The Purchasing Cycle

1) Identify need and challenge unnecessary requirements

2) Seek financial approval and develop the business case

3) Develop specification, devise contract strategy and agree tender evaluation criteria

4) Identify suppliers by sourcing the market and appraising previous suppliers

5) Compile tender documentation by producing Invitation to Tenders and associated documents

6) Invite tenders by contacting potential suppliers, despatching ITT packages and arranging site visit (if necessary)

7) Receive tenders and open tenders with members of a Tender Opening Panel, then evaluate tenders with members of the Tender Evaluation Panel

8) Post tender clarification via telephone or a face-to-face meeting ensures all elements of the tender are accurate

9) Award contract to supplier that provides best value for money based on whole life costs

10) Manage contract to ensure the contract runs smoothly and any problems are identified and solved efficiently

11) Vendor rating incorporates a periodic Supplier Evaluation to ensure suppliers are providing a good standard of goods or services during the contract period