Social benefit suppliers and the tendering process

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Social benefit suppliers offer contractors a diverse range of goods and services. While certain challenges to partnering with them may arise during the tendering stage, contractors can adopt strategies to simplify the process for these suppliers.

Potential Solutions:

Select or sole source low-value, low-risk purchases
Simplify quotation documentation and bidding processes
Establish preferred social supplier panels/pre-qualification systems.

Potential Solution:

Develop relationships with social benefit suppliers in advance of potential engagement
Provide early advice of expectations where possible so social benefit suppliers can plan their resourcing.

Potential Solution: Avoid exclusivity agreements to allow working with multiple contractors and projects.

Potential Solution: Introduce simple short-form contracts when nature of works allows and offer opportunities for questions with procurement personnel.

Potential Solution:

Highlight key non-negotiable performance/quality criteria
Highlight payment terms and consider reducing terms to ensure sufficient cash flow for the supplier
Provide support to identify any requirements that the supplier may not be able to satisfy and consider whether any other outcomes may be suitable (e.g. Review minimum insurance requirement applicability; collaborative partnership with another supplier, etc)

Potential Solutions:

Provide support throughout the tendering process including ensuring the supplier has both the capability and capacity for satisfactory performance
Clearly communicate expectations for deliverables and time frames
Offer clear and concise feedback on unsuccessful bids and advice for improvement.

Social benefit suppliers and the tendering process

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