Procurement & Contracts

Introduction to Procurement at West Lothian Council

West Lothian Council procures supplies, services and works to an approximate value of £180 million per annum. 

The council's council's Corporate Procurement Unit is a support service whose principal activity is to satisfy the council’s procurement needs for supplies, services and works.  Based at the Civic Centre, Livingston, a team of procurement professionals are able to assist with enquiries and offer procurement guidance and advice.

The Public Contracts Scotland (PCS) website is central to the procurement activity of West Lothian Council.  We encourage all exisiting and potential suppliers to West Lothian Council to reigster with the PCS website where they will find information regarding:

- Current Tenders

- Future Tenders

- Past Tenders

- Contract Awards-

- Procurement  Statistics

- Documents (e.g. Conditions of Contract)

Further Procurement Information:

- Procurement Procedures
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Collaborative Procurement & Types of Contract
- Tender Information Services

Local Suppliers and SME’s

The Corporate Procurement Unit recognise the benefits which local suppliers and SME’s can offer the council.  If you are unsure of how to tender for council business the Corporate Procurement Unit hold a Procurement Surgery on the first Thursday of each month (14:00 to 16:00) at the Civic Centre in Livingston.  Although the surgery operates on a "drop in" basis, it is often busy so it is highly recommended that you book an appointment in advance by telephoning 01506 283081 or email bgateway@westlothian.gov.uk

What is Public Procurement

Public procurement is the process by which public bodies acquire goods, services and works from third parties to meet customer and service user needs.  Procurement covers all activities from identification of a requirement through to the end of the useful life or disposal of an asset.

The council procures a diverse range of supplies, services and works.  For example, stationery, electricity and even the construction of a new school. 

As a Public Body the council has to follow the EU Procurement Directives (2004/18/EC) and the Public Contracts (Scotland) Regulations 2006.  Procurement Rules are intended to promote open and fair competition within a single European market.  This is achieved through five EU Treaty principles that apply to all contracts irrespective of contract value:

1.       Equal treatment – ensuring everyone has the same chance to win the contract irrespective of nationality or whether you have past experience of working with the council.

2.       Transparency – stating requirements upfront and sticking to them.

3.       Proportionality – setting requirements with reference to the needs of the contract in question.

4.       Mutual Recognition – giving equal validity to qualifications and standards from all Member States, where appropriate.

5.       Confidentiality – respecting the confidentiality of any information received regarding tenders and tenderers.*

*The council has to comply with the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002 and there is a general right to access information about all public contracts and procurement activity held by Public Bodies, subject to certain conditions and exceptions.  If the council is requested to release information which may be regarded as confidential or commercially sensitive a “public interest” test would be applied.  Information can be exempt, if its disclosure would prejudice substantially, or be likely to prejudice substantially, the effective conduct of public affairs.

Where to find contract opportunities

Further Information

Working with West Lothian Council - a short guide

Collaborative Procurement and Types of Contract

Procurement Procedures

Scotland Excel - 2011 Delivery Plan

Frequently Asked Questions

Our Customer Care information and results of customer consultation exercises can be found below.

• Customer Care Information
• Customer Consultation Information
• Local Supplier Survey Results

Date of last update:  16/11/2012