Tender Jargon Buster

Tender Jargon Buster for UK Public Sector Tenders and Contracts

Sometimes it seems like each industry, sector and discipline has its own language and those involved in public sector tendering are no different. Some of the most common acronyms and other jargon is deciphered below.

The two most common tender jargon acronyms are:

PQQ – Pre Qualification Questionnaire. A questionnaire that is used as a pre-selection tool, which all would be suppliers must complete.

ITT – an Invitation To Tender. If you get through the initial PQQ then you will receive an ITT which will include a description of the buyers requirements and a general brief on the information that is required from your company if you wish to bid for the contract.

Others jagon and common terms in A-Z order include:

Consortia – in this context a group of organisations that engage in joint procurement for a portfolio of works, supplies or services.
CPC – Common Procurement Codes. Used in OJEU notices to describe types of goods/services.
CPV – Common Procurement Vocabulary. Used in OJEU notices to describe types of goods/services.
OGC Buying Solutions – Office of Government Commerce Buying Solutions is a central buying arrangement which is sponsored by the government. All public bodies may procure through OGC Buying Solutions’ contracts and framework agreements.
Contract – A legal agreement that states the rights and requirements of all parties involved.
Default Notice – This is a notice that identifies a breach of contract has occurred. It also sets out a plan to rectify that breach.
EMAS – The Eco-Management and Audit Scheme. This is a voluntary scheme designed to improve organisations environmental performance.
EMS – Environmental Management System. This is a system of rules and directives setup by an organisation with the aim to reduce the impact it has on the environment.
Framework Agreement – An agreement with suppliers which set out terms and conditions under which specific call-offs (purchases) can be made throughout the term of the agreement. A framework may include more than one supplier.
ISO 14001 – This is an internationally recognised set of standards that relate to the setup of an Environmental Management System.
KPIs – Key Performance Indicators. These are placed against certain elements of an SLA and indicate that they will be monitored more closely than others. This allows contract managers to identify that service levels are being met.
SLA – Service Level Agreement. An agreement between a supplier and a buyer on the level and type of services to be supplied. The level of service is usually negotiated or set out during the tender process.
Select List – List of pre qualified and vetted suppliers help by Councils for their staff to use to purchase low value services.
OJEU – The Official Journal of the European Union. All contracts that are valued above EU thresholds must be advertised here.
Procurement – The buying of goods, services and works required by an organisation.