Definitions and acronyms used in procurement: A - L
The following provide a list of general terms or abbreviations/acronyms used by the Council in procuring goods, works and services
Agreement: The legally binding contract terms and conditions between the parties.
Approved List: A list of people and organisations that have expressed an interest in providing works or services to the Council and who have been pre-assessed so that they meet the minimum requirements of the Council - for construction and highway related works and services this is managed by Constructionline.
BEM: Black & Minority Ethnic (Business)
BME: Black and Minority Ethnic (Business).
Best Value: It is a requirement of the Local Government Act that all councils ensure that they achieve "best value" in the services that they provide.
Contractor's Proposals: The document used in a tender process which sets out questions for the suppliers to answer which help us understand how you intend to provide the goods or services (see also "Method Statement")
Contract Standing Orders/CSOs: Internal rules governing the award of contracts at the Council (previously referred to as the Contracts Code)
Contract: The legal agreement which sets out the rights and obligations of all parties.
DPA: Data Protection Acts
e-Procurement: The use of an electronic system to acquire goods, works and services, and payments form third parties. Solutions currently on the market include:
- Complete 'end to end' procurement systems that are integrated with financial back office systems
- Stand alone modules used to seek tenders or quotations (known as e-Sourcing)
- Web-based systems that enable ordering from approved catalogues (e-Marketplaces)
- Other web-based systems such as e-Auctions
- Procurement cards for ordering and payment
- Payment through BACS
EU: The European Union.
EU Legislation: Laws arising out of the EU that support the Treaty of Rome and other treaties agreed between member states. For procurement purposes governmental and other public bodies are required to comply with the EU Public Procurement Consolidated Directive (2004/18/EC).
FOIA: Freedom of Information Act 2000.
Framework agreement: An Agreement according to which a Contractor makes a standing offer to supply Goods, carry out Works or provide Services at an agreed price/schedule of rates. A Contract comes into existence only when the Council places an order under the terms of the Framework Agreement. Under EU legislation a framework agreement cannot be for more than 4 years (unless there are special circumstances)
ITN: Invitation to Negotiate. This document is used in the tendering process and will advise you of when and where a "Best Negotiation Position" should be submitted
ITT: Invitation To Tender. This document is used in the tendering process and will advise you of when and where tenders should be submitted.
KPI: Key Performance Indicator. KPIs are tools which help us to measure the performance of suppliers against their contractual obligations. KPIs are normally detailed in the service specification document.
