Become a supplier FAQs

Questions:

Question: How do I become a Scotland Excel supplier?

Answer: All our tender opportunities are published on the Public Contracts Scotland Advertising Portal, a free to access national advertising portal with details of contracting opportunities across the Scottish Public Sector. Suppliers must register on Public Contracts Scotland in order to be considered for tender opportunities. Scotland Excel does not operate an approved supplier system or list.

Question: How are contracts tendered by Scotland Excel?

Answer: Scotland Excel tenders adhere strictly to EU and Scottish procurement regulations. After advertisement on the Public Contracts Scotland Advertising Portal, tenders are managed using an easy-to-use electronic tendering system.

Question: Do only 'big' companies win public sector contracts?

Answer: The majority of suppliers to our contracts are classified as Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs). Many contracts are framework agreements which feature a range of companies of all sizes. Local Authorities can achieve best value by choosing a supplier from the framework that meets their requirements.

Question: Do you ensure Scottish or UK companies win public sector contracts?

Answer: Under EU procurement regulations it is prohibited to discriminate against companies from other EU member states.

Question: Why is the tender process so formal?

Answer: The process ensures that all suppliers are treated consistently and fairly and that the tender process can be carried out with the highest degrees of transparency, honesty and integrity. However, we are always looking at ways to make the process more efficient for everyone involved.

Question: What goods and services are covered by Scotland Excel contracts?

Answer: Scotland Excel manages the procurement of goods and services that are commonly used by local authorities and are of strategic value and importance. Details can be found on our contract register. Other commodities are procured directly by local authorities.

Question: Can I join an existing framework agreement?

Answer: No, in accordance with EU regulations suppliers may not be added to existing frameworks. Suppliers interested in getting involved in our frameworks should participate in the tendering process when the framework is renewed. Renewal dates can be found within our contract register.

Question: How does Scotland Excel engage with suppliers to encourage their involvement in collaborative procurement?

Answer: Scotland Excel is involved in a number of supplier initiatives through regional Meet the Buyer, Scottish Chambers of Commerce and trade events. Suppliers can make an online enquiry if they have any queries or would like advice.

Question: How will I know when a contract is coming up for renewal?

Answer: All our tendering opportunities are published on the Public Contracts Scotland advertising portal, usually 6 months prior to the contract start date. Renewal dates can be found on our contract register.

Question: Who do I contact at Scotland Excel about contracts?

Answer: Suppliers can make an online enquiry if they would like information on Scotland Excel's contracts.

Question: What do I do as a supplier if I have concerns about my treatment by Scotland Excel or a local authority?

Answer: Scotland Excel and the local authorities have formal complaints procedures that you should follow. However, if these fail to provide a satisfactory conclusion, suppliers can raise concerns through the Single Point of Enquiry (SPoE). SPoE has been set up to provide suppliers to public sector or publicly funded bodies with an impartial point of contact where they can ask for advice or raise concerns about public procurement practices in Scotland.