a supplier to the council? No. All that is needed is access to the Internet. This will allow us to e-mail orders to you. Paper invoices can still be submitted to us for payment and although we could pay you by cheque our preferred method of payment is directly into your bank account. Is there training available to help my company with tendering? West Lothian Business Gateway run events to help companies win and deliver public sector contracts. To find out more email bgateway@westlothian.gov.uk. Training is also provided by companies such as BIP Solutions.
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