How to buy

Buying from the Framework

How do Members buy from the framework? This can be done in one of two ways:

Direct Award

Direct Award is an option under the framework. The rules governing Direct Award are defined within the Public Contracts Regulations 2015 and Members’ attention is drawn to these rules. Direct Award takes place where a Member direct awards business to a supplier without the supplier having to engage in a further competitive process to win the contract.

Each supplier has an agreed price list for the services available under the framework and these can be accessed by contacting either the specific supplier Account Manager, the framework Contract Manager or via the CPC website. The price lists may be of assistance to Members when deciding whether or not to Direct Award to a supplier.

It is anticipated that Direct Award will be most commonly used in cases of urgent and/or one-off need. Members are encouraged to engage in Further Competition to secure best value in all other cases. Further advice and guidance can be obtained from the Crescent Purchasing Consortium Members Help Desk.

Further Competition

A Member can engage suppliers in a further competition in pursuit of additional value. When engaging in a further competition exercise, Members must invite all the suppliers to participate in the further competition. All suppliers must be given the opportunity to engage in a further competition. Whereas all suppliers must be given the opportunity to engage in the further competition, they are not obliged to submit a quotation and may decide not to submit a bid under the further competition. This doesn’t invalidate your further competition.

The following is an example of a traditional further competition process (for illustrative purpose only):

Stage 1 - Services audit undertaken to determine requirements.

Stage 2 - Requirement sent out to suppliers in a Further Competition Invitation to Submit Proposal document.

Stage 3 - Suppliers to review specification and submit bid proposals.

Stage 4 - Member evaluates submitted bid. Presentation may be received as part of the clarification process.

Stage 5 - Preferred supplier selected and award communicated.

Basic advice and guidance upon conducting further competitions can be obtained from the framework Help Desk.

Should you require further information about either of these services, or wish to benefit from the services, please contact the help desk.