Guide to tendering : Tendering frequently asked questions

Frequently asked questions about tendering

Looking for more information about the tender process?  The information on this page answers some frequently asked questions.

If you cannot find the information you need, please contact procurement at Link.

What does Link purchase?

The range of goods, services and works required is vast.  Examples include office equipment, stationery, cleaning materials, building and maintenance works.

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Does Link use Approved or Select Lists?

Link does not maintain or use Approved or Select Lists as they are exclusive and are expensive to maintain.  All procurement opportunities are advertised to ensure fair competition.

Tender Lists created as a result of the process become null and void once the individual process has been completed and the contract has been awarded.

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I am a local company.  Can I be treated favourably because of this?

Link has to treat all potential suppliers fairly.  That means that we cannot discriminate in favour of local firms.  It isn't legal, or fair, and we could be challenged by companies that are not local.

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How do I respond to a Contract Notice?

If you see a contract advertised that your company is interested in tendering for, you should lodge an official Expression of Interest.  Details of how to do this will be given in the Contract Notice or advert.  Link will set a deadline for the submission of the Expressions of Interest.

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What are the rules on submitting a tender?

Each individual procurement exercise has specific requirements.  Generally, when submitting your proposal, you should:

• Address or deliver your proposal as instructed within the documentation provided by Link.
• For tenders, this is always:
  Link House
  2c New Mart Road
  Edinburgh
  EH14 1RL

• Delivering by hand

  If delivering by hand, proposals must be delivered to Reception between 9am and 5pm, Monday to Friday.
  Identify the name of the tender or RFQ (Request for Quotation) on the packaging.  The name will be outlined in the documentation.  If you do not do this, your proposal will not be recorded and we may not know that you have submitted a proposal.  Labels for this purpose are normally issued with tender documentation.

• All proposals should be submitted by the date outlined in the documentation.  Late proposals will not be considered.
• The envelope or packaging containing your proposal must not bear any name or mark that indicates the identity of the company or person submitting the proposal.

If these rules are not applied, your proposal will be disqualified.  Detailed instructions are included in every tender/RFQ package issued.

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