Are you likely to tender your catering soon? Will you be asking for quotes from consultants or procurement specialists?

Yes?  Then read this…

How important is the initial quote? A simple question but one worthy of uncovering.

I doubt that any of us would say a quote is unnecessary, especially if you intend to employ the services of another specialist.  

It is common practice to seek a number of quotes before deciding upon who to work with.  The following variables have an impact on the time and complexities of the tender and are therefore important to understand by both the tendering organisation and the procurement specialist in order to obtain or provide a meaningful quote to tender.

1. The total number of establishments within the tender scope and the geographical spread of those establishments.  What is the greatest distance between establishments?

2. The key stakeholders who need to be involved with the process, if you are unsure who might need to be involved ask the specialist for their advice

3.  Who is providing the service currently, and crucially, do you want them included in the process?

4.  Will you require or seek to undertake any type of customer engagement for example pupil, customer, staff surveys.  Will you require the results of these opinions to be included within the tender, either to inform or to help shape future services?

5.  What is your organisation’s objective of the tender exercise?  Is it a fair and equitable process, a requirement to prove best financial purchase, is it quality?  Is it public sector best practice and due diligence?  

6.  What would a successful tender process look like for you and your organisation? 

I seek to have conversations and uncover the answers, I can then provide you with an accurate and lasting quote.  One that assures you of no nasty surprises later on. 

I see my role as a catering tender specialist taking your hand and walking you through the tender process step by step to get your best possible outcome.

If you’d like some guidance and help with your catering tender please give me a call. Office: 01488 505017 | Mobile: 07584 655 551