Tendering For Care

Collaborative working takes a number of formats which can range from a loose association, a federation, of more formal structures including mergers, joint ventures and Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs) sometimes referred to as Special Purpose Enterprises.Over recent months, voluntary organisations in particular have been encoursged to collaborate in order to tender, whilst bigger, broader contracts are making this a necessity i n order to meet the requirements of many specifications. The Cabinet Office published a guide called "Working in a Consortium" which was edited by TfC, and can be downloaded from our Welcome page. TfC has delivered over 90 one day courses on consortium tendering. Our basic course sets out information on this apporach to tendering. Our "How to Tender as a Consortium" describes the process and provides relevant documentation. TfC also offers a "Consortium Development Programme" of four workshops which takes participants through the process on a step by step basis. A pilot course for an OCN qualification in tendering and working collaboratively will start in the Autumn of 2010 with organisations already signed up to partiocipate.

A  number of Commissioning Officers have attended some of the above courses. We have also seen questions raised on various message boards. It now seems that the time has come to address collaborative tendering from the perspective of the purchaser. Matters to be addressed include procurement and competition law, fair appraisal and evaluation systems, how case law may apply to collaborative structures, as well as developing  an understanding of the variety of collaborative vehicles which are available.

The course which is on offer addresses the above points. it is available for delivery to groups of Commissioning Officers, by arrangement and/or in "in-house" settings.