28
We have simplified the
procurement process, making
the portal largely a ‘one-stop
shop’ for procurement
opportunities for a range of
different value contracts.
All written communications are
dealt with through the system,
so we can track them and have
a shared auditable record, and
bidders know the system is
transparent. Having it all online
cuts out the need for printing
and completing hard-copies of
forms. It also makes dealing with
questions and queries during
tender processes much simpler.
By registering on the portal,
you will only need to enter some
details once, for instance,
generic information is stored
so that only contract-specific
information will be needed each
time you bid. By flagging up
future contracts, smaller
businesses which can’t supply
all aspects of a contract may
be able to put together a
consortium to bid.
We have made some specific
changes to make it easier for
smaller companies to bid, such
as asking suppliers to commit to
agreeing to have the required
level of insurance in place, if
their bid is successful.
We offer video guidance within
the system itself, and are looking
into setting up training with local
partners. You’ll also find us on
social networks, such as,
Facebook and Twitter, highlighting
what’s new. We now have a
corporate procurement team in
place who specialise in a range
of contracts and services. We
are available to help and answer
any questions from potential
bidders that you can’t find on
the portal itself.
A wide range of businesses have
registered, from sole traders to
multi-national companies across
most sectors, and we hope to see
many more sign up on the portal.
Although we do have some
standard requirements, such
as providing three years of
accounts, companies which
don’t meet these should still
contact the procurement team
as individual risk assessments
may be made in certain cases.
If in doubt, please get in touch
by the website:
What does the ‘South East
Shared Services e-sourcing
portal’ mean? The answer -
easier tendering.
East Sussex County Council
launched the ‘South East Shared
Services e-sourcing portal’ in
October 2013. The portal offers
a web-based tool that helps
organisations to apply for contract
opportunities online by an e-
tendering system. It provides a
simple, secure and efficient
means for managing tendering
and quotation activities, reducing
the time and effort required for
both buyers and potential bidders.
At present, the system also
publishes tender adverts for
Surrey and West Sussex County
Councils. Local Districts and
Boroughs are also looking at
moving onto this system.
How is East Sussex County
Council making it easier for local
businesses to become suppliers?
We have tried to make the
system as straightforward and
user-friendly as we can. It is free
for businesses to register on the
portal, which is not always the
case elsewhere. As part of the
registration process, businesses
need to record what sector they
represent. Once they have done
this they can set up alerts so
they get notified of all the
upcoming work for that sector.
As the system now works across
more local areas, this means
more opportunities are visible
through just one system.
Connecting Business
Making it easier to do business
with East Sussex County Council
East Sussex Business Guide & Directory
