We apply our own rules and regulations to ensure the procurement process is fair and transparent. We use Contract Standing Orders (CSOs) as a framework to regulate our procurement practice. Use this page to understand what they are and how they work.
Contract Standing Orders (CSOs)
CSOs are our own set of rules that all officers have to follow, all public body authorities will have their own version.
CSOs provide the framework that governs the council's commissioning and procurement of contracts for works, services, and good and supplies.
The requirements of the CSOs and the processes we must follow to achieve them vary depending on the:
- size of the contract
- complexity of the goods, works or service to be provided
- level of risk associated with completing the contract
This procurement approach uses four categories, the process we follow depends on the value of the contract.
| Contract value | Supplier selection process |
|---|---|
| Up to £5,000 | Must demonstrate value for money |
| Between £5,001 and £50,000 | Must obtain written bids or quotations from a minimum of three organisations |
| Between £50,001 and £100,000 | Must obtain written tenders from a minimum of three organisations |
| Between £100,001 and PA23 threshold limits | Must obtain written tenders from a minimum of three organisations |
| Above PA23 threshold limits | Must obtain written tenders from a minimum of three organisations |
Value for money
To make sure we are achieving value for money when procuring goods and services, potential suppliers will be provided with a Request for Quotation form (RFQ). We assess the responses, considering factors such as cost, quality, timeliness, convenience and whether it is fit for purpose.
If the value of the procurement is below the threshold, CSOs require that the procurement officer running the tender must confirm that three contractors are able and willing to quote and bid before they can be invited to tender to begin the process.