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Background

Procurement is responsible for tendering on behalf of the University, and we undertake this using the online tendering system. This allows the process to be carried out electronically in a way that allows us to operate in a controlled manner that keeps timescales to a minimum. More importantly, it ensures we meet our legal obligations in a lean, efficient and effective way. This also ensures compliance with our Financial Operating Procedures, Internal and External Audit requirements.

Tender opportunities are also advertised on . Requirements of a value near or in excess of the EU Thresholds detailed above must be advertised via GOV.UK .

Existing contracts with start and end dates can also be found on our .

Why we tender?

As a body which receives funding from the Public Sector, the University is obliged to undertake a competitive tender process for the supply of goods and services and does so, where the value exceeds £50,000.

The University of St Andrews Procurement Strategy and Financial Operating Procedures dictate that budget holders use National, Regional and Institutionally Tendered Contracts to meet requirements for the supply of goods and services. Whenever practical this is the route that must be taken.

These suppliers can be broadly defined as having been successful in a:

• UK or national tender
• University tender exercise
• Where this is not possible, in most cases there is still an obligation to undergo some form of competitive process before any relationship can be entered in to.

Contracts register

As a potential supplier to the University, you should consult the and consider the following:

• Is my product already covered by contract?
• When does the current contract expire?
• Review details of current tender opportunities: , , , (online tendering management system).

This is the strategic direction of the University, and we would therefore discourage suppliers from sending in catalogues, brochures and offers to Procurement (or individual Schools and Units) as these will not be considered in line with the above.

OJEU (Official Journal of the European Union)

Access to public, institutional documents are granted to any EU national, increasing the transparency of the law-making process. Find out how to access these documents.

TED (Tenders Electronic Daily)

A wide range of public buyers publish their notices on TED, including central, regional, local and international authorities, as well as other bodies, public undertakings and organisations controlled or subsidised by these authorities.

Public sector procurement (Scotland)

, is the organisation tasked with procuring National (Category A) commodities on behalf of all Scottish public bodies. It has been established in response to the Review of Public Sector Procurement in Scotland, which views national and sectoral Centres of Expertise as a major vehicle for driving collaborative, advanced procurement in the public sector.

APUC (Advanced Procurement for Universities and Colleges)

Owned by, and working in partnership with Scotland's Universities and Colleges. is working in close partnership with Scotland's further and higher educational institutions to support their teaching, research, social and commercial objectives through the provision of advanced collaborative procurement services and systems that draw from best practice and deliver demonstrable and sustainable value for money (national opportunities).

University of St Andrews online tendering provider

The University of St Andrews administers all tender excercises via (online tender management system).

See planned procurements and supplier instructions for online tendering portal registration.

Becoming a supplier

Once the university has identified a need to trade with a supplier, a request will be raised by an internal stakeholder. Procurement will assess, review and progress the request and contact the supplier to audit check the details before they are entered on the system. Subsequently, an official Purchase Order can be issued. Please note that no invoice will be paid without an official Purchase Order.