Helping Social Economy Enterprises access Public Sector contracts

This Procurement Guidance Note is aimed predominantly at procurement practitioners working in the public sector, however it will also be of interest to public sector staff engaged in the procurement process. The term “purchaser” is used throughout this guidance to encapsulate all public sector staff involved in the procurement process, from the client, to the budget holder to the practitioner. Those involved in the Small and Medium sized Enterprises (SMEs) and Social Economy Enterprises (SEEs) will also find this guidance of value.

The procurement legislation applies equally to SMEs and SEEs. Both SMEs and SEEs have distinct aims and business objectives. Notably, SEEs operate on a “not for personal profit” basis. However, as the issues faced by SMEs/SEEs when competing for public sector contracts are similar in nature, the advice provided in this Procurement Guidance Note is equally applicable to both sectors.

This Guide seeks to:

• explore some of the issues that can make it difficult for SMEs and SEEs to participate in public sector tender competitions; and
• suggest actions that purchasers might take to reduce or eliminate these barriers.

http://www.dfpni.gov.uk/index/procurement-2/cpd/cpd-policy-and-legislation/content_-_cpd_-_policy_-_procurement_guidance_notes/guidance-note-02-11.htm