UK public sector procurement can often involve a lot of technical language and terminology, which can be confusing for businesses who are not familiar with the process. To help you understand what is being discussed in tenders, we've put together a glossary of common terms and abbreviations that you might encounter:
OJEU (Official Journal of the European Union): This is a publication that lists all public sector tenders in the EU above a certain value.
ITT (Invitation to Tender): This is a document issued by a buyer inviting suppliers to submit a proposal to supply goods or services.
PQQ (Pre-Qualification Questionnaire): This is a document that a buyer will ask potential suppliers to complete in order to assess their suitability for the tender.
ESPD (European Single Procurement Document): This is a standard form used by businesses to prove their economic and financial standing when participating in public sector tenders.
DPS (Dynamic Purchasing System): This is an electronic system used by buyers to establish a list of suppliers who are approved to provide goods or services.
PCR (Public Contracts Regulations): These are the regulations that govern public sector procurement in the UK.
OJEC (Official Journal of the European Communities): This is a publication that lists public sector tenders in the EU below the OJEU threshold.
SME (Small and Medium-sized Enterprises): These are businesses with fewer than 250 employees and an annual turnover of less than £50 million.
PPN (Procurement Policy Note): This is a document issued by the UK government outlining its procurement policies and guidance.
NEC (New Engineering Contract): This is a standard form of contract used in construction, engineering, and other projects in the UK.
We hope this glossary helps you navigate the world of UK public sector procurement and understand the tenders you're interested in. If you have any questions or need further clarification on any of these terms, don't hesitate to reach out to us.