Tendering
In order to achieve best value for money we use a range of methods to procure products and services. The choice of method depends on the type of product or service required and the overall value
Competitive e-tendering using the British Library’s e-tendering website at https://bl.bravosolution.co.uk is our preferred method of supplier selection and is generally used when the total value of the goods and services to be procured exceeds £10,000
A British Library tender will usually include the following electronic documents:
Instructions to Tenderers
Detailing the administrative procedures, evaluation criteria and critical dates applicable to the tender
Specification of Requirements
Setting out the details of the requirements under tender
Form of Tender
Including the pricing schedule to be completed by the Supplier
Terms and Conditions
Describing the contractual terms under which the required goods, services or works will be provided
EU Tendering
Where the overall value of our requirement is likely to exceed certain financial thresholds (generally totalling in excess of £100,000 over the whole life of the contract) the Library is required to follow procedures laid down in the EU Public Procurement Regulations
Within these regulations there are a number of differing approaches to tendering that are briefly outlined below
EU Procedures
Restricted procedure
This is a two-stage tendering process most commonly adopted by the Library in which potential contractors expressing an interest in tendering are pre-qualified using a predetermined matrix of selection criteria (PQQ stage). A shortlist is then drawn up for the sole purpose of inviting tenders (ITT Stage)
Competitive Dialogue procedure
This procedure is used for complex contracts where the restricted procedure is not appropriate. An OJEU notice is published, followed by prequalification and then a carefully managed dialogue with selected suppliers to establish the best solution. Tenderers then submit offers against the requirement finalised as a result of the dialogue process
Negotiated procedure
This is when The British Library, under certain very limited circumstances, negotiates with one or more selected suppliers following a process of prequalification
Open procedure
The open procedure is a one-stage bidding process, where all interested service providers responding to an OJEU notice will be invited to submit a tender. The notice states where interested parties obtain tender documents and the last date when tenders will be accepted. The open procedure is not commonly used by The British Library
E-Tendering
If you are interested in supplying The British Library you can see what we are currently tendering for by accessing our e-tendering website at https://bl.bravosolution.co.uk and viewing our current opportunities listings and current UK pan-government opportunities
Alternatively you can contact us at corporateprocurement@bl.uk
