The tender process in Local Public Authority (LPA) tendering refers to the procedures used by LPAs to select contractors for the delivery of construction projects. In summary, the LPA tendering process can take several forms, from Open tendering where any contractor can bid, to Restricted tendering where a pre-selected group of contractors can bid, to Competitive tendering where the LPA considers the value for money, and Negotiated tendering where the LPA and the contractor negotiate the final terms and conditions of the contract. The process will vary depending on the size and complexity of the project, and the LPA’s procurement policies.

Open tendering

In open tendering, the LPA invites any contractor to submit a tender for the project, without any pre-qualification or selection process. In this type of tendering, the LPA will publish a notice inviting tenders and the tender documents will be made available to any contractor who wishes to submit a bid. There is no pre-qualification or short-listing process. The tenders are then evaluated based on the criteria specified in the tender documents, such as price, quality, and compliance with the specifications. The contract is awarded to the lowest compliant bid.

Restricted tendering

In this process, the LPA pre-selects a group of contractors to submit tenders for the project. The pre-selection process is typically based on the contractor’s past performance, experience, and financial stability. The LPA will invite the pre-selected contractors to submit tenders, and the tenders are then evaluated based on the criteria specified in the tender documents such as price, quality, and compliance with the specifications. The contract is awarded to the lowest compliant bid.

Competitive tendering

This process is similar to Restricted tendering in that the LPA pre-selects a group of contractors to submit tenders for the project. The pre-selection process is based on the contractor’s past performance, experience, and financial stability. However, in Competitive tendering, the LPA evaluates the tenders based on the best value for money rather than the lowest price. The LPA will invite the pre-selected contractors to submit tenders and the contract is awarded to the contractor who provides the best value for money

Negotiated tendering

This process is similar to Competitive tendering, where the LPA pre-selects a group of contractors to submit tenders for the project. The pre-selection process is based on the contractor’s past performance, experience, and financial stability. However, in Negotiated tendering, the LPA will award the contract to the contractor who provides the best value for money and then the LPA and the contractor will negotiate the final terms and conditions of the contract.