Top Compliance Must-Haves for Bidding on Public Sector Contracts
Bidding for public sector contracts can open new doors for your business, but meeting compliance requirements is often the first hurdle. Many SMEs find themselves caught out by missing documentation or unclear policies, which can mean the difference between winning and losing a bid. This week, we’re sharing the essentials you need to get “tender ready” and boost your chances of success.
What Do You Need to Be Tender Ready?
- Clear Organisation Structure: Make sure you have a clear organisation structure and are clear about who is responsible for what within the business. This helps demonstrate good governance and accountability to commissioners.
- Up-to-date Policies: Ensure your policies (such as health & safety, equality & diversity, safeguarding, and environmental) are current and tailored to your business.
- Evidence of Compliance: Public sector buyers will expect to see proof of insurance, accreditations, and relevant training records. Keep these documents organised and easily accessible.
- Financial Information: Prepare clear, recent accounts and demonstrate financial stability. Obtain your credit score for free from the main reference agencies so you know you meet the required standard for each tender. This reassures commissioners of your capacity to deliver.
- References and Case Studies: Maintain a register of contracts you have delivered, including start date, end date, and contract values. This makes it easy to provide up-to-date references and case studies that show your experience and reliability in delivering similar services.
- Understanding the Specification: Read all documentation carefully and make sure you can meet every requirement before you bid.
Stay Registered: Central Digital Platform
With the introduction of the Procurement Act 2023, it is now essential for suppliers to maintain an up-to-date registration on the Central Digital Platform. This platform is the gateway for accessing public sector contract opportunities and ensures your business is visible to buyers. Regularly review your details and keep your registration current.
How We Can Help
Our Tender Ready service provides a free checklist to help you assess your compliance status and get organised before you start bidding. If you need support with your documentation or want advice on how to present your business in the best light, our team can guide you through every step of the process.
If you’re considering bidding for a public sector contract, don’t let compliance hold you back. Get in touch to request your Tender Ready Checklist or discuss how our experienced team can help you win more business.
